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)
The detail about the burial cloths being "laid by themselves" is a crucial clue that the resurrection wasn't a hurried theft; it suggests an orderly departure, a stark contrast to the chaos and haste usually associated with such a crime. This seemingly minor observation points to a deliberate and peaceful exit, a powerful, silent witness to Christ's victory over death.
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)
After the women discovered the empty tomb and heard from angels that Jesus was alive, they rushed to tell the disciples. While the apostles initially dismissed the women's accounts as "idle tales," Peter, stirred by the news, immediately ran to the tomb himself. There, he saw the burial cloths lying undisturbed, a detail that, though puzzling, deeply impressed him.
When faced with the impossible – an empty tomb – Peter doesn't just see absence. He sees a deliberate arrangement that screams 'Resurrection!'
Imagine Peter's heart pounding as he races to the tomb. He's likely expecting a scene of disarray, perhaps the body stolen. But what he finds is anything but chaotic.
A Careful Arrangement
The linen cloths, which had tightly bound Jesus' body, were not just tossed aside. They were neatly folded and laid by themselves. This wasn't the messy work of a thief trying to quickly snatch a body. Thieves work in haste and disorder.
The Evidence of Absence
This deliberate placement is a powerful, silent testimony. It suggests that the body wasn't removed by human hands in a rush. It implies a peaceful, orderly departure, something only possible if Jesus had truly risen from the dead. The very 'emptiness' spoke volumes because of how it was left.
Peter's dash to the tomb is a study in contrasts: the man who denied Jesus now runs towards the evidence of His victory. What transforms his perspective?
Peter's journey to the tomb is significant because of where he'd just been – denying Jesus three times. Now, he's not fleeing but running towards the scene.
A Race Against Doubt
While other disciples might have been paralyzed by fear or disbelief, Peter's impulse is action. He runs. This suggests a dawning hope, an eagerness to see for himself, perhaps to undo his past cowardice with present courage.
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The Seed of Faith
Seeing the empty tomb and the orderly grave clothes ignites a profound sense of wonder. It's not yet full, confident belief, but it's a critical step. He 'departed, wondering.' This amazement is the fertile ground where his faith will regrow after its devastating collapse. He leaves not with answers, but with a powerful, life-altering question: 'What happened here?'
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.
This moment captures Peter's immediate, almost impulsive reaction to the astonishing news of Jesus' resurrection. It highlights the disorientation and wonder that gripped the disciples as they grappled with the reality of an empty tomb and the implications of their Lord's return to life.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Crucified and Buried
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified and his body is laid in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea.
Early Sunday Morning, c. AD 30
Women Visit the Empty Tomb
A group of women, including Mary Magdalene, arrive at Jesus' tomb to anoint his body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
Early Sunday Morning, c. AD 30— this verse
Peter and John Rush to the Tomb
Upon hearing about the empty tomb from the women, Peter and the disciple John (referred to as 'the other disciple') run to investigate.
Sunday, c. AD 30
Resurrection Appearances Begin
Jesus begins to appear to his followers, starting with Mary Magdalene, then to his disciples, confirming the resurrection and commissioning them.
This passage directly complements Luke's account by detailing John's arrival at the tomb alongside Peter, highlighting their shared yet distinct experiences of discovery.
John 20:5-7This passage provides crucial details omitted by Luke, specifically Peter's observation of the orderly arrangement of the burial cloths, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the resurrection rather than a theft.
Acts 1:3This verse shows how Peter, post-resurrection, was continually presented with evidence of Jesus's life, including appearances after his resurrection, reinforcing the marvel Peter felt in Luke 24:12.
1 Corinthians 15:4-5This passage lists Peter as one of the first witnesses to the resurrected Christ, underscoring the significance of Peter's personal encounter and subsequent wonder described in Luke.
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 detail about the burial cloths being "laid by themselves" is a crucial clue that the resurrection wasn't a hurried theft; it suggests an orderly departure, a stark contrast to the chaos and haste usually associated with such a crime. This seemingly minor observation points to a deliberate and peaceful exit, a powerful, silent witness to Christ's victory over death.
After the women discovered the empty tomb and heard from angels that Jesus was alive, they rushed to tell the disciples. While the apostles initially dismissed the women's accounts as "idle tales," Peter, stirred by the news, immediately ran to the tomb himself. There, he saw the burial cloths lying undisturbed, a detail that, though puzzling, deeply impressed him.
After the women discovered the empty tomb and heard from angels that Jesus was alive, they rushed to tell the disciples. While the apostles initially dismissed the women's accounts as "idle tales," Peter, stirred by the news, immediately ran to the tomb himself. There, he saw the burial cloths lying undisturbed, a detail that, though puzzling, deeply impressed him.
"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 detail about the burial cloths being "laid by themselves" is a crucial clue that the resurrection wasn't a hurried theft; it suggests an orderly departure, a stark contrast to the chaos and haste…
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Last reviewed October 2026