Luke – Chapter 24

New Testament53 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 24 of Luke begins: "And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared." The chapter centers on Moses, Mary and Mary Magdalen. Across its 53 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and God's protection and deliverance. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared.

2And they found the stone rolled back from the sepulchre.

3And going in, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4And it came to pass, as they were astonished in their mind at this, behold, two men stood by them, in shining apparel.

5And as they were afraid and bowed down their countenance towards the ground, they said unto them: Why seek you the living with the dead?

6He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spoke unto you, when he was yet in Galilee,

7Saying: The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and the third day rise again.

8And they remembered his words.

9And going back from the sepulchre, they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.

10And it was Mary Magdalen and Joanna and Mary of James and the other women that were with them, who told these things to the apostles.

11And these words seemed to them as idle tales: and they did not believe them.

12But Peter rising up, ran to the sepulchre and, stooping down, he saw the linen cloths laid by themselves: and went away wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

13And behold, two of them went, the same day, to a town which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, named Emmaus.

14And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

15And it came to pass that while they talked and reasoned with themselves, Jesus himself also, drawing near, went with them.

16But their eyes were held, that they should not know him.

17And he said to them: What are these discourses that you hold one with another as you walk and are sad?

18And the one of them, whose name was Cleophas, answering, said to him: Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things that have been done there in these days?

19To whom he said: What things? And they said: Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people.

20And how our chief priests and princes delivered him to be condemned to death and crucified him.

21But we hoped that it was he that should have redeemed Israel. And now besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done.

22Yea and certain women also of our company affrighted us who, before it was light, were at the sepulchre,

23And not finding his body, came, saying that they had all seen a vision of angels, who say that he is alive.

24And some of our people went to the sepulchre and found it so as the women had said: but him they found not.

25Then he said to them: O foolish and slow of heart to believe in all things, Which the prophets have spoken.

26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and so, to enter into his glory?

27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things that were concerning him.

28And they drew nigh to the town whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther.

29But they constrained him, saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them.

30And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread and blessed and brake and gave to them.

31And their eyes were opened: and they knew him. And he vanished out of their sight.

32And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in the way and opened to us the scriptures?

33And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were with them,

34Saying: The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to Simon.

35And they told what things were done in the way: and how they knew him in the breaking of bread.

36Now, whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them and saith to them: Peace be to you. It is I: Fear not.

37But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a spirit.

38And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39See my hands and feet, that it is I myself. Handle, and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me to have.

40And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and feet.

41But while they yet believed not and wondered for joy, he said: Have you here any thing to eat?

42And they offered him a piece of a broiled fish and a honeycomb.

43And when he had eaten before them, taking the remains, he gave to them.

44And he said to them: These are the words which I spoke to you while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled which are written in the law of Moses and in the prophets and in the psalms, concerning me.

45Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.

46And he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise again from the dead, the third day:

47And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48And you are witnesses of these things.

49And I send the promise of my Father upon you: but stay you in the city till you be endued with power from on high.

50And he led them out as far as Bethania: and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.

51And it came to pass, whilst he blessed them, he departed from them and was carried up to heaven.

52And they adoring went back into Jerusalem with great joy.

53And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Important Verses in Luke 24

And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared.

Luke 24:1

To whom he said: What things? And they said: Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people.

Luke 24:19

Now, whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them and saith to them: Peace be to you. It is I: Fear not.

Luke 24:36

And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Luke 24:53

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Luke was written with gentile Christians, assured that salvation in Christ is for all peoples in view. Chapter 24 of 24 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 53 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Moses, Mary, Mary Magdalen and James appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they…" It concludes: "And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. " In terms of historical background, Luke, the only Gentile author in Scripture, wrote an ordered account 'for Theophilus' emphasizing God's mercy for the poor, sinners, women, and outsiders. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About AD 80-90.

Who Wrote It

Luke, the beloved physician, companion of St. Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 80-90

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within Jesus as Savior of all peoples, especially the poor. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared." The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Jesus as Savior of all peoples, especially the poor. Luke emphasizes God's mercy and the role of the Holy Spirit (CIC 714). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1604).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Luke 24 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Moses2 mentionsMary2 mentionsMary Magdalen1 mentionJames1 mentionPeter1 mentionSimon1 mention

Reflection for Today

Luke Chapter 24 presents the Resurrection appearances, culminating in the Ascension. The Catechism teaches that the Resurrection is "the confirmation of all Christ's works and teachings" (CIC 651). The encounter on the road to Emmaus, where Jesus opens the Scriptures and is recognized in the breaking of bread, has shaped Catholic understanding of the Mass.

The structure of the Emmaus narrative—Scripture and Eucharist—mirrors the structure of the Mass: Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Catechism teaches that Christ is present in both the proclaimed Word and the consecrated bread and wine (CIC 1373). The disciples' burning hearts as Jesus explained the Scriptures model the response to good preaching.

Jesus' commission to the disciples—"You are witnesses of these things"—establishes the apostolic mission that continues in the Church. The promise of the Holy Spirit points to Pentecost. The Ascension, briefly noted here, marks Christ's entry into heavenly glory while remaining present in His Church. This chapter teaches us that the risen Christ accompanies us on our journey, reveals Himself in Scripture and Sacrament, and sends us as witnesses to the world.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luke Chapter 24 about?

Luke 24 contains 53 verses. It opens with "And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they…" and closes with "And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. ". The book as a whole is gospel.

What is a key verse in Luke 24?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Luke Chapter 24?

This chapter mentions Moses, Mary, Mary Magdalen, James, Peter, among others.

Who wrote Luke and when?

Luke, the beloved physician, companion of St. Paul. About AD 80-90.

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