Luke 24:53 - Printer Friendly

What does Luke 24:53 mean?

ESV: and were continually in the temple blessing God.

NIV: And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

NASB: and were continually in the temple praising God.

CSB: And they were continually in the temple praising God.

NLT: And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

KJV: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

NKJV: and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Verse Commentary:

About thirty-three to thirty-six years before, a priest named Zechariah had won the lot to enter the temple and burn incense. While he was performing his duties, an angel appeared to give him a message. Zechariah's elderly wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son. That son would be born filled with the Holy Spirit. It would be his singular honor to act in the spirit of Elijah and prepare the people for the coming of the Jewish Messiah (Luke 1:8–17).

Fifteen months later, a poor couple took their newborn son to the temple to perform the required sacrifices. While they were there, a righteous and devout man named Simeon found them. He took the baby in his arms and declared Him God's salvation: "A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to [God's] people Israel" (Luke 2:22–32). Shortly after, a prophetess named Anna came to the temple, giving thanks to God and speaking "of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:36–38).

Twelve years later, this boy scared His parents when He stayed behind to listen and question the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–51).

In the last few months, the temple has continued to play a significant role in Jesus' life. He cleansed the temple of businessmen who were taking advantage of travelers (Luke 19:45–46). He defended His authority against the most talented Jewish leaders there (Luke 20). Those same leaders resolved to destroy Him (Luke 19:47–48). And He prophesied the temple's destruction (Luke 21:5–9).

Since then, Jesus has been crucified, killed, buried, and raised. He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. His disciples know that He will send the Holy Spirit and, eventually, return. They don't know when or what exactly this means to them. But they have faith that what He promises will come to be.

It's only natural that they now return to the temple to bless God. God has sent His Messiah. He has shown His power and the truth of His word by raising the dead.

They don't yet know that many the priests of the temple are going to continue to reject their Messiah (Acts 6:7) or that the presence of God is moving: transferring from the temple to their hearts. They don't know that they will be arrested by the temple leaders (Acts 4:1–3; 5:25–26). Nor do they realize that Jesus' words to the Samaritan woman will soon come true: "The hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father….But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4:21, 23).

Within forty years, the temple will be destroyed by the Romans, as Jesus promised. For now, the temple stands, so the disciples go and praise God.

Luke 24:50–53 is the first of two times Luke records Jesus' ascension. Acts 1:6–11 gives more detail. It has been forty days since the crucifixion. Christ must return to heaven so the Holy Spirit can indwell His followers and they can build the church. He takes the disciples to Bethany where they watch Him ascend into the heavens. The disciples return to Jerusalem. There, they replace Judas and praise God in the temple until the Holy Spirit comes ten days later.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 12/4/2024 2:56:11 AM