Luke 24:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

NIV: One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

NASB: One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, 'Are You possibly the only one living near Jerusalem who does not know about the things that happened here in these days?'

CSB: The one named Cleopas answered him, "Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?"

NLT: Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, 'You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.'

KJV: And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

NKJV: Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?”

Jesus has come upon two of His disciples who are talking about Him. As He approaches, He asks, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" They don't recognize Him—the Holy Spirit is hiding His identity. But they're happy to talk (Luke 24:13–17).

It's not clear if Cleopas's response is serious or if he's being dramatic for the sake of introducing a lively story. Even if he assumed this man did know of Jesus, Cleopas doesn't recognize Him, so He must not be a disciple. Cleopas and his friend are, so they would have more information than the average visitor.

Cleopas assumes Jesus is a visitor to Jerusalem because in that moment most people in the area were travelers. Friday was Passover. Saturday was the Sabbath and the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a holiday Sabbath. Jerusalem is filled with Jews who have traveled from across the Roman Empire to celebrate. But it's reasonable to assume that even if such a traveler heard about the crucifixion of an innocent man, they wouldn't necessarily know the backstory.

Cleopas invites Jesus to ask for more information. Then he goes into the story of the "prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19). This is the man the Sanhedrin convinced the Romans to crucify. He is the same Man whom, according to the women of their group, has risen from the dead (Luke 24:20–24; Matthew 28:8–10).

Jesus lets Cleopas speak, then explains things from His point of view: that the Jewish Scriptures foretold these events long ago. It isn't until the men see Jesus break bread that they realize who He is (Luke 24:25–31).

Cleopas is short for the Greek name Cleopatros. Clopas seems to be the Semitic version, but we don't know if this Cleopas is the same as "the other Mary's" husband (John 19:25). We also don't know who Cleopas's companion is. There's a theory that it's the "Simon" of Luke 24:34 and the wording of the verse is awkward to the point of confusion, but 1 Corinthians 15:5 is strong evidence this "Simon" is Peter who is also known as Cephas.

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.