1 sn The term pure nonsense can describe idle talk or a tale. The point is important, since the disciples reacted with disbelief that a resurrection was possible. Sometimes it is thought the ancients were gullible enough to believe anything. But these disciples needed convincing about the resurrection.
2 tn Grk “And it happened that while.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
3 tn This term suggests emotional dialogue and can thus be translated “debated.”
4 tn The phrase “these things” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
5 sn The two disciples will not be allowed to recognize Jesus until v. 31.
6 tn This is an epexegetical (i.e., explanatory) infinitive in Greek.
7 sn This parenthetical remark by the author is necessary so the reader will understand the account.
8 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
9 tn Grk “words,” but the term λόγος (logos) can refer to “matters” rather than only “words” (BDAG 600 s.v. 1.a.ε).
10 tn “Discussing so intently” translates the reciprocal idea conveyed by πρὸς ἀλλήλους (pro" allhlou"). The term ἀντιβάλλω (antiballw), used only here in the NT, has the nuance of “arguing” or “debating” a point (the English idiom “to exchange words” also comes close).
11 tn Grk “answering him, said.” This is redundant in English and has been simplified in the translation.
12 sn There is irony and almost a sense of mocking disbelief as the question “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” comes to Jesus; but, of course, the readers know what the travelers do not.
13 tn Grk “in it” (referring to the city of Jerusalem).
14 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
15 tn This translates the Greek term ἀνήρ (anhr).
16 sn The role of Jesus as prophet is a function Luke frequently mentions: 4:25-27; 9:35; 13:31-35.
17 sn Handed him over is another summary of the passion like Luke 9:22.
18 sn See the note on crucify in 23:21.
19 tn The imperfect verb looks back to the view that they held during Jesus’ past ministry.
20 sn Their messianic hope concerning Jesus is expressed by the phrase who was going to redeem Israel.
21 sn The account in 24:1-12 is repeated here, and it is clear that the other disciples were not convinced by the women, but could not explain the events either.
22 tn In the Greek text this is a continuation of the previous sentence, but because of the length and complexity of the construction a new sentence was started here in the translation.
23 sn The men in dazzling attire mentioned in v. 4 are identified as angels here.
24 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
25 tn Here the pronoun αὐτόν (auton), referring to Jesus, is in an emphatic position. The one thing they lacked was solid evidence that he was alive.
26 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the disciples’ inability to believe in Jesus’ resurrection.
27 tn Grk “O,” an interjection used both in address and emotion (BDAG 1101 s.v. 1).
28 tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is supplied to complete the interjection.
29 sn The rebuke is for failure to believe the promise of scripture, a theme that will appear in vv. 43-47 as well.
30 tn On the syntax of this infinitival construction, see BDAG 364-65 s.v. ἐπί 6.b.
31 sn The disciples were still not comfortable at this point thinking that this could be Jesus raised from the dead. Instead they thought they saw a spirit.
32 tc This is not a reference to “a phantom” as read by the Western ms D. For πνεῦμα (pneuma) having the force of “ghost,” or “an independent noncorporeal being, in contrast to a being that can be perceived by the physical senses,” see BDAG 833-34 s.v. πνεῦμα 4.
33 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
34 tn Or “disturbed,” “troubled.”
35 tn The expression here is an idiom; see BDAG 58 s.v. ἀναβαίνω 2. Here καρδία (kardia) is a collective singular; the expression has been translated as plural in English.
sn Jesus calls the disciples to faith with a gentle rebuke about doubts and a gracious invitation to see for themselves the evidence of his resurrection.
36 tn Grk “that it is I myself.”
37 tn See tc note on “ghost” in v. 37.