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(1st C.)
Other names: Cleophas
Biographical
The biblical figure Cleopas is mentioned only in the Gospel of Luke, in the account of the Road to Emmaus appearance of Jesus (Luke 24:13-32). He is one of two disciples who are walking to Emmaus, a village over the hills from Jerusalem, on the day of Jesus' resurrection. They are discussing the events of the previous days, and how Jesus had been crucified, but then had risen from the dead. As they are walking, Jesus joins them, but they do not recognise him. He asks them what they are talking about, and they tell him about their hopes that Jesus was the Messiah who would deliver Israel. Jesus then begins to explain the Scriptures to them, showing them how they all point to his death and resurrection. When they arrive at Emmaus, the disciples invite Jesus to stay with them. As they sit down to eat, Jesus breaks bread and gives thanks. At that moment, the disciples' eyes are opened and they recognise him. He then disappears from their sight. Luke does not mention the identity of Cleopas' companion, and nothing is known with certainty of Cleopas. He has been identified with Clopas, due to the similarity of the name, but without any evidence. The location of Emmaus is likewise not known. The old Roman Martyrology stated that he was martyred in his residence at Emmaus by the Jews, but there was no evidence to support this. His feast day is the 25th of September.
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