Emmaus
Overview
- Testament: New
- Location: ~7 miles (60 stadia) northwest of Jerusalem; exact site disputed
- Key Passages: Luke 24:13–35
- Associated Book: Luke
Summary
Emmaus is the village destination of the two disciples — Cleopas and an unnamed companion — on the afternoon of the Resurrection. Jesus joins them on the road unrecognized, opens the Scriptures to them, and reveals himself in the breaking of bread at Emmaus before vanishing. The disciples return immediately to Jerusalem to report to the Eleven.
The village’s exact location is debated — four sites have been proposed, with Emmaus Nicopolis (modern Amwas) and Abu Ghosh (Qubeibe) being the most common candidates. Luke’s “sixty stadia” (~7 miles) fits the shorter routes. The site is less important than the event: Emmaus is the place where the risen Jesus is recognized in the Word and the sacrament, the prototype of every subsequent encounter with the living Christ in Scripture and Eucharist.
Key Events
| Event | Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Emmaus Road | Luke 24:13–35 | Jesus walks with two disciples; Scripture opened; recognized in bread-breaking |
Cross-References
- Jerusalem — the departure point; the disciples return there immediately after recognizing Jesus
- Cleopas — the named disciple on the road
- Resurrection — the Emmaus appearance is one of several post-Resurrection encounters in Luke 24