On the first day of the week, the women visit Jesus' tomb and find it empty. Two angels appear and announce that Jesus has risen, reminding them of His prophecy about His resurrection.
Theological significance
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming Jesus' victory over death and His divine nature. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions.
In the broader story
The resurrection is central to the Gospel message, confirming Jesus as the Messiah and providing the basis for the hope of eternal life for believers.
Two disciples encounter the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize Him until He breaks bread with them, at which point their eyes are opened.
Theological significance
This event illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself through Scripture and the breaking of bread, symbolizing the Eucharist. It emphasizes the importance of understanding Scripture to recognize Jesus.
In the broader story
The encounter on the road to Emmaus highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Jesus.
Jesus appears to His disciples, offering them peace and showing His wounds as proof of His resurrection. He explains the Scriptures concerning Himself and commissions them to preach repentance and forgiveness.
Theological significance
This appearance underscores the reality of the resurrection and the continuity of Jesus' mission. It highlights the disciples' role in spreading the Gospel and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
In the broader story
Jesus' commissioning of the disciples sets the stage for the spread of the Gospel in Acts and the establishment of the Church.
Jesus leads His disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends into heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God in the temple.
Theological significance
The ascension signifies Jesus' exaltation and the completion of His earthly ministry. It marks the beginning of His heavenly intercession and the anticipation of His return.
In the broader story
The ascension is a pivotal moment that transitions to the era of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as described in the Book of Acts.
In the order the chapter tells them. The corpus records sequence, not dates — biblical chronology is contested, and this does not take a position on it.