Luke 24:18

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?

And {G1161} the one of them {G1520}, whose {G3739} name {G3686} was Cleopas {G2810}, answering {G611} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Art thou {G4771} only {G3441} a stranger {G3939} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G2532} hast {G1097} not {G3756} known {G1097} the things which are come to pass {G1096} there {G1722}{G846} in {G1722} these {G5025} days {G2250}?

and one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only person staying in Yerushalayim that doesn’t know the things that have been going on there the last few days?”

One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?”

And one of them, named Cleopas, answering said unto him, Dost thou alone sojourn in Jerusalem and not know the things which are come to pass there in these days?

Commentary

Luke 24:18 captures a poignant moment on the road to Emmaus, where two disciples, including Cleopas, are walking and discussing the recent, earth-shattering events in Jerusalem. Unbeknownst to them, the resurrected Jesus joins them, though their eyes are supernaturally kept from recognizing Him. This verse highlights their astonishment that any visitor to Jerusalem could be unaware of the profound happenings of the past few days.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative of the Emmaus Road encounter, which immediately follows the accounts of Jesus' resurrection and the empty tomb. The disciples are deeply saddened and perplexed by the crucifixion of Jesus, whom they had hoped would be the redeemer of Israel. Jerusalem, as the religious and political center, was abuzz with these events, especially after the recent Passover festival. Cleopas's question reflects the widespread knowledge and impact of Jesus' death and the subsequent reports of His resurrection among the city's inhabitants and pilgrims.

Key Themes

  • Unbelief and Blindness: Despite walking and conversing with Jesus Himself, the disciples are unable to recognize Him. This illustrates a spiritual blindness that often prevents people from seeing God's work or presence right before them, even when the evidence is overwhelming (see Luke 24:16).
  • The Centrality of Christ's Passion: The events in Jerusalem—His crucifixion, death, and reported resurrection—were so significant that Cleopas found it inconceivable for anyone, even a "stranger," to be ignorant of them. This underscores the monumental importance of these moments in redemptive history.
  • Sorrow and Confusion: The disciples' conversation and Cleopas's tone reveal their deep sorrow and confusion over what transpired, particularly the dashed hopes concerning Jesus as the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "stranger" (Greek: πάροικος - paroikos) implies a sojourner or temporary resident, someone not fully integrated into the community or aware of local affairs. Cleopas's question, "Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?", conveys his utter astonishment. He is essentially asking, "Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about these extraordinary events?" It emphasizes how publicly and profoundly these events impacted the city.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that we can sometimes be so consumed by our own sorrow, expectations, or limited understanding that we fail to recognize God's presence and work in our lives. Like Cleopas, we might be lamenting circumstances, unaware that Jesus is walking alongside us, ready to open our eyes and explain His plan. It encourages us to:

  • Seek Understanding: Be open to God revealing Himself, even in unexpected ways or through seemingly ordinary conversations.
  • Embrace Scripture: Just as Jesus later opened the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:27), our understanding often comes through His Word.
  • Recognize God's Sovereignty: Even in moments of confusion or despair, God is at work, orchestrating events for His divine purpose, ultimately leading to revelation and joy, as it did when their eyes were opened to recognize Him.
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Cross-References

  • John 19:25 (3 votes)

    Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the [wife] of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.