Chapter 16—In the Upper Chamber
When the disciples arrived at Jerusalem they entered the eastern
gate, which was open on festal occasions. The houses were dark and
silent, but they made their way through the narrow streets by the light
of the rising moon. They knew that they would find their brethren in the
memorable upper chamber where Jesus had spent the last night before
his death. Here the disciples had passed the Sabbath in mourning for
their Lord. And now they had no disposition to sleep, for exciting
events were being related among them. Cautious hands unbarred the
door to the repeated demand of the two travelers; they entered, and
with them also entered Jesus, who had been their unseen companion
all the way.
They found the disciples assembled, and in a state of excitement.
Hope and faith were struggling for ascendency in their minds. The
report of Mary Magdalene, and that of the other women, had been
heard by all; but some were too hopeless to believe their testimony.
The evidence of Peter, concerning his interview with the risen Lord,
was borne with great ardor and assurance, and had more weight with
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the brethren, and their faith began to revive. When the disciples
from Emmaus entered with their joyful tidings, they were met by the
exclamation from many voices: “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath
appeared to Simon.”
The two from Emmaus told their story of how the Lord had opened
their eyes, and revealed to them the straight chain of prophecy which
reached from the days of the patriarchs to that time, and foreshadowed
all that had transpired regarding their Saviour. The company heard
this report in breathless silence. Some were inspired with new faith;
others were incredulous. Suddenly Jesus himself was in their midst.
His hands were raised in blessing, and he said unto them, “Peace be
unto you.”
“But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had
seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why
do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it
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