Luke 24:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 24:22
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
Chapter Context
Luke 24 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, righteousness, grace. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 24:22
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
Analysis
Certain women also of our company made us astonished (γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς, gynaikes tines ex hēmōn exestēsan hēmas)—The verb existēmi (astonished/amazed) literally means 'to stand outside oneself,' indicating overwhelming bewilderment rather than believing joy. Luke emphasizes the women's early arrival (which were early at the sepulchre, ὀρθριναὶ ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, orthrinai epi to mnēmeion), contrasting their faithfulness with male disciples' absence.
The phrase of our company (ἐξ ἡμῶν, ex hēmōn) acknowledges these women as full members of Jesus' disciple community—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James (24:10). Yet the men's response was skeptical dismissal (v. 11: 'idle tales'). The women's testimony, though legally inadmissible in first-century courts, became the resurrection's first proclamation.
Historical Context
Women visiting tombs at dawn to complete burial rites was customary Jewish practice, as the Sabbath had prevented proper preparation. However, women's testimony carried no legal weight in Jewish or Roman courts. Luke's emphasis on female witnesses demonstrates the gospel's counter-cultural elevation of women and historical authenticity—no fabricated account would feature women as primary witnesses.
Reflection
- Why did God choose women as the first resurrection witnesses despite cultural dismissal of their testimony?
- How does the disciples' astonishment without belief reflect modern skepticism toward miracle claims?
- What does the women's early morning devotion teach about prioritizing Christ?