The empty tomb
Luke 24:1–12FocusRemembering Jesus' words
Connection to the wholeThe women receive the resurrection announcement and report it, while the disciples struggle to accept what has been told them.
interpretation Luke 24:49
KJVAnd, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Read it in context
The gathered disciples commissioned
Start reading at Luke 24:36 (Luke 24:36 to Luke 24:53).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus confirms His resurrection, opens the disciples' understanding, and commissions witness while directing them to await power from on high.
- 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
- 24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
- 24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
- 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
- 24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
- 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
- 24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
- 24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
- 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
- 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
- 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
- 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
- 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
- 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
- 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
- 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
- 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
- 24:53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 24:1–24:53): The women, the apostles, two travelers going to Emmaus, and the gathered disciples receive evidence and appearances of the risen Jesus in successive scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The gathered disciples commissioned. Read Luke 24:36 through Luke 24:53 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus confirms His resurrection, opens the disciples' understanding, and commissions witness while directing them to await power from on high. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The gathered disciples commissioned (Luke 24:36 to Luke 24:53). Start reading at Luke 24:36. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 24:36, Luke 24:53, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- I send Isa 44:3-4 Isa 59:20-21 Joel 2:28-32 John 14:16-17,26 John 15:26 John 16:7-16
- but Isa 32:15 Acts 1:4,8 Acts 2:1-21
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 24
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13–35FocusScripture and recognition
Connection to the wholeJesus interprets the Scriptures concerning His suffering and glory, and the two disciples return with their testimony.
interpretation FocusUnderstanding and promised power
Connection to the wholeJesus confirms His resurrection, opens the disciples' understanding, and commissions witness while directing them to await power from on high.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.