Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 24:12

"But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths by themselves; and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass." — Luke 24:12 (ASV)

At this point Luke reports the names of the women (cf. 8:1–3). While the witness of women was not acceptable in those days, nevertheless Luke records their testimony. The apostles, in their incredulity, were unable to comprehend the reality the women were trying to convey (v.11; see also vv.12, 22–24). This reluctance to believe has an important relation to the evidences for the Resurrection. The disciples were not expecting that event. Thus they cannot be called fit subjects for hallucination, as some would have them be.

The strips of linen in the tomb used in the burial of Jesus bear their silent but eloquent testimony to the absence of Jesus’ body. Peter leaves, “wondering” to himself about this (cf. v.4).