Cleopas
“Of a renowned father”
Summary
One of the two disciples who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus on the day of His resurrection.
☩The Journey to Emmaus
On the day of Jesus' resurrection, Cleopas and another disciple were walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus, about seven miles distant (Luke 24:13). They were discussing the events of Christ's crucifixion and the reports of his empty tomb when Jesus himself joined them, though they were prevented from recognizing him. When Jesus asked what they were discussing, Cleopas responded with surprise that he alone seemed unaware of the things that had happened in Jerusalem concerning Jesus of Nazareth.
☩Christ's Teaching and Revelation
The two disciples described their dashed hopes that Jesus 'would have redeemed Israel,' despite reports from the women that angels had declared him alive (Luke 24:21-24). Jesus then expounded to them from Moses and all the prophets the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Their hearts 'burned within them' as he opened the Scriptures. When they arrived at Emmaus and constrained him to stay, Jesus was revealed to them in the breaking of bread, then vanished from their sight.
☩Identity and Distinction
The name Cleopas is a Greek name, a contraction of Cleopatros, meaning 'of a renowned father.' He should likely be distinguished from Clopas (or Cleophas) mentioned in John 19:25 as the husband of Mary, which is an Aramaic name equivalent to Alphaeus. While some have identified them as the same person, the difference in names and contexts suggests they are distinct individuals.
Related Verses1 mention
Luke· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cleopas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Cleopas," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).