Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 24:7

"saying that the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." — Luke 24:7 (ASV)

The angels show the meaning of the empty tomb by repeating the essence of the three passion predictions (9:22, 43–45; 18:31–33). They begin with the words “Remember how he told you,” perhaps implying that what the women should have understood earlier the Resurrection has now clarified. The third prediction (18:31–33) was followed by a statement that the saying was obscure, hidden from them (18:34; cf. also 24:16). The Resurrection is the time for revelation and understanding (v.8). Luke centers the rest of his attention on Jesus’ appearances in the vicinity of Jerusalem, the city of destiny in Luke .

Luke’s frequent use of “must” (GK 1256) and other expressions of divine purpose have already been noted throughout this commentary (e.g., 2:49; 4:43; 19:5). It occurs in the first passion prediction (9:22), and in 13:33; 17:25; 22:37. Chapter 24 contains two more references to the inevitable sequence of Jesus’ death and resurrection (vv.25–27, 44–46). Luke’s stress on God’s plan and providence continues throughout Acts.