Lucas 24:13-15

And behold, two of them went—to—Emmaus,— The same day on which our Lord arose, one of his disciples, named Cleopas or Alpheus, the husband of Mary, who was sister of our Lord's mother, and who, in the history of his resurrection, is called Mary the mother of James, was travelling to Emmaus, a village about seven miles distant from Jerusalem, in company with another disciple whose name is not mentioned, and who, for that reason, is by some supposed to have been St. Luke himself; see on Lucas 24:34. These two were in the utmost dejection on account of their Master's death; insomuch that their grief appeared visible in their countenances, Lucas 24:17. Moreover, as they went along, they talked of the things which sat heavier on their spirits: they argued the point together; for the word συζητειν, Lucas 24:15 rendered reasoned, signifies to discuss, examine, or inquire together; and it appears from the connection, that as they were discoursing on the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the scope of their inquiry was, how to reconcile these events with what had been foretold concerning the Messiah; which by the message that the women had but just before brought from the angels, they were particularly called upon to remember.

Comp. Lucas 24:6 with ch. Lucas 18:31. Accordingly, when Jesus inquired, Lucas 24:17. What arguments are these that ye are debating one with another,—for so it should more properly be rendered,—this is the point which he took occasion to illustrate and explain, Lucas 24:26 by shewing them that it was necessary, in accomplishment of what was foretold, that Christ should suffer these things, and so should enter into his glory; and with this view, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Our Lord overtook these two disciples as he seemed to be coming himself from Jerusalem; which shews the propriety of Cleopas's reply, Lucas 24:18.

Art thou a stranger, &c.? Probably the disciples had just left the city when Jesus came up with them; for on any other supposition, he could not probably have had time to deliver all the things which the evangelist tells us he spake to them. See Lucas 24:27.