Luke 24:49

the promise of my Father both in the Prophecies of the Old Testament (Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 36:26; Joel 2:28) and by His own mouth (John 14:16-17; John 14:20; John 15:26; John 16:7). Comp. Acts 1:4-5; Acts 1:8. It is difficult not to see in this expression a distinct allusionto the discourses which are recordedby St John alone.

until ye be endued Rather, until ye put on the garment of. For the metaphor see Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:24, &c. We are unclothed till we receive heavenly gifts. "They had been washed (John 15:3), now the clothing is promised." Bengel.

There are ten recorded appearances of the Risen Christ (including that at the Ascension), of which St Luke only narrates three (the 4th, 5th, and 10th), though he alludes to others (e.g. the 3rd). They are

1. To Mary of Magdala. John 20:11-17 (- Noli me tangere") Mark 16:9.

2. To other women, who adore Him. Matthew 28:9-10.

3. To Peter. Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5.

4. To the Disciples on the way to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13.

5. To ten Apostles and others. Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Mark 16:14.

6. To the Eleven Apostles. The incredulity of Thomas removed. John 20:26-29.

7. To seven Apostles at the Lake of Galilee. John 21:1-24.

8. To five hundred on a hill of Galilee. Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:6.

9. To James, the Lord's brother. 1 Corinthians 15:7.

10. Before the Ascension. Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:6-9.

Since more Appearances of the Risen Christ than those here narrated were well known to St Paul (1 Corinthians 15:5-7), it may be regarded as certain that they were known also to St Luke. If he here omits them it must be borne in mind (i) that neither he nor any of the Evangelists profess to furnish a complete narrative; (2) that St Luke especially shews a certain -economy" (as has been already pointed out) in only narrating typicalincidents; (iii) that he is here hastening to the close of his Gospel; and (iv) that he has other particulars to add in the Acts of the Apostles.