Luke 23:55
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Luke 23:55
55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Chapter Context
Luke 23 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, salvation, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 23:55
55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Analysis
The women watch: 'And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.' After Jesus' burial, 'the women... which came with him from Galilee' (αἱ γυναῖκες... συνακολουθήσασαι ἐκ τῆς Γαλιλαίας αὐτῷ, hai gynaikes... synakolouthēsasai ek tēs Galilaias autō) 'followed after' (κατακολουθήσασαι, katakolouthēsasai). They 'beheld the sepulchre' (ἐθεάσαντο τὸ μνημεῖον, etheasanto to mnēmeion) 'and how his body was laid' (καὶ ὡς ἐτέθη τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ, kai hōs etethē to sōma autou). These faithful women who supported Jesus' ministry remained to the end, observing burial location and procedure so they could return to anoint His body after Sabbath. Their devotion contrasts with male disciples' abandonment. Their witness establishes burial location, preventing later claims Jesus never actually died or was buried elsewhere.
Historical Context
These women (identified in v. 49 and 24:10 as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others) demonstrated remarkable courage and devotion. While male disciples fled and hid, women remained at the cross (23:49), observed the burial (23:55), and would be first at the tomb (24:1). Their presence fulfills multiple purposes:
- witnesses to Jesus' actual death and burial
- preparation to anoint the body (24:1)
- first witnesses to resurrection (24:2-8).
In a culture where women's testimony wasn't valued legally, God chose women as primary resurrection witnesses—a detail no inventor would include if fabricating the story. This honors women's faith and highlights God's counter-cultural kingdom values.
Reflection
- Why is it significant that women, not the male disciples, remained faithful through the crucifixion and burial?
- How do these women's observations establish the reliability of burial and resurrection accounts?
- What does God choosing women as first resurrection witnesses teach about kingdom values?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 8:2, 23:49, Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:47