Luke 24:37

37 But they were full of fear, being of the opinion that they were seeing a spirit.

Luke 24:37 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 24:37

But they were terrified and affrighted
At the sight of him, and at his sudden appearance among them, without being heard, or seen before, and the doors shut and bolted; they could not tell how to account for it, that it should be Jesus himself risen from the dead in his own body, though they had been just speaking of his resurrection, and had had a confirmation of it from the disciples that went to Emmaus: and supposed that they had seen a spirit;
that what they saw was a phantom, or apparition, or a spirit, that had assumed, and appeared in, the shape of Jesus, and was not he himself.

Luke 24:37 In-Context

35 And they gave an account of the things which had taken place on the way, and how, when he gave them bread, they had knowledge of him.

36 And while they were saying these things, he himself was among them, and said to them, Peace be with you!

37 But they were full of fear, being of the opinion that they were seeing a spirit.

38 And he said to them, Why are you troubled, and why are your hearts full of doubt?

39 See; my hands and my feet: it is I myself; put your hands on me and make certain; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.