Luke 24:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 24:1
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Chapter Context
Luke 24 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, discipleship, 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 21-53: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 24:1
1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Analysis
The women return: 'Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.' The timing: 'the first day of the week' (τῇ δὲ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, tē de mia tōn sabbatōn), Sunday morning, 'very early' (ὄρθρου βαθέως, orthrou batheōs, at deep dawn). They brought 'spices which they had prepared' (ἃ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα, ha hētoimasan arōmata) to anoint Jesus' body, a final act of devotion. They expected to find a corpse; instead they would find an empty tomb and living Lord. The 'first day of the week' becomes significant—Christians worship on Sunday rather than Saturday (Sabbath) because Jesus rose on the first day, inaugurating new creation.
Historical Context
The women's journey to the tomb demonstrates they didn't expect resurrection despite Jesus' predictions. They came to anoint a dead body. Their surprise at the empty tomb (v. 3) and initial unbelief (v. 11) establish authenticity—if the story were fabricated, inventors would present disciples confidently expecting resurrection. Instead, the accounts show confusion, doubt, and gradual recognition. The women's initiative (coming at earliest opportunity) and devotion (bringing expensive spices) models faithful discipleship. God rewards their faithfulness by making them first witnesses to resurrection, history's most important event. Sunday worship commemorates this day of resurrection, distinguishing Christianity from Judaism.
Reflection
- Why is 'the first day of the week' significant for Christian worship?
- What does the women's surprise at the empty tomb teach about resurrection expectations?
- How does their faithful devotion despite not expecting resurrection model genuine discipleship?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 24:10, Mark 15:40