Who were the two disciples who encountered the risen Christ on the way to Emmaus?
Some scholars have suggested that one of them was St. Cleopas, who is remembered on September 25. Emmaus was said to be the birthplace of Cleopas, and, perhaps, he was headed home after the crucifixion.
Another tradition says that Cleopas was accompanied by his wife, Mary, on this trip to Emmaus, but there is little hsitorical evidence to support that claim. Mary was said to have eventually traveled to either Spain or France as a missionary.
Finally, St. Ambrose called the other disciple Amaon, i.e., another native of Emmaus. Origen calls him Simon, while other suggest he was Nathanel or even St. Luke (although Luke never saw Jesus).
Only Luke's Gospel gives a name to one of the travelers to Emmaus, Cleopas.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw