New Testament
Luke 24:11
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But their words seemed like idle tales to the apostles, and they did not believe them.
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And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
What Luke 24:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the apostles are confronted with the news of Jesus' resurrection from the women who visited the tomb. However, the apostles dismiss their report as mere 'idle tales,' indicating their disbelief and skepticism. This reaction highlights the struggle to accept miraculous events, especially when they challenge existing beliefs. The term 'idle tales' suggests that the apostles viewed the women's words as nonsensical or frivolous. Their initial doubt reflects a common human response to extraordinary claims, emphasizing the need for faith and openness to the unexpected. This moment sets the stage for the eventual revelation of Jesus to the apostles, illustrating the journey from doubt to belief. It serves as a reminder that faith often requires overcoming skepticism and being receptive to new truths, even when they seem unbelievable at first.
How to apply Luke 24:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain open-minded and receptive to new ideas, especially those that challenge our beliefs. It reminds us that faith often requires overcoming initial doubts. We should listen to others' experiences and testimonies, as they may reveal truths we have yet to understand.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1–12)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 24:11 mean?
Luke 24:11 describes the apostles' reaction to the women's report of Jesus' resurrection. They dismissed the news as 'idle tales,' reflecting their disbelief and skepticism about such a miraculous event.
What is the significance of 'idle tales' in Luke 24:11?
The phrase 'idle tales' indicates that the apostles viewed the women's testimony as frivolous or nonsensical. This highlights their initial doubt and the challenge of accepting extraordinary claims.
How does Luke 24:11 relate to faith?
Luke 24:11 emphasizes the struggle between doubt and faith. The apostles' initial disbelief serves as a reminder that accepting new truths often requires overcoming skepticism.
What can we learn from Luke 24:11?
Luke 24:11 teaches us the importance of being open-minded and receptive to new ideas, especially those that challenge our beliefs. It encourages us to listen to others' experiences, as they may reveal important truths.
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