Luke 24:12 describes Peter's reaction to the news of the empty tomb. Let's break it down:
"But Peter got up and ran to the tomb." After hearing the women's report that Jesus' body was missing from the tomb, Peter (driven by disbelief, curiosity, or hope) doesn't just dismiss it; he takes action and runs to investigate.
"Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves..." When Peter arrives, he sees the linen cloths that had been used to wrap Jesus' body. The fact that they were "lying by themselves" is significant. The tomb wasn't just empty, the burial cloths were still there, but the body was gone. This suggests that the body wasn't stolen (as thieves would likely have taken the body and the valuable linens).
"...and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened." Peter leaves the tomb without finding Jesus or a clear explanation. He is left in a state of wonder and confusion. He doesn't yet understand the resurrection. The empty tomb and the undisturbed linen cloths are perplexing. He is pondering the impossible.
In essence, the verse shows:
Peter's initial skepticism: He needs to see for himself.
The physical evidence: The empty tomb and the unusual state of the burial cloths.
Peter's lack of understanding: He is perplexed and doesn't yet grasp the significance of the resurrection. He's still processing the implications of what he saw.
The verse highlights the dawning realization that something extraordinary has happened. While Peter isn't yet convinced of the resurrection, the scene sets the stage for his later understanding and acceptance of Jesus' triumph over death.
Luke 24:12 describes Peter's reaction to the news of the empty tomb. Let's break it down:
"But Peter got up and ran to the tomb." After hearing the women's report that Jesus' body was missing from the tomb, Peter (driven by disbelief, curiosity, or hope) doesn't just dismiss it; he takes action and runs to investigate.
"Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves..." When Peter arrives, he sees the linen cloths that had been used to wrap Jesus' body. The fact that they were "lying by themselves" is significant. The tomb wasn't just empty, the burial cloths were still there, but the body was gone. This suggests that the body wasn't stolen (as thieves would likely have taken the body and the valuable linens).
"...and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened." Peter leaves the tomb without finding Jesus or a clear explanation. He is left in a state of wonder and confusion. He doesn't yet understand the resurrection. The empty tomb and the undisturbed linen cloths are perplexing. He is pondering the impossible.
In essence, the verse shows:
Peter's initial skepticism: He needs to see for himself.
The physical evidence: The empty tomb and the unusual state of the burial cloths.
Peter's lack of understanding: He is perplexed and doesn't yet grasp the significance of the resurrection. He's still processing the implications of what he saw.
The verse highlights the dawning realization that something extraordinary has happened. While Peter isn't yet convinced of the resurrection, the scene sets the stage for his later understanding and acceptance of Jesus' triumph over death.