What does Luke 24:7 mean?
Explanation
Luke 24:7 is a verse from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
The verse is part of the conversation that occurs between two angels and the women who had come to Jesus' tomb on the first day of the week, after the crucifixion.
In this verse, the angels remind the women about Jesus' prophecy of his own death and resurrection.
The statement begins with an address "Saying," indicating that the angels are quoting Jesus' prediction about Himself.
The title "Son of man" is how Jesus often referred to himself, signifying his role and mission.
The literal meaning of the verse is that Jesus, the Son of man, would be betrayed ("delivered into the hands of sinful men"), referring to the unjust trial and condemnation by the religious and Roman authorities.
The mention of "be crucified" speaks of the method of the execution, which was a common form of capital punishment in Roman times, especially for crimes against the state.
Finally, the "third day rise again" pertains to Jesus' resurrection from the dead, which is a foundational event for the Christian faith.
The deeper meaning of this prophecy highlights the foreknowledge and purpose of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, which is central to the Christian doctrine of salvation.
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Historical Context
The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke the Evangelist, who is believed to have been a companion of the Apostle Paul. The Gospel was likely written between 60 and 110 AD, with a target audience that included both Gentile and Jewish Christians.
The verse reflects the post-resurrection narrative and is a part of the accounts that testify to the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies about his death and resurrection. The crucifixion occurred during the time of Roman occupation of Judea, under the governance of Pontius Pilate.
The religious leaders of Jerusalem saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and sought to eliminate him through the Roman capital punishment system.
Theological Insights
This verse has significant theological implications.
From a Christian perspective, it affirms the divinity of Jesus, as He could predict his death and resurrection with exactitude.
According to orthodox Christian doctrine, Jesus' crucifixion is seen as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind.
The resurrection is viewed as the victory over sin and death and the confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God.
Different denominations may have nuances in their understanding of the atonement and resurrection, but they commonly view this passage as a cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Practical Applications
The practical applications of this verse are manifold:
Trust in Prophecy – Believers can be encouraged to trust in biblical prophecies and the fulfillment of God's promises. 2.
Hope in Suffering – The message of Jesus' suffering followed by resurrection offers hope to those in pain, suggesting that their present difficulties could be followed by victory and restoration. 3.
Assurance of Salvation – The resurrection provides believers with the assurance that, in Christ, they too will rise again, offering an eternal perspective in daily living.
Cross-References
- Matthew 17:22-23: "And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again.
And they were exceeding sorry."
- Mark 10:33-34: "[Saying,] Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again."
Language Study
In this verse, the original Greek text offers a deeper understanding:
- "Son of man" (υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, huios tou anthropou): A Messianic title with roots in the Hebrew Bible (Daniel 7:13-14) and used by Jesus to refer to himself.
- "Delivered" (παραδίδοται, paradidotai): The passive form in Greek indicates an action received, emphasizing Jesus as the subject of betrayal.
- "Rise again" (ἀνίσταται, anistatai): In Greek, this is a future middle indicative form, indicating not just a future action but also one with a level of personal involvement or effect – that is, Jesus' own resurrection power.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparison with other ancient religious narratives shows themes of death and resurrection, such as the Egyptian myth of Osiris or Greek tales of Dionysus.
However, in contrast to the cyclical nature of these myths, the Christian account underlines a historical event with a linear progression of redemption history, which culminates in the resurrection.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific standpoint, the resurrection is a supernatural event and thus outside the scope of empirical science.
However, debates often arise around the historicity of the resurrection. This involves examining archaeological evidence and historical records to affirm or challenge the plausibility of the event as described in the biblical texts.
commentaries
- Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the importance of remembering Jesus' words and how they offer peace and comfort in troubling times, just as they reassured the women at the tomb.
- The Pulpit Commentary notes that the repetition of the prophecy of Jesus' passion and the third-day resurrection underlines the necessity of these events in the divine plan of redemption.
- The New Bible Commentary points out that this reminder by the angels is an implicit rebuke to the disciples for their failure to understand and believe in Jesus' words concerning his suffering and resurrection.