Luke 24:12
But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The way the linen cloths are described – neatly laid out and empty – is a subtle but crucial detail, suggesting the burial wrappings were deliberately removed, not discarded in a hurried theft. This orderly scene, so contrary to the chaos of a robbery, would have deepened Peter's profound astonishment and wonder.
The women have just left the empty tomb, and they have told the disciples about the angels' message that Jesus is alive. While the other apostles initially dismiss the women's words as "idle tales," Peter, in his characteristic impetuousness, immediately gets up and runs to the tomb himself to see. Upon arriving, he discovers the burial cloths lying neatly folded, a detail that deeply puzzles him and leaves him "wondering in himself at what had happened."
When news of the resurrection hits, Peter doesn't wait around. He bolts! What does his immediate action tell us about faith when confronted with the impossible?
The resurrection accounts often highlight the women's initial shock and confusion. But Peter's reaction here is different. He hears the news, and his immediate response is action – he ran.
This isn't just a casual stroll; it's a sprint driven by a desire to see for himself. It shows a faith that, even in its infancy and confusion, is compelled to investigate the claims of Christ. He needs to witness the evidence firsthand. This impulse to actively seek out the truth, even when it's startling, is a powerful aspect of developing faith.
Peter finds the tomb empty, but it's not chaotic. The linen cloths are neatly folded. What profound statement does this orderly scene make about the resurrection?
The tomb isn't ransacked or disturbed. The burial cloths, the grave clothes, are found 'laid by themselves.' This detail, emphasized by John's Gospel too, is crucial.
If the body had been stolen, the thieves would have been in a rush. They wouldn't have taken the time to carefully fold or arrange the grave clothes. This orderly scene points to something intentional and deliberate, not a hasty theft. It suggests a peaceful, controlled departure – the opposite of a crime scene. The 'linen cloths by themselves' speak volumes about the nature of Christ's exit from the tomb.
Peter sees the evidence, yet the text says he left 'marveling.' How can someone be filled with wonder even when full belief hasn't quite settled in?
Peter’s departure is marked by 'wondering.' This isn't necessarily the same as immediate, unshakeable faith. He's seen the empty tomb and the neatly laid cloths, compelling evidence. Yet, the full implications might still be dawning on him.
This captures a very human stage of faith. It's a space between the initial shock and a settled conviction. The evidence is undeniable, and it fills him with awe and questions. It shows that understanding the resurrection isn't always a single, lightning-bolt moment. Sometimes, it's a process that begins with undeniable mystery and wonder, prompting further reflection and eventually leading to deeper belief.
Understand the original words
mnēmeion · Greek Noun
A place of burial; a grave. In the New Testament, it is frequently associated with the resurrection of Christ.
othonion · Greek Noun
Fine cloth used to wrap a body for burial. These are significant in the Gospel accounts as evidence left behind after the resurrection of Jesus.
thaumazō · Greek Verb
To be filled with astonishment, wonder, or perplexity. It describes a state of being profoundly impressed or bewildered by a supernatural or unusual event.
Peter's visit to the tomb described in Luke 24:12 wasn't an isolated event but part of the immediate, chaotic, and wondrous aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, directly following the women's discovery and preceding Jesus' own appearances to the disciples.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, and sealed with a large stone.
Early morning, First Day of the Week (after Jesus' death)
Women Discover Empty Tomb
Several women, including Mary Magdalene, go to Jesus' tomb to anoint his body but find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
First Day of the Week (following women's discovery)
Peter and John Visit Tomb
Upon hearing from the women, Peter and another disciple (traditionally John) run to the tomb and find it empty, with the linen cloths lying neatly folded.
First Day of the Week (after Peter's visit)
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Jesus, now risen, begins appearing to his disciples, including Peter and others, to prove he is alive and to instruct them.
This passage describes John arriving at the tomb first, and then Peter arriving and seeing the linen cloths, providing a fuller account of the same event.
John 20:6-7This passage details the specific arrangement of the grave clothes that Peter observed, emphasizing the orderly nature of the burial and the lack of haste that would suggest a theft.
1 Corinthians 15:4This verse states that Christ was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, providing the theological framework for the empty tomb Peter discovered.
Acts 2:24This passage declares that God raised Jesus from the dead, cutting loose the pangs of death, which is the ultimate cause of the empty tomb and Peter's wonder.
Luke 24:24The women reported the empty tomb to the disciples, including Peter, but they initially disbelieved them; Peter's personal visit in Luke 24:12 shows his independent investigation and growing conviction.
clarkeLuke 24:12: "Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass."
Then arose Peter - John went with him, and got to the tomb before him. See John 20:2 , John 20:3 . The linen clothes laid by themselves - Or, The linen clothes only. This was the fine linen which Joseph of Arimathea bought, and wrapped the body in: Mark 15:46. Small as this circumstance may at first view…
pulpitLuke 24:12: "Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass."
Verse 12. - Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. This verse is omitted in some of the ancient authorities. It is, however, no doubt genuine, and is, in tact, a co…
The way the linen cloths are described – neatly laid out and empty – is a subtle but crucial detail, suggesting the burial wrappings were deliberately removed, not discarded in a hurried theft. This orderly scene, so contrary to the chaos of a robbery, would have deepened Peter's profound astonishment and wonder.
The women have just left the empty tomb, and they have told the disciples about the angels' message that Jesus is alive. While the other apostles initially dismiss the women's words as "idle tales," Peter, in his characteristic impetuousness, immediately gets up and runs to the tomb himself to see. Upon arriving, he discovers the burial cloths lying neatly folded, a detail that deeply puzzles him and leaves him "wondering in himself at what had happened."
The women have just left the empty tomb, and they have told the disciples about the angels' message that Jesus is alive. While the other apostles initially dismiss the women's words as "idle tales," Peter, in his characteristic impetuousness, immediately gets up and runs to the tomb himself to see. Upon arriving, he discovers the burial cloths lying neatly folded, a detail that deeply puzzles him and leaves him "wondering in himself at what had happened."
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"But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened." — The way the linen cloths are described – neatly laid out and empty – is a subtle but crucial detail, suggesting the burial wrappings were deliberately removed, not discarded in a hurried theft. This…
