John Gill Commentary Luke 24:39

"See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having." — Luke 24:39 (ASV)

Behold my hands, and my feet The Evangelist John adds, "and side"; that is, the prints of the nails and spear, in his hands, and feet, and side; and the wounds they made there, and the scars they left behind; by which they might be convinced he was not a spirit, and be assured of the truth of his resurrection, and that in the same numerical body in which he suffered; as well as that it might be observed by them how great was his love to them, to endure what he did for them.

Handle me and see; or know by feeling, as well as by sight; so that if the one was not sufficient, the other might confirm; sight might be deceived, but feeling could not:

Apollonius Tyaneus, to them that did not know whether he was alive or dead, and who took him for a spirit, proposed himself to be touched, and handled, that they might be convinced ^F26:

for a spirit has not flesh and bones; nothing but appearance, or air at most; no solid substance to be felt and handled: as you see me have; or may perceive, both by sight and feeling.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F26: Philostratus de Vita Apollon. l. 8, c. 5.