Luke 24:12

KJV

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} arose {G450} Peter {G4074}, and ran {G5143} unto {G1909} the sepulchre {G3419}; and {G2532} stooping down {G3879}, he beheld {G991} the linen clothes {G3608} laid {G2749} by themselves {G3441}, and {G2532} departed {G565}, wondering {G2296} in {G4314} himself {G1438} at that which was come to pass {G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Kefa got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping down, he saw only the burial cloths and went home wondering what had happened.

Berean Standard Bible

Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. And after bending down and seeing only the linen cloths, he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

American Standard Version

But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths by themselves; and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:12 captures Peter's immediate, curious, yet initially perplexed response to the women's astonishing report of Jesus' empty tomb. Driven by a desire to verify their incredible claims, Peter rushed to the sepulchre, where he carefully observed the undisturbed linen grave clothes lying by themselves. This sight, while providing compelling evidence of an extraordinary event, left him in a state of profound wonder and bewilderment, as he grappled with the implications of what had transpired.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 24:12 is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Jesus' resurrection in Luke's Gospel. It immediately follows the account of the women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others) who went to the tomb early on Sunday morning to anoint Jesus' body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty ([Luke 24:1-3](/luke/24-1-3 "The Women Discover the Empty Tomb")). Two angels then appeared to them, proclaiming that Jesus was not there but had risen, reminding them of His earlier predictions ([Luke 24:4-8](/luke/24-4-8 "Angels Announce Jesus' Resurrection")). Upon returning, the women reported these astonishing events to the eleven apostles and other disciples, but their words were dismissed as "idle tales," and they did not believe them ([Luke 24:9-11](/luke/24-9-11 "The Disciples' Disbelief")). Peter's solo expedition to the tomb in verse 12 serves as the first individual response from the male disciples, bridging the initial disbelief with the subsequent encounters with the risen Christ, such as the journey to Emmaus ([Luke 24:13-35](/luke/24-13-35 "The Road to Emmaus")) and Jesus' appearance to the assembled disciples ([Luke 24:36-49](/luke/24-36-49 "Jesus Appears to His Disciples")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish burial customs involved wrapping the deceased's body tightly in strips of linen cloth, often with aromatic spices and ointments. The body would then be placed in a rock-hewn tomb, typically sealed with a large, heavy stone. The undisturbed state of the "linen clothes laid by themselves" in the empty tomb is a crucial detail. In the event of a grave robbery, the thieves would typically either take the grave clothes with the body (if they were valuable) or leave them in disarray, torn off in haste. The orderly, "laid by themselves" arrangement, along with the absence of the body, strongly suggested that this was not a theft but a miraculous, supernatural event. The disciples, steeped in a worldview that understood death as final, were not expecting a bodily resurrection, despite Jesus' clear prophecies, making the women's report and Peter's subsequent observation profoundly disorienting.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Quest for Verification**, even in the face of divine revelation. Despite the apostles' initial disbelief in the women's testimony, Peter's decision to run to the sepulchre demonstrates a spark of curiosity, a desire for tangible evidence, or perhaps a nascent hope that something extraordinary might have indeed occurred. Secondly, the passage underscores the **Evidence of the Empty Tomb**. Peter's observation of the "linen clothes laid by themselves" serves as a crucial piece of physical evidence for the resurrection. This orderly arrangement, distinct from a chaotic grave robbery, pointed towards a miraculous departure rather than a mere disappearance. Finally, Peter's reaction of "wondering in himself" reveals the theme of **Initial Perplexity versus Full Belief**. While he witnessed the undeniable evidence of the empty tomb and the undisturbed grave clothes, Peter had not yet grasped the full, miraculous implications of Jesus' resurrection. This state of profound astonishment and bewilderment sets the stage for his later personal encounter with the resurrected Christ ([Luke 24:34](/luke/24-34 "Jesus Appears to Peter")) and the transformative power of faith that would follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** From G450, meaning "to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)." In this context, it signifies Peter's decisive and immediate action, indicating a sudden movement prompted by the women's report. He didn't merely walk; he "arose" with purpose, suggesting a degree of urgency and determination to investigate.
* **stooping down (Greek, _parakýptō'_):** From G3879, meaning "to bend beside, i.e. lean over (so as to peer within)." This word conveys an intentional and careful action. Peter didn't just glance; he bent down and peered intently into the tomb, indicating a thorough examination of the scene. This careful observation is crucial for the veracity of his subsequent report.
* **wondering (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** From G2296, meaning "to wonder; by implication, to admire." This term describes Peter's emotional and intellectual state upon seeing the empty tomb and the grave clothes. It denotes profound astonishment, amazement, and bewilderment. His "wondering" suggests a mind grappling with an unprecedented reality that defied his understanding, rather than an immediate embrace of belief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre":** This clause highlights Peter's swift and urgent response to the women's incredible, yet initially unbelievable, report. His action demonstrates a mixture of curiosity, a desire for verification, and perhaps a nascent hope that something truly extraordinary had occurred, compelling him to personally investigate the empty tomb.
* **"and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves":** This describes Peter's careful observation within the tomb. He didn't just see the empty space; he specifically noted the "linen clothes," which were the burial wrappings, and critically, that they were "laid by themselves" – meaning they were undisturbed and orderly, as if the body had simply passed through or out of them, rather than being unwrapped or stolen. This detail is crucial evidence against the theory of a grave robbery.
* **"and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass":** This final clause reveals Peter's internal reaction. After witnessing the undeniable evidence of the empty tomb and the orderly grave clothes, he left in a state of deep astonishment and perplexity. He was "wondering" (thaumázō), indicating a profound bewilderment at the unprecedented event, rather than an immediate, full comprehension or belief in Jesus' resurrection. He saw the evidence, but the full miraculous implications had not yet dawned on him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's brief account in [Luke 24:12](/luke/24-12 "Luke 24:12 - Peter at the Empty Tomb") employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Narrative Foreshadowing** is evident as Peter's initial perplexity sets the stage for his later, more complete understanding and personal encounter with the risen Christ, which Luke briefly mentions in [Luke 24:34](/luke/24-34 "Luke 24:34 - Jesus Appears to Peter"). The "linen clothes laid by themselves" serve as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not a chaotic theft but an orderly, miraculous departure, pointing definitively to resurrection rather than mere disappearance. This detail also functions as **Subtle Irony**, as the very evidence that should confirm the women's report only deepens Peter's wonder, highlighting the human struggle to comprehend divine miracles. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between the women's initial belief (though dismissed by the disciples) and the apostles' initial disbelief, with Peter's action serving as a bridge between these two states, moving from skepticism towards a personal investigation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:12, though brief, is profoundly significant as it provides early, tangible evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter's observation of the empty tomb and the undisturbed grave clothes serves as a powerful testament against the notion of a stolen body, pointing instead to a miraculous, supernatural event. This moment underscores that the resurrection is not merely a spiritual concept but a historical reality, grounded in physical evidence. It illustrates the process of coming to faith, which often begins with perplexity and investigation before culminating in full conviction. God often provides compelling evidence to support His truth, inviting us to move beyond skepticism into a deeper understanding of His mighty acts.

