Luke 24:4
While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.
While they were puzzling over this
The phrase "puzzling over this" captures the bewilderment and confusion of the women at the empty tomb. The Greek word used here is "aporeō," which means to be in doubt or at a loss. This reflects the human condition when faced with the divine mysteries of God. The women had come to anoint Jesus' body, expecting to find Him dead, yet the tomb was empty. This moment of confusion is a precursor to revelation, illustrating how God often works beyond human understanding, inviting believers to trust in His greater plan.

suddenly
The word "suddenly" indicates an unexpected and immediate event. In the Greek, "exaiphnes" conveys a sense of surprise and urgency. This sudden appearance of the two men signifies divine intervention. Throughout Scripture, God often acts suddenly, reminding believers that His timing is perfect and His presence can transform any situation in an instant. This suddenness also emphasizes the miraculous nature of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

two men
The "two men" are understood to be angels, as indicated by their "radiant apparel." In biblical tradition, angels often appear as men, serving as messengers of God. The presence of two witnesses is significant, as Jewish law required two witnesses to establish a testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15). This underscores the reliability and truth of the resurrection account. Angels appearing at key moments in Jesus' life, such as His birth and resurrection, highlight the divine orchestration of His mission.

in radiant apparel
The "radiant apparel" of the men signifies their heavenly origin. The Greek word "astraptō" means to flash or gleam like lightning, suggesting a brilliance that is otherworldly. This radiance is a common biblical motif for divine presence, as seen in the transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:29). The dazzling appearance of the angels serves to reassure the women of the supernatural nature of the resurrection, pointing to the glory and power of God. It is a visual representation of the hope and new life that the resurrection brings to believers.

stood beside them
The phrase "stood beside them" indicates the proximity and accessibility of the divine. The Greek word "epistēmi" means to stand near or be present. This suggests that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His people. The angels' presence beside the women at the tomb is a powerful reminder that God is with us in moments of confusion and fear, offering guidance and revelation. It is an assurance of His constant companionship and support, encouraging believers to seek His presence in their own lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Women at the Tomb
These are the women who had come to the tomb early in the morning to anoint Jesus' body with spices. They were followers of Jesus and had witnessed His crucifixion and burial.

2. The Tomb
The place where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion. It was a new tomb, hewn out of rock, belonging to Joseph of Arimathea.

3. The Two Men in Dazzling Apparel
These are angelic beings who appeared to the women at the tomb. Their appearance was striking and served to convey a divine message.
Teaching Points
Divine Intervention
The presence of angels at the tomb highlights God's direct intervention in human history. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the fulfillment of His promises.

The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative
The women were the first to witness the empty tomb and hear the message of the resurrection. This underscores the important role women played in Jesus' ministry and the early church.

The Reality of the Resurrection
The empty tomb and the angelic message confirm the truth of Jesus' resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Believers are called to live in the power of the resurrection.

Faith in Unseen Realities
The women were perplexed by the empty tomb, yet they were given a message of hope. This teaches us to trust in God's promises even when circumstances are confusing or unclear.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the presence of angels at the tomb in Luke 24:4 enhance our understanding of the resurrection event?

2. In what ways does the role of the women at the tomb challenge or affirm your understanding of their place in the early church?

3. How can the message of the resurrection, as announced by the angels, impact your daily life and faith journey?

4. What are some situations in your life where you need to trust in God's promises despite not seeing immediate evidence?

5. How do the different gospel accounts of the resurrection complement each other, and what can we learn from these variations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 28:2-7
This passage also describes the appearance of an angel at the tomb, emphasizing the divine announcement of Jesus' resurrection.

Mark 16:5-7
Similar to Luke, Mark describes the women encountering a young man in a white robe, who tells them of Jesus' resurrection.

