and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive" reveals a subtle hesitation: the women aren't reporting a direct angelic encounter but saying they had a vision. This "saying" points to their own difficulty in fully grasping and articulating the incredible news, even as they relay the angels' powerful declaration.
and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Cleopas and another disciple are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, deeply troubled and discussing the events of Jesus's crucifixion. As they recount the confusing reports from the women at the tomb—that his body was missing and angels declared him alive—Jesus himself joins them, though they don't recognize him. He asks them about their sad conversation, initiating a discussion that will lead them to understand how the Scriptures foretold these very events.
The tomb was empty, and angels had spoken. Yet, the disciples' report was full of uncertainty. What does this tell us about faith and doubt?
It's fascinating that even with extraordinary evidence – an empty tomb and angelic messengers – the initial report from the women and the disciples is laced with hesitation. The verse notes they 'came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.'
Notice the phrasing: 'a vision of angels' and 'who said'. This isn't a confident declaration; it's a report of what they thought they saw and heard.
This double layer of reporting ('women saying... angels who say') highlights their confusion and perhaps their internal struggle to accept the impossible. It shows that faith isn't always an immediate, unwavering certainty. Sometimes, it's a hesitant step forward, fueled by glimpses of truth even when doubt lingers.
Angels aren't just figures in storybooks. They are heavenly beings sent by God, and their message on resurrection morning was crucial.
The appearance of angels in Luke 24:23 is significant. These aren't just random occurrences; angels are God's direct messengers, often appearing at pivotal moments in salvation history.
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Understand the original words
optasia · Greek Noun
A supernatural manifestation of a divine being or realm; in Scripture, angels act as messengers or agents of God, appearing to provide revelation or witness to the works of God.
angelos · Greek Noun
A messenger sent by God; these beings are spiritual, created ministers who surround God’s throne and carry out His commands, often acting as intermediaries between heaven and earth.
This verse captures a moment of profound confusion and burgeoning hope on the very day of Jesus' resurrection. The disciples' report, a mixture of a missing body and angelic testimony, highlights their struggle to grasp the reality of the resurrection amidst deep grief.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus of Nazareth is crucified by Roman authorities in Jerusalem and buried in a tomb.
c. AD 30, the same day— this verse
Discovery of the Empty Tomb
Women disciples go to Jesus' tomb early in the morning and find it empty, later reporting seeing angels who said Jesus was alive.
c. AD 30, same day
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus
Two disciples, Cleopas and another, travel from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing recent events, and encounter the resurrected Jesus, though they do not initially recognize him.
c. AD 30, same day
Jesus Appears to Disciples in Jerusalem
Jesus appears to his disciples in Jerusalem, including those who had seen the empty tomb and encountered him on the road to Emmaus.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances
Jesus continues to appear to his followers over a period of about 40 days, instructing them and preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives, in the presence of his disciples.
This passage describes the women at the tomb also encountering angels who declare Jesus' resurrection, mirroring the account in Luke 24:23 and highlighting the consistent angelic testimony to the resurrection.
John 20:11-13Here, Mary Magdalene sees angels at the tomb after the body is missing, and later encounters Jesus himself. This adds another layer to the 'vision of angels' mentioned in Luke, showing different individuals witnessing angelic appearances connected to the empty tomb.
Acts 1:10-11As Jesus ascends, two men in white robes appear to the disciples, similar to the angelic messengers in Luke 24:23. This passage reinforces the idea of divine messengers confirming Jesus' departure and return to heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:3-5Paul summarizes the core Gospel message, including that Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared to many. Luke 24:23 is an early account supporting this foundational truth of the resurrection being attested to by multiple witnesses and angelic declarations.
vincentLuke 24:23: "And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive."
That they had seen - which saidCleopas, absorbed in his story, throws himself back to the time of his interview with the women. Lit., "They came saying that they have seen a vision of angels which say" (λέγουσιν).
ellicottLuke 24:23: "And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive."
(23) A vision of angels. —The word for “vision” is used of what Zacharias saw in the Temple ( Luke 1:22 ), of the “visions” of which St. Paul was tempted to boast ( 2Corinthians 12:1 ). It does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament.
The phrase "they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive" reveals a subtle hesitation: the women aren't reporting a direct angelic encounter but saying they had a vision. This "saying" points to their own difficulty in fully grasping and articulating the incredible news, even as they relay the angels' powerful declaration.
Cleopas and another disciple are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, deeply troubled and discussing the events of Jesus's crucifixion. As they recount the confusing reports from the women at the tomb—that his body was missing and angels declared him alive—Jesus himself joins them, though they don't recognize him. He asks them about their sad conversation, initiating a discussion that will lead them to understand how the Scriptures foretold these very events.
Cleopas and another disciple are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, deeply troubled and discussing the events of Jesus's crucifixion. As they recount the confusing reports from the women at the tomb—that his body was missing and angels declared him alive—Jesus himself joins them, though they don't recognize him. He asks them about their sad conversation, initiating a discussion that will lead them to understand how the Scriptures foretold these very events.
"and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive." — The phrase "they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive" reveals a subtle hesitation: the women aren't reporting a direct angelic encounter but saying they had a vision. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026