Luke 24:9

And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

Study Bible

And when they returned from the tomb
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative. The Greek word for "returned" (ὑποστρέφω, hypostrephō) implies a turning back or a return to a previous place. The women had gone to the tomb expecting to find Jesus' body, but instead, they encountered the miraculous. Their return signifies a shift from despair to hope, from mourning to the proclamation of the resurrection. The "tomb" (μνημεῖον, mnēmeion) is a place of death, yet it becomes the starting point of the resurrection message. This highlights the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, turning places of death into sources of life and hope.

they reported all these things
The act of reporting (ἀπαγγέλλω, apangellō) is significant in the context of the Gospel. It denotes a formal announcement or declaration. The women, who were the first witnesses of the resurrection, take on the role of messengers. This is a profound moment, as women in the first-century Jewish context were not typically considered reliable witnesses. Yet, God chose them to be the first to proclaim the resurrection, underscoring the inclusivity and radical nature of the Gospel. "All these things" refers to the angelic message and the empty tomb, encapsulating the core of the resurrection narrative.

to the Eleven
The "Eleven" refers to the remaining apostles after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death. This number is significant, as it represents the core group of Jesus' followers who would become the foundation of the early Church. The fact that the women reported to the Eleven underscores the continuity of Jesus' mission through His chosen apostles. Despite their initial disbelief and fear, the Eleven would soon become bold proclaimers of the resurrection, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

and to all the others
This phrase expands the scope of the resurrection message beyond the Eleven to include other disciples and followers of Jesus. It suggests a broader community of believers who were also integral to the early Church. The inclusion of "all the others" highlights the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where the resurrection is not just a message for a select few but for all who believe. It emphasizes the call to share the Good News with the entire world, fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission. This communal witness is foundational to the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the Church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Women
These are the women who visited Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week. They include Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others. They were the first to witness the empty tomb and the angelic message of Jesus' resurrection.

2. The Tomb
The place where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion. It was found empty by the women, signifying Jesus' resurrection.

3. The Eleven
Refers to the remaining apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas Iscariot who had betrayed Jesus and was no longer among them.

4. All the Others
This includes other disciples and followers of Jesus who were not part of the original Twelve apostles but were part of the early Christian community.

5. The Event of Reporting
The act of the women returning from the tomb and reporting the resurrection to the Eleven and others marks a pivotal moment in Christian history, as it is the first proclamation of the resurrection.

Teaching Points

The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative
The women were the first to witness and proclaim the resurrection, highlighting the important role women played in the early church. This challenges cultural norms of the time and encourages us to recognize and value the contributions of women in ministry today.

The Importance of Witnessing
The act of reporting the resurrection is foundational to the Christian faith. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection in our own lives, sharing the good news with others.

Faith in the Face of Doubt
The initial disbelief of the disciples reminds us that doubt is a natural human response. However, faith requires us to trust in the truth of the resurrection, even when it defies our understanding.

Community in Proclamation
The message of the resurrection was shared within a community of believers. This underscores the importance of fellowship and communal support in our spiritual journey and proclamation of the gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the women in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of gender roles in the church today?

2. In what ways can you be a witness to the resurrection of Christ in your daily life?

3. How do you handle moments of doubt in your faith journey, and what can you learn from the disciples' initial disbelief?

4. Why is it important to share the message of the resurrection within a community, and how can you foster such a community in your own life?

5. How do the accounts of the resurrection in the different Gospels complement each other, and what unique insights does each provide?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 28:8-10
This passage parallels the account in Luke, where the women are instructed by an angel to go and tell the disciples about Jesus' resurrection.

Mark 16:9-11
This passage also describes the women reporting the resurrection to the disciples, highlighting their initial disbelief.

John 20:1-2
Provides another perspective on the discovery of the empty tomb and the subsequent report to the disciples.

Acts 1:21-22
Emphasizes the importance of being a witness to the resurrection, a role first fulfilled by the women.