John 20:12
John mentions two angels in white sitting where Jesus' body had been, providing another account of angelic presence at the tomb.
A Present ChristH. R. Harris.Luke 24:1-10
An Easter SermonD. O. Clark.Luke 24:1-10
Angels as RemembrancersH. Melvill, B. D.Luke 24:1-10
Christ is RisenW. M. Statham, B. A.Luke 24:1-10
Christ, a Quickening SpiritJ. H. Newman, D. D.Luke 24:1-10
Easter Among the GravesRantenberg.Luke 24:1-10
Easter BrightnessVan Oosterzee.Luke 24:1-10
Easter Good NewsJ. G. Angley, M. A.Luke 24:1-10
Easter MorningArndt.Luke 24:1-10
LessonsJames Foote, M. A.Luke 24:1-10
RisenJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 24:1-10
The Easter FestivalSchmid.Luke 24:1-10
The First Easter MorningVan Oosterzee.Luke 24:1-10
The First Pilgrims to the Holy SepulchreVan Oosterzee.Luke 24:1-10
The Living ChristThe Weekly PulpitLuke 24:1-10
The Living DeadA. Maclaren, D. D.Luke 24:1-10
The Living not Among the DeadCanon Liddon.Luke 24:1-10
The Lord is Risen IndeedC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:1-10
The Lord's DayJ. Pulsford.Luke 24:1-10
The Open GraveHofacker.Luke 24:1-10
The Resurrection of ChristW. M. Punshon, D. D.Luke 24:1-10
The Resurrection of ChristJ. Foot, D. D.Luke 24:1-10
Side-Lights from the ResurrectionVarious Authors Luke 24:1-12
The Resurrection DiscoveredR.M. Edgar Luke 24:1-12
People
Cleopas, James, Jesus, Joanna, Mary, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Emmaus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to Emmaus
Topics
Apparel, Behold, Beside, Clothes, Clothing, Dazzling, Doubt, Flashed, Garments, Gleamed, Glittering, Greatly, Lightning, Pass, Perplexed, Perplexity, Raiment, Shining, Stood, Suddenly, Thereabout
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 24:4

     4834   light, natural
     4838   lightning
     5145   clothing
     5150   face

Luke 24:1-6

     7930   Lord's Day, the

Luke 24:1-8

     2012   Christ, authority
     6704   peace, divine NT

Luke 24:1-10

     2421   gospel, historical foundation

Luke 24:1-11

     5745   women

Luke 24:1-12

     2555   Christ, resurrection appearances

Luke 24:1-18

     1436   reality

Luke 24:1-33

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Luke 24:4-5

     1466   vision

Luke 24:4-6

     5335   herald
     5338   holiday

Luke 24:4-7

     4112   angels, messengers

Library
Good Friday
Eversley, 1856. St. Luke xxiv. 5, 6. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." This is a very solemn day; for on this day the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. The question for us is, how ought we to keep it? that is, what sort of thoughts ought to be in our minds upon this day? Now, many most excellent and pious persons, and most pious books, seem to think that we ought to-day to think as much as possible of the sufferings of our Blessed Lord; and because we
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 11 Morning
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.--MAL. 3:16. It came to pass that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.--Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst ot them.--My fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Let the word of Christ dwell in
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 23 Evening
They constrained him, saying, Abide with us.--LUKE 24:29. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.--Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?--I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 18 Morning
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.--PSA. 119:18. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.--I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.--We have received, not the spirit of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 7. "Abide with Us; for it is Toward Evening" (Luke xxiv. 29).
"Abide with us; for it is toward evening" (Luke xxiv. 29). In His last messages to the disciples in the 14th and 15th chapters of John, the Lord Jesus clearly teaches us that the very essence of the highest holiness is, "Abide in Me, and I in you, for without Me ye can do nothing." The very purpose of the Holy Ghost whom He promised was to reveal Him, that at "that day, ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me, and I in you," and the closing echo of His intercessory prayer was embraced
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Peter Alone with Jesus
'The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.' --LUKE xxiv. 34. The other appearances of the risen Lord to individuals on the day of Resurrection are narrated with much particularity, and at considerable length. John gives us the lovely account of our Lord's conversation with Mary Magdalene, Luke gives us in full detail the story of the interview with the two travellers on the road to Emmaus. Here is another appearance, known to 'the eleven, and them that were with them' on the Resurrection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The First Easter Sunrise
'Now, upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came onto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Risen Lord's Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples
'And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. 16. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. 17. And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Meal at Emmaus
'And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.'--LUKE xxiv. 30, 31. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Gospel accounts of our Lord's intercourse with His disciples, in the interval between the Resurrection and His Ascension, is the singular union of mystery and simplicity which they present. There is a certain air of remoteness and depth
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Triumphant End
'And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 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. 40. And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. 41. And while
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Witnesses
'Ye are witnesses of these things. 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.'--LUKE xxiv. 48, 49. Luke's account of the Resurrection and subsequent forty days is so constructed as to culminate in this appointment of the disciples to their high functions and equipment for it, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Evangelist has evidently in view his second 'treatise,' and is here preparing the link of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Living Dead
'Why seek ye the living among the dead! 6. He is not here, but is risen.'--LUKE xxiv. 5,6. We can never understand the utter desolation of the days that lay betwixt Christ's Death and His Resurrection. Our faith rests on centuries. We know that that grave was not even an interruption to the progress of His work, but was the straight road to His triumph and His glory. We know that it was the completion of the work of which the raising of the widow's son and of Lazarus were but the beginnings. But
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Ascension
'And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. 51. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.' --LUKE xxiv. 50, 51. 'And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.'--ACTS i. 9. Two of the four Evangelists, viz., Matthew and John, have no record of the Ascension. But the argument which infers ignorance from silence, which is always rash,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

