Luke 24:33

KJV

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they rose up {G450} the same {G846} hour {G5610}, and returned {G5290} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G2532} found {G2147} the eleven {G1733} gathered together {G4867}, and {G2532} them that were with {G4862} them {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

They got up at once, returned to Yerushalayim and found the Eleven gathered together with their friends,

Berean Standard Bible

And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together

American Standard Version

And they rose up that very hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:33 captures the immediate, Spirit-empowered response of the two disciples who had just recognized the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Overwhelmed by joy and conviction, they wasted no time, rising "the same hour" to undertake the seven-mile journey back to Jerusalem. There, they found the remaining eleven apostles and other believers already gathered, eager to share their transformative encounter with the risen Lord. This verse marks a pivotal turning point from despair to zealous proclamation, highlighting the profound impact of a personal encounter with Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic response to the profound Emmaus Road encounter detailed in [Luke 24:13-32](/luke/24-13-32 "Luke 24:13-32 - The Emmaus Road Encounter"). Prior to this, two disciples, one named Cleopas, were walking away from Jerusalem, dejected and discussing the recent crucifixion and the perplexing reports of Jesus' empty tomb. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus Himself joined their journey, patiently expounding the Old Testament Scriptures that prophesied His suffering and glory. It was not until He broke bread with them, an act reminiscent of His Last Supper, that their "eyes were opened" and they recognized Him. Immediately upon recognition, Jesus vanished from their sight, leaving them with hearts "burning within them." Luke 24:33 describes their spontaneous and urgent decision to reverse their journey and return to the very place they had left in sorrow, now propelled by an uncontainable joy and the compelling truth of the resurrection. This verse sets the stage for further post-resurrection appearances and the consolidation of the disciples' faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey from Emmaus back to Jerusalem was approximately seven miles, a significant distance to travel on foot, especially "the same hour"—likely late in the evening or even at night, given that Jesus had "stayed with them" (Luke 24:29) as the day was "far spent." Such a journey at that time would have been unusual and potentially dangerous, underscoring the extraordinary urgency and conviction that gripped the disciples. Jerusalem was the epicenter of the recent Passover events, including Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and remained the gathering point for His followers, though they were still largely in hiding due to fear of the Jewish authorities. The mention of "the eleven" specifically refers to the core group of apostles, minus Judas Iscariot. Their being "gathered together" speaks to the early Christian practice of communal fellowship, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty, as they sought to process the unprecedented events and support one another.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **transformative power of the resurrection**; the disciples' journey from despair to hope and immediate action encapsulates the radical change wrought by encountering the risen Christ. Their hearts, once heavy, now burned with zealous purpose, demonstrating that true recognition of Jesus leads to profound spiritual renewal. Secondly, the verse underscores the **urgency of witness and proclamation**. The disciples' decision to return "the same hour" emphasizes that the Good News of the resurrection is not to be hoarded but immediately shared, a theme that resonates with Jesus' later commission to His disciples to be His witnesses in [Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). Finally, the passage emphasizes the **importance of Christian community and fellowship**. The disciples' return to find "the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them" illustrates the nascent church's need for communal solidarity, mutual encouragement, and shared testimony, which would become foundational to the early Christian movement as seen throughout the book of [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Early Church").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rose up (Greek, _anístēmi_):** This verb signifies a physical act of standing up, but in this context, it carries a deeper implication of rising from a state of despair or inactivity. Having been dejected and walking away from Jerusalem, their encounter with the risen Christ literally and figuratively caused them to "rise up" with renewed purpose and energy. It suggests a decisive and immediate change in their posture and direction, mirroring the spiritual awakening they had just experienced.
* **same hour (Greek, _hōra_):** The inclusion of "the same hour" is crucial, emphasizing the profound immediacy and lack of hesitation in the disciples' response. It conveys an overwhelming sense of urgency and conviction that compelled them to act without delay, despite the late hour and the significant journey ahead. Their recognition of Jesus was so compelling that it instantly reordered their priorities and propelled them into action, demonstrating the powerful, transformative impact of their encounter.
* **gathered together (Greek, _synathroízō_):** This word describes the act of convening or assembling, highlighting the communal aspect of the early believers. It indicates that the disciples were not isolated but were already in fellowship, likely for mutual support, prayer, and discussion during the uncertain days following Jesus' crucifixion. The Emmaus disciples found a pre-existing community, underscoring the importance of collective faith and shared experience in the nascent church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they rose up the same hour":** This clause immediately conveys the disciples' decisive and urgent response to recognizing the resurrected Jesus. The phrase "the same hour" underscores the profound immediacy of their reaction, indicating that their newfound conviction left no room for delay or hesitation. It signifies a dramatic shift from their previous state of dejection and aimless wandering.
* **"and returned to Jerusalem":** This part of the verse describes a complete reversal of their journey. Having walked away from Jerusalem in despair, they now turn back towards it, symbolizing their spiritual turning from doubt to faith, from sorrow to joy, and from isolation to community. Jerusalem, the place of Jesus' suffering and resurrection, becomes the destination of their renewed hope and mission.
* **"and found the eleven gathered together":** This clause highlights the providential nature of their arrival. They found the core apostolic group, "the eleven" (referring to the remaining apostles after Judas's betrayal), already assembled. This gathering signifies the nascent Christian community's solidarity and mutual support in a time of uncertainty, providing a ready audience for the Emmaus disciples' incredible testimony.
* **"and them that were with them":** This final phrase indicates that the gathering was not limited to just the apostles but included a broader group of believers and disciples. This detail emphasizes the communal nature of early Christian fellowship and the growing body of Christ, where shared experiences and testimonies would strengthen collective faith and prepare them for the future mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:33 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Immediacy**, conveyed by the phrase "the same hour," which underscores the disciples' urgent, spontaneous, and unhesitating response to their encounter with the risen Christ. This creates a sense of dynamic action and profound conviction. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** and **Reversal** in the narrative arc: the disciples begin by walking *away* from Jerusalem in despair, but upon recognizing Jesus, they immediately *return* to the city filled with hope and purpose. This reversal symbolizes their spiritual transformation from doubt to unwavering belief. The **Symbolism** of Jerusalem as the center of God's redemptive plan and the place where the Good News must be proclaimed is also evident. Finally, the gathering of "the eleven" and "them that were with them" serves as **Foreshadowing** of the early Christian church's communal life and the importance of fellowship in the face of both wonder and uncertainty, setting the stage for the book of Acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:33 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of a personal encounter with the resurrected Christ and the subsequent imperative to share that truth. The disciples' immediate and arduous journey back to Jerusalem, despite the late hour, underscores that the reality of the resurrection is not a private experience to be hoarded, but a life-altering truth that compels urgent proclamation. This act of returning to the community of believers highlights the essential role of fellowship in confirming faith and providing a platform for shared witness. Their testimony, combined with other resurrection appearances, would solidify the foundation of the early church, demonstrating that the living Christ empowers His followers to overcome fear and become bold heralds of the Gospel.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"): "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Encouraging One Another"): "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-8](/1_corinthians/15-3-8 "1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - The Resurrection Appearances"): "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Emmaus disciples' immediate and zealous response in Luke 24:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Their transformation from despair to urgent action, driven by the recognition of Christ, challenges us to consider the depth of our own encounters with the risen Lord. Do we allow our understanding of Christ's resurrection to merely be an intellectual assent, or does it ignite within us a burning desire to share His truth with others? The disciples did not delay, despite the late hour and the journey ahead; their conviction propelled them forward. This calls us to a similar immediacy in our obedience and witness, prioritizing the proclamation of the Gospel above personal comfort or convenience. Furthermore, their return to the gathered community underscores the vital importance of Christian fellowship. In a world that often promotes isolation, this verse reminds us that our faith is strengthened, our experiences are validated, and our mission is empowered when we are united with other believers. We are called not only to encounter Christ personally but also to share our testimonies within the body of Christ, building one another up in faith and collectively bearing witness to His saving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How has a personal encounter with Christ transformed your own journey, turning despair into hope or doubt into conviction?**
* **In what ways does the disciples' immediate return to Jerusalem challenge your readiness to share the Good News of Jesus with others?**
* **How does your participation in Christian community strengthen your faith, provide encouragement, and empower your witness in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why did they return to Jerusalem "the same hour" despite it being late and the journey being long?**