* [John 20:3-10](/john/20-3-10 "John 20:3-10 - Peter and John at the Empty Tomb")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")
* [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's journey from disbelief to "wondering" in Luke 24:12 offers a relatable paradigm for our own spiritual walks. It reminds us that faith is often a process, not an instantaneous leap. Like Peter, we may encounter moments of doubt or perplexity when faced with God's extraordinary claims or unexpected turns in our lives. Yet, God graciously provides evidence—whether through the reliable testimony of Scripture, the witness of transformed lives, or personal experiences—that invites us to investigate, to "stoop down" and truly behold what He has done. This verse encourages us to be patient with our own doubts and the doubts of others, recognizing that true conviction often grows from initial curiosity and careful consideration of the facts. Ultimately, while evidence is crucial, it is often a personal encounter with the living Christ that transforms wonder into unwavering faith, propelling us from mere observation to profound belief and joyful proclamation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's initial reaction of "wondering" resonate with our own moments of doubt or perplexity when faced with profound spiritual truths?**
* **What "evidence" has God provided in your life that has moved you from skepticism towards a deeper understanding or belief in His truth?**
* **In what ways can we, like Peter, be moved from passive hearing to active investigation and seeking verification of God's claims in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter run to the tomb if he didn't believe the women's report?**

Answer: Peter's action, despite the apostles' general dismissal of the women's words as "idle tales" ([Luke 24:11](/luke/24-11 "Luke 24:11 - Disbelief of the Apostles")), likely stemmed from a complex mix of curiosity, a desire for verification, and perhaps a faint glimmer of hope or an urgent need to personally confirm such an extraordinary and potentially world-altering claim. Even if he initially doubted the resurrection, the sheer improbability of the women's story—an empty tomb, angels, and the declaration that Jesus was alive—was too profound to ignore. His running suggests an immediate, visceral response to an unprecedented situation, compelling him to see for himself what had "come to pass."

**What is the significance of the "linen clothes laid by themselves"?**

Answer: The detail that the "linen clothes" were "laid by themselves" is highly significant because it strongly argues against the theory of a grave robbery. In a typical theft, robbers would either take the valuable grave clothes along with the body or leave them in a chaotic, discarded heap. The orderly, undisturbed state of the wrappings, as if the body had simply passed out of them, suggests a supernatural event rather than human intervention. John's Gospel adds a further detail, noting that the "napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself" ([John 20:7](/john/20-7 "John 20:7 - The Napkin Folded")). This meticulous order points to a deliberate, non-violent, and miraculous departure, providing compelling physical evidence for the resurrection rather than a mere disappearance or theft.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:12, with Peter's bewildered encounter at the empty tomb, serves as a foundational moment pointing to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The empty tomb, evidenced by the undisturbed linen clothes, is not merely a historical curiosity but the ultimate proof of Jesus' victory over sin and death, validating His claims to be the Son of God and the promised Messiah. This event transforms Jesus from a crucified prophet into the resurrected Lord, the "firstfruits of those who are asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")). Peter's initial perplexity foreshadows the profound transformation that would occur in him and the other disciples as they moved from bewilderment to bold proclamation, empowered by the risen Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")). The empty tomb is the cornerstone of Christian faith, securing our justification ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")), guaranteeing our own future resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:21-23](/1_corinthians/15-21-23 "1 Corinthians 15:21-23 - Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ")), and empowering believers to walk in "newness of life" even now ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Thus, Peter's "wondering" at the empty tomb ultimately leads to the glorious truth that Christ is risen, and because He lives, we too shall live!

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 20:3

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

John 20:10

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.