Disciple on the road to Emmaus
Cleopas
One of two disciples walking to the village of Emmaus on the day of the resurrection who talked with the risen Jesus for miles without recognizing him.
Life and work
On the very day of the resurrection, Cleopas and an unnamed companion were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the events of Jesus's crucifixion, when Jesus himself joined them on the road. They didn't recognize him, and Cleopas, apparently astonished that this stranger seemed unaware of the news shaking Jerusalem, recounted the whole story of Jesus's death and the women's report of an empty tomb. Jesus then walked them through how the Scriptures pointed to the Messiah's suffering, and it was only when he sat down to eat with them and broke the bread that their eyes were opened and they recognized him — at which point he vanished from their sight. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples (Luke 24:13-35).
Extra-biblical evidence
No extra-biblical record of Cleopas survives outside Luke's Gospel.
Scripture references
- Luke 24:13-35 — Walks with the risen Jesus to Emmaus without recognizing him
- Luke 24:18 — Named as one of the two travelers
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