Answer: The phrase "the same hour" (Greek: *en autē tē hōra*) powerfully conveys the overwhelming joy, conviction, and urgency that seized the disciples upon recognizing the resurrected Jesus. Their hearts, which had been "burning within them" as Jesus expounded the Scriptures ([Luke 24:32](/luke/24-32 "Luke 24:32 - Hearts Burning")), were now alight with undeniable truth. This profound spiritual awakening superseded any concerns about the late hour, the darkness, or the seven-mile journey back to Jerusalem. Their immediate return was not a calculated decision but an irrepressible, divinely-imparted zeal to share the incredible news of Jesus' resurrection with their fellow disciples, turning sorrow into zealous proclamation. It demonstrates that a genuine encounter with the living Christ compels an immediate and radical reorientation of priorities.

**Who were "the eleven" and "them that were with them" that the disciples found gathered in Jerusalem?**

Answer: "The eleven" refers specifically to the remaining apostles of Jesus, following Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death. This core group of disciples was central to the early Christian movement. "Them that were with them" indicates a broader assembly of believers and followers of Jesus who had gathered together. In the uncertain and fearful days following Jesus' crucifixion, it was natural for His disciples to congregate for mutual support, prayer, and to discuss the perplexing reports of the empty tomb and His alleged appearances. This gathering highlights the nascent Christian community forming around the apostolic leadership, demonstrating the early church's practice of fellowship and communal solidarity as they processed the unprecedented events of the resurrection. This communal gathering would later become foundational to the church's identity and mission, as seen in the book of [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Early Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:33, detailing the Emmaus disciples' urgent return to Jerusalem, profoundly illustrates the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the inauguration of the New Covenant community. Their recognition of Jesus in the "breaking of bread" points directly to Christ's ongoing presence in the communal meal, foreshadowing the **Eucharist** as a central act of worship where believers encounter the risen Lord. Their immediate response—rising and returning to bear witness—is a microcosm of the church's mission, empowered by the resurrected Christ. This spontaneous act of proclamation fulfills the prophetic call for the Good News to go forth from Jerusalem ([Isaiah 2:3](/isaiah/2-3 "Isaiah 2:3 - The Law from Zion")), demonstrating how the living Christ transforms fearful followers into zealous evangelists. The disciples' journey back to the gathered community in Jerusalem anticipates the formation of the early church, united by their common faith in the resurrected Savior. This gathering, soon to be empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), underscores that Christ's redemptive work not only saves individuals but also creates a new community—His body, the Church—called to proclaim His victory to the world ([Ephesians 4:1-6](/ephesians/4-1-6 "Ephesians 4:1-6 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). Thus, this verse is not merely a historical account but a vibrant testament to the transformative, communal, and missional power of the resurrected Christ.

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 20:19

¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

John 20:26

¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.

Mark 16:13

And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

Acts 1:14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.