Luke 24:4

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

Luke 24:4 (KJV)

Context

Luke 24 opens on the first day of the week, when the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Joanna—came to the tomb with spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away and, entering, did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. This verse captures their immediate reaction: they were “much perplexed” about the missing body, wondering what had become of it, where it had been removed, and by whom. The text emphasizes that they had no thought or expectation of a resurrection.

Meaning

The phrase “as they were much perplexed thereabout” highlights the women’s confusion and astonishment. They had come to mourn Jesus’ death and expected to find His body, so its absence left them searching for answers. At that moment of confusion, “two men stood by them in shining garments.” These men were angels in human form, and their garments were bright and glittering like lightning, signifying the glory and majesty of celestial spirits. The sudden appearance of two angels serves as a divine response to human perplexity, making known what they were and preparing the women for the message that follows.

Biblical connections

The presence of two witnesses is significant, reflecting the principle of establishing a matter by the mouth of two witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). The shining garments are a visual sign of the heavenly realm breaking into the earthly scene. The women’s state of mind—perplexed and without expectation of resurrection—highlights the sheer surprise and divine initiative of the event. This verse sets the stage for the angelic announcement in verse 5: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” The angels redirect the women from seeking the living among the dead to remembering Jesus’ own words about His resurrection.

Application

The women’s initial perplexity reminds us that even faithful followers of Jesus can experience confusion and doubt when faced with unexpected circumstances. Their encounter with the angels encourages us to seek God’s revelation and guidance in moments of confusion. The appearance of the angels underscores God’s intervention in the resurrection story: He sends His messengers to deliver His messages and bring comfort to those who seek Him. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and provide reassurance to His followers.

Reflection

Luke 24:4 is a crucial moment in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection. The empty tomb and the angels’ words confirm the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It affirms Jesus’ victory over sin and death and establishes the foundation of hope for all believers. The women’s confusion and the angels’ presence remind us that God often meets us in our perplexity, turning our searching into the joyful discovery of the risen Christ.