Luke 24:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,

NIV: Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.

NASB: And behold, on that very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.

CSB: Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.

NLT: That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.

KJV: And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

NKJV: Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.

Two men, Cleopas and his associate, have been hiding with the other disciples. After Jesus' crucifixion, the men were afraid that the Jewish leaders would find them. They stayed in a room or a house in Jerusalem, with the doors locked (John 20:19).

The women had more freedom. The morning after the Sabbath, they left with a load of spices to anoint Jesus' body. When they arrived, the tomb was open and Jesus' body was gone. They met two angels who told them Jesus had risen from the dead. Then they met Jesus. When they returned to the room to tell the men, their words "seemed to them an idle tale" (Luke 24:1–11; Matthew 28:5–10).

It's unclear why the two men feel safe enough to leave Jerusalem. It may be that it's because they are not of the Twelve primary disciples, so they're relatively unknown to the chief priests and Pharisees. As Jesus hanged on the cross, most of the remaining eleven hid; it appears others hid with them. At sundown, the Sabbath began and continued until Saturday evening. Now, Sunday morning, is the first chance they've had to leave.

As they go, they talk about the last few days. About how Jesus, the mighty prophet, was crucified because of the work of the chief priests and rulers. How He was supposed to save Israel. And about how the women said His body was missing and angels told them He had risen from the dead. Peter and John even went to see the empty tomb (Luke 24:14–24).

They don't know that in a noticeably short while, they're going to meet Jesus for themselves. They won't recognize Him right away, but He will explain how what happened fulfilled prophecy. Like the women, the two men will rush back to Jerusalem to share the news (Luke 24:25–35).

The location of Emmaus is unclear. There was a place called Ammaous, but it was twenty miles—about thirty-two kilometers— from Jerusalem. The two men would have had to travel that distance twice in a day. There is a site seven miles away, but it's not clear it existed at this time. Josephus wrote about another place called Ammaous where Roman soldiers retired; that was three-and-a-half miles away, or about 11 kilometers, in which case the "seven miles" would be the round trip.

Luke 24:13–27 contains a meeting between Jesus and two disciples, along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They don't recognize Him. Yet He lets them explain what they've experienced the last three days. When they finish, He points out their foolishness and shows them how the crucifixion and resurrection were prophesied in the Old Testament. When they invite Jesus for a meal, He reveals Himself and disappears. The two men return to Jerusalem to tell the larger group of disciples (Luke 24:28–35). Mark 16:12–13 gives a synopsis, but are likely not part of the original manuscript of Mark.

After Jesus is executed and buried (Luke 23:52–53), the women who had followed Him from Galilee come to improve His burial condition. They find an open, empty tomb and angels. The disciples are informed. Two of them spend time speaking with a stranger while walking, only to realize it was Jesus Himself. Jesus appears to His followers, eating fish and explaining how His role as Messiah was predicted in Scripture. Jesus then ascends to heaven while His disciples worship.

Luke 24 describes how Jesus' followers learned of His resurrection. Luke 23 recorded His legal trials, crucifixion, death, and burial. Acts chapter 1, also written by Luke, explains how Jesus' followers prepare for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the church. Luke 24's theme is the fulfillment of prophecy from Jesus and the Old Testament prophets. Once Jesus' followers understand, He returns to heaven. Matthew 28 includes how the Sanhedrin bribed the guards. John chapter 20 adds Thomas coming to believe while chapter 21 records Peter's reconciliation with Jesus.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.