Saint Cleopas of the 70

Commemorated on October 30

Cleopas is first mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.  He is one of the 70 first Apostle of Christ.

Cleopas first encountered Christ on the Sunday of the resurrection. He was accompanied by a friend who we assume to be Apostle Luke. They were discussing the news of Christ’s tomb being empty, as they were unsure to believe the women’s testimony. While they were speaking, a stranger approached and asked what they were discussing. When they explained their disbelief in the resurrection, the stranger boldly scolds them for their lack of faith, and reminds them of the prophecies regarding a Messiah.

The Holy Aposlte Luke and Cleopas then invite the stranger to dinner. Their eyes were “kept from knowing him”, and it was not until after the stranger breaks the bread at the meal it was revealed that he was Christ, as their “eyes had been opened.” Christ then disappeared from the meal to leave them all to dwell on what took place.

Cleopas and his companion, then traveled to Jerusalem to reveal the miracle that had occurred. When they had arrived, they learned that another Apostle had seen Christ resurrected as well.

Cleopas also traveled to several cities before Christ arrived to preach and prepare the villagers for his presence. Christ said to the 70, including Cleopas, “Do not give focus on the world. If you see those that you know, do not stop or greet them. Remember your mission!”

107 AD

 Cleopas was firm in the faith and had a rich love for Christ. He continued to preach the word of God after the Ascension.  Cleopas gave his whole life unto God and had no tie to worldly pleasures.

After the Romans went to Jerusalem and destroyed the city in 70 AD, the Christians of the holy land appointed Cleopas Bishop. In 82 AD after Christ the King Domitian gave the poison of a scorpion in the hopes to kill him. He also mixed together other poisons but Cleopas survived.

In 98 AD the emperor had then become Trajan, another pagan ruler. A high ranking official Atticus was given report from many that Cleopas was a Christian. From this, Cleopas was questioned, and we he refused to deny Christ, he was sentenced to gruesome tortures.

In the year 107 AD, He  was then crucified on a cross at the age of 120.

We honor this great Saint Cleopas  for helping to spread the early church to many.