Then the disciples
The term "disciples" here refers specifically to Peter and John, who had just visited the empty tomb of Jesus. In the broader context of the New Testament, "disciples" often refers to the twelve apostles, but it can also include a larger group of followers. The focus on Peter and John highlights their leadership roles among the apostles, as seen in other passages such as Acts 3:1-11 and Galatians 2:9.

returned
The act of returning signifies a transition from the extraordinary event of discovering the empty tomb back to their ordinary lives. This moment reflects a period of confusion and uncertainty for the disciples, as they had not yet fully understood the resurrection. The return also sets the stage for the subsequent appearances of Jesus, which would clarify and confirm the reality of His resurrection.

to their homes
The phrase "to their homes" indicates a return to a place of familiarity and safety. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, homes were central to family life and community. This return may symbolize a temporary retreat to process the events they had witnessed. It also contrasts with the later gathering of the disciples in the upper room, where they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). The mention of "homes" underscores the personal and communal impact of the resurrection, as the disciples would soon be called to spread the Gospel beyond their immediate surroundings.

1. The Disciples
Specifically, Peter and John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) are the focus here. They had just visited the empty tomb of Jesus.

2. The Empty Tomb
The place where Jesus was laid after His crucifixion, now found empty by the disciples.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

4. Mary Magdalene
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, she is a key figure in the surrounding account, having discovered the empty tomb first.

5. The Resurrection
The pivotal event of Christianity, which the empty tomb signifies, though not fully understood by the disciples at this point.Understanding in Stages
The disciples returned home without fully understanding the resurrection. This teaches us that spiritual understanding often comes in stages and requires patience and faith.

The Importance of Witness
The disciples' initial reaction to the empty tomb highlights the importance of being witnesses to Christ's resurrection, even when full understanding is lacking.

Faith in Uncertainty
Returning home symbolizes a return to normalcy amidst uncertainty. Believers are called to have faith even when circumstances are unclear.

Preparation for Mission
The disciples' return home can be seen as a time of preparation before their mission begins, reminding us of the importance of preparation in our spiritual journeys.

Hope in the Resurrection
The empty tomb is a symbol of hope and victory over death, encouraging believers to live in the light of the resurrection.(10) Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.--More exactly, of course, to their lodgings in Jerusalem. They had accomplished the object of their visit to the sepulchre. One, at least, had realised, and he must have told his thoughts to his friend, that the Lord was not to be looked for in the empty grave, and that Mary's fears (John 20:2) were groundless. No enemies had taken the body away. They return, then, with hearts filled with this truth, to ponder over its meaning, or to tell it to others of the Eleven, or to wonder and to wait until He should come again to them, as He had promised.

Verse 10. - The disciples then again departed to their own homes. Πρὸς αὐτοῦς corresponds with Luke 24:12, to the πρὸς ἑαυτόν to which Peter returned. Here, again, there is a vivid touch of individuality. John's own home contained the mother of the Lord. Around Peter were gathered the other apostles, and they were shortly to be joined by John himself. To them the more detailed report of the language of the angel would be repeated a hundred times. The "other Mary," Salome, Joanna, all press the wondrous assurance upon the eleven, as they mourned and wept, and for the most part were either bewildered or unbelieving. The two disciples start for Emmaus, and all that these knew as yet was that "certain women affirmed the tomb to be empty, that they had seen a vision of angels, which declared him to be alive," and "that certain of our company had visited the sepulcher, and found it even as the women 'had said, but him they saw not" (Luke 24:22-24).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθηταί (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

returned
Ἀπῆλθον (Apēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 565: From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

their [homes].
αὑτοὺς (hautous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 848: Her own, his own, their own, themselves, they. Contracted for heautou; self.


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NT Gospels: John 20:10 So the disciples went away again (Jhn Jo Jn)