36-49 . Appearance of Jesus to the Apostles.

36. stood in the midst of them The words imply a sudden appearance. The Eleven, with the exception of Thomas the Twin, were sitting at supper with the doors closed through their fear of the Jews (John 20:19). This is one of the most remarkable appearances of the Risen Christ. His intercourse with them on this occasion consisted of a greeting (Luke 24:36); a reproach and consolation (Luke 24:38; Mark 16:14); a demonstration of the reality of His person (Luke 24:39-43; John 20:20); an opening of their understandings (Luke 24:44-46 );an appointment of the Apostles to the ministries of remission and witness (Luke 24:47-48; John 19:21; John 19:23); a promise of the Spirit, for the fulfilment of which they were to wait in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49). At the close of this great scene He once more pronounced the benediction of Peace, and breathed on them with the words -Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22). It is doubtless the extreme fulness with which St Luke has narrated this appearance which led him in accordance with his economy of method to omit some of the other appearances.

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