"I Know!"
The man of God who has fixed his feet on the rock of salvation can say with certainty, "I know." If you have not got assurance and want it, just believe God's Word. If you go down South and ask those three million colored people how they think they are free, they won't talk about their feelings; they just believe that Abraham Lincoln made them free. They believe the proclamation, and so we must believe the proclamation God has made in the Bible. "One thing thou teachest," that is salvation. [Illustration:
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

Spiritual Power.
"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."--ST. LUKE xxiv. 49. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."--ACTS i. 8. To-day we are celebrating the last of the series of historical festivals which mark the springtime of our Christian year. And without this one the rest would leave us with a sense of incompleteness; for we should be without its gift of the abiding and indwelling
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in the Midst of Them, and Saith unto Them, Peace be unto You," Etc.
1. The Lord appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, as ye have heard, and saluted them, saying, "Peace be unto you." [3554] This is peace indeed, and the salutation of salvation: for the very word salutation has received its name from salvation. [3555] And what can be better than that Salvation Itself should salute man? For Christ is our Salvation. He is our Salvation, who was wounded for us, and fixed by nails to the tree, and being taken down from the tree, was laid in the sepulchre.
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Beginning at Jerusalem
I. Ye that would faithfully serve Christ note carefully how he taught his disciples WHAT THEY WERE TO PREACH. We find different descriptions of the subject of our preaching, but on this occasion it is comprised in two things--repentance and remission of sins. I am glad to find in this verse that old- fashioned virtue called repentance. It used to be preached, but it has gone out of fashion now. Indeed, we are told that we always misunderstood the meaning of the word "repentance"; and that it simply
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

The Wounds of Jesus
First, what influence did the exhibition of the hands and feet have upon the disciples? Secondly, why is it that Jesus Christ, now in heaven, bears with him the scars in his flesh? And, then, thirdly, is there any lesson to us in the fact that Jesus Christ still wears his wounds? I think there is. I. First, then, OF WHAT USE WAS THE EXHIBITION OF THOSE WOUNDS TO THE DESCIPLES? I reply at once that they were infallible proofs that he was the same person. He said, "Behold my hands and feet, that it
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Twenty-Fourth Day for the Spirit on Your Own Congregation
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit on your own Congregation "Beginning at Jerusalem."--LUKE xxiv. 47. Each one of us is connected with some congregation or circle of believers, who are to us the part of Christ's body with which we come into most direct contact. They have a special claim on our intercession. Let it be a settled matter between God and you that you are to labour in prayer on its behalf. Pray for the minister and all leaders or workers in it. Pray for the believers according to their needs.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
Girolamo Savonarola was born at Ferrara in 1452, and was admitted in 1475 into the novitiate of the Dominican Order, where he soon made himself conspicuous for eloquence, and in Florence attracted many hearers by his diatribes against corruption. Florence, having lost its independence as a republic, was completely under the sway of the Medici, who became arrayed against Savonarola, who aimed at establishing an ideal Christian commonwealth. When he attacked the Pope Alexander VI. his doom was practically
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ
The Voice of the Disciple O how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee. When I call to mind some devout persons who draw nigh to Thy Sacrament, O Lord, with the deepest devotion and affection, then very often I am confounded in myself and blush for shame, that I approach Thine altar and table of Holy Communion so carelessly and coldly, that I remain so dry and without affection, that I am not wholly kindled with love before Thee, my God,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Shadow of Disappointment.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel. LUKE xxiv. 21. In the accounts of the disciples, contained in the New Testament, there is no attempt to glorify them, or to conceal any weakness. From the first to the last, they think and act precisely as men would think and act in their circumstances;--they are affected just as others of like culture would be affected by such events as those set forth in the record. And the genuineness of their conduct argues the genuineness
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

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