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Have you ever wondered who Cleopas in the Bible is? He is mentioned only once in only one of the gospels, however the lesson we can learn from it and apply to our walks in Christ is worthy of a thousand words.
In this article, we will examine Cleopas’ appearance towards the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and take a quick look at the mention of his wife to understand that lesson.
Who is Cleopas in the Bible?
Cleopas in the Bible is a follower of Jesus, a disciple, but not one of the twelve. His only appearance is in Luke 24, with verse 18 being the only time in that passage that his name is said.
“Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
Luke 24:18 (ESV)
Prior to this question by Cleopas, Cleopas and another disciple/follower of Jesus who is not specified, are on their way to Emmaus following the discovery that Jesus‘ body was not in the tomb.
The two men, Cleopas and his companion, were discussing the rather mind-boggling events that had happened over the last three days; those events being the death and burial of Jesus as well as the disappearance of his body from the tomb, despite it’s guarding by roman soldiers. On their journey to Emmaus, Jesus himself in his resurrected body came alongside the men, but kept them from recognizing him.
Cleopas asks his question in verse 24 in response to Jesus, who is just some guy as far as Cleopas is currently aware, asking them what they are talking about. Jesus and the two men continue into conversation about the events in Jerusalem, and it becomes apparent that Cleopas is now in doubt that Jesus was truly the Messiah as he says:
“But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.”
Luke 24:21 (ESV)
Jesus countered this doubt, still without revealing his identity to the men, by telling them that their is still time for the prophecies to come true, and that it was necessary for the Christ to die in order to raise from the dead, as the scriptures have always said.
Whenever Cleopas, his companion, and Jesus arrived at Emmaus, the two followers of Jesus begged for Jesus to stay with them for dinner, or perhaps for the night.
It was, finally, at the dinner table over the breaking and blessing of bread that the second man and Cleopas recognize Jesus. However, Jesus vanished the moment that they did.
Realizing that it was Jesus himself that had been talking with them the whole time, Cleopas and his companion were cured of their doubt. They found the eleven disciples and excitedly told them that Jesus had indeed risen!
This marks the end of any account of Cleopas in the Bible, however is name is mentioned one other time.
The Wife of Cleopas
The wife of Cleopas was one of three Mary’s that were standing by the cross in the process of Jesus’ crucifixion.
“but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”
John 19:25 (ESV)
It is believed that Cleopas and Clopas were the same person.
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Significance of Cleopas
The significance of Cleopas in the Bible, as well as his wife, through their brief inclusion in Jesus’ earthly ministry shows Jesus’ true impartiality and love for all.
Starting with Cleopas himself, He is clearly not one of the traditionally well-known people of the Bible, such as the core group of 12 disciples, the Apostle Paul, King David, etc. However, his brief inclusion in the Gospel of Luke proves Jesus’ perception of importance upon each and every one of his people. Whether he had a big story or not, Cleopas was a man in doubt and Jesus made it a point to ease that doubt and strengthen his faith.
Similarly, the Cleopas’ wife, Mary, was one of the three Marys right beside the cross in the midst of the crucifixion. This shows the same concept of impartiality and love as “In that culture, women were dismissed as powerless, weak, and easily abused,” however, “Jesus did much to dispel those myths”.
Though Cleopas in the Bible, along with the mention of his wife, are fleeting images, don’t let the teaching we can draw from them be fleeting, too. No matter who you are and how significant you may or may not think you are in the Kingdom of God, you are Jesus’ treasure, worth every effort of redemption, comfort, peace, and all things we are offered in salvation.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
Whenever you are feeling down in your faith, whether that be because of doubt, anxiety, failure, and whatever else our earthly lives can throw our way, Jesus will personally extend his hand out to you to pull you out and strengthen your faith.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5 (ESV)
You may enjoy this video on Cleopas in the Bible:
You also may be interested in the below resource for further study:
THE TESTIMONY OF CLEOPAS FROM EMMAUS: A Basic Study of Scripture Concerning Jesus by Curtis D. Klinger
ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”