Luke 24:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They were filled with joy that "at the same hour: they rose up and returned to Jerusalem"; however, they did not return immediately, for they arose at that very hour, but their journey back took additional time, covering the distance of sixty stadia.

Cleopas and his companions set out during the hour when Jesus had vanished from their sight and returned to Jerusalem. However, it is not indicated that they encountered the eleven disciples gathered at that same time or shared with them the news of what had transpired with Jesus. This event occurred on the fortieth day following His resurrection, the very day He ascended. The evangelist has therefore chosen to omit the events that transpired during the time when Cleopas and his companions found the eleven men engaged in private discussions, stating that ‘the Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ He does not specify where, when, or how this occurred. Additionally, during this period, the events that unfolded in Galilee, which are recounted by Matthew, were also taking place.

They set out at that very hour and made their way back to Jerusalem. They began their journey at the same time, despite not returning at that precise moment. The distance to cover was sixty stadia. Nevertheless, it is likely that, even though the sun was already starting to set, they sprinted the entire way before nightfall, filled with immense joy, as sixty stadia translates to approximately eight and a half miles. Upon arriving, they found the eleven Apostles assembled with others who were with them. This group likely included some or even all of the Seventy. However, one may wonder why it is stated that the eleven were gathered together when Iscariot had already been excluded and Thomas was absent.

The apostles, after receiving testimonies from the Myrrh-bearers, shared a common assurance, further strengthened by the appearance of the risen Lord to Peter. Observe how the apostles spent that significant day, which they did not fully comprehend at first. They gathered in a locked room, ‘for fear of the Jews’ (John 19:38); yet, this fear did not drive them apart. If they had been merely afraid, they would have scattered to safer, more concealed locations instead of coming together in a place known to them all, which was likely not entirely hidden from others. It was probably the upper room of Zion, where the Lord had shared the Last Supper with them prior to His Passion. What force united them in such a vulnerable setting? It was surely a faith that still had life, combined with a profound love for their crucified Lord. In fellowship with fellow believers, they sought solace from their grief and the fortification of their faith.

However, there were still those who did not believe (Mark 16:13). Many of the faithful lacked a full comprehension of His current state. Additionally, it was essential for the Lord to provide them with spiritual nourishment following their distressing experiences, in alignment with their future mission, and to renew the bonds He had previously established with them. To accomplish this, the Lord planned to appear to all of them together. With their faith wavering, the grace of the Holy Spirit was destined to be withdrawn from them, to be restored only on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit would be abundantly given. Before that, the Lord desired to bring back some of those who had departed from Jerusalem.

The excitement of witnessing the resurrected Christ filled them with such delight that they quickly rushed to relay the news to the apostles and other disciples. They instantly left the gathering and made their way to Jerusalem. Upon arrival, they discovered all eleven apostles assembled, along with other followers, and shared their experience with them. However, the apostles were skeptical and did not accept their testimony. (Mk. 16:13)

They journeyed to Emmaus engaged in profound discussion. The unfamiliar traveler expressed his intention to continue on his way, but they urged him to remain with them. Once they settled down for their modest meal, he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and distributed it to them, at which moment their eyes were opened, and despite his transformed appearance, they recognized that their Master was present with them. Yet, as soon as they recognized Him, He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He spoke to us along the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Without delay, they got up and returned to Jerusalem to share their wondrous and joyful news. At that point, there was no longer any doubt about the veracity of these events, as they received joyful confirmations that “the Lord has truly risen and has appeared to Simon.”

At the specific hour, the day was already transitioning into evening; however, even if it had been the middle of the night, the travelers would have rushed to Jerusalem to share the joyful news. Likely, their evening meal was left untouched, for they sensed a deeper need than mere physical nourishment (cf. Jn. 4:31-34); they felt compelled to proclaim the good news to the apostles. They discovered the eleven gathered, with doors secured (John 20:19), yet those doors were promptly opened for the friends of friends, leading to a joyful exchange of news. The selfless act of the travelers was rewarded—as often happens—with immense joy for themselves. They learned that the Lord had indeed "risen and appeared to Simon," and they, in turn, recounted the encounter they had with the Risen Christ.