The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek mathētēs (“disciple,” learner/follower); one is named Cleopas (Greek Kleopas, likely a shortened form related to “glory”).
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: Luke 24:13–35
• Key Connections: Jesus (as the unrecognized traveler), the Eleven and those gathered in Jerusalem (Luke 24:33)

Who was The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus?

They were two followers of Jesus traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection (Luke 24:13).
One of them is identified as Cleopas; the other remains unnamed (Luke 24:18).
They discussed Jesus’ death and reports of the empty tomb, expressing confusion and disappointment (Luke 24:19–24).
After recognizing Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to inform the wider disciple group (Luke 24:33–35).

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: They encountered the risen Jesus, who explained “the things concerning himself” from the Scriptures while walking with them (Luke 24:15–27).
• Event 2: They recognized him in the breaking of the bread, after which he vanished from their sight (Luke 24:30–31).
• Event 3: They immediately returned to Jerusalem and reported what happened to the gathered disciples (Luke 24:33–35).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Their account shows how the resurrection was confirmed through Scripture, shared meals, and eyewitness testimony within the early circle of Jesus’ followers.

Key Verse

"When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them." — Luke 24:30, NIV