Lucas 2

Lucas 2

Ellicott says Simeon was "in a spiritual state in which the power of the Divine Spirit was the pervading element." This indicates Simeon had willing surrendered his will to the will of God! (Have you? Have I?) The HCSB's "guided by the Spirit" would seem to be an accurate paraphrase. The identical phrase in the Spirit is used by John in the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:10; Rev. 4:2; Rev. 17:3; Rev. 21:10, cf the Spirit's leading in Ezek 8:3, Lk 4:1, Mt 4:1) which is fascinating for here Simeon in the Spirit will soon also experience a literal revelation of Jesus Christ! The Temple is hieron referring to the entire Temple complex not naos which is the inner holy sanctuary. Both the NET and NIV have into the Temple courts for the NAS phase into the temple. The temple courts (see diagram above) would refer to the larger temple area. Simeon was either in the court of the Gentiles (#12 in the diagram) or the court of women (#9 in the diagram), either of which Mary would be allowed to enter by Jewish regulations. The time is 41 days after the birth of Jesus (purification after birth took 40 days) as Joseph and Mary came to offer a burnt and sin offering at the Temple because of her ceremonial uncleanness at the deliverance of her first born Son. THOUGHT - Notice God's perfect timing with the phrase when the parents brought in the child, reflecting His absolute sovereign control of the timing of these seemingly random events (with God there are NO random or chance events!) -- the Spirit brings Simeon into the Temple the very time Joseph and Mary bring Jesus into the Temple! Why are we so fearful of keeping in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25NIV+)? After all, He desires only our ultimate good and God's great glory! In the Spirit - This is the third time the Holy Spirit is mentioned associated with Simeon (and they are no other uses in Luke 2). Clearly this man was a Spirit filled, Spirit controlled man (Eph 5:18+). He came in in in the Spirit’s power and leading. Simeon was under the influence of the Holy Spirit and guided by the Spirit. And beloved we too should be continually IN THE SPIRIT for Paul commands you and I to "let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. (Gal 5:16NLT+) (See note below on "IN THE SPIRIT") OCCURRENCES OF IN THE SPIRIT - Matt. 22:43; Lk. 1:17; Lk. 2:27; Acts 19:21; Rom. 8:9; 1 Co. 6:11; 1 Co. 14:16; Eph. 2:22; Eph. 3:5; Eph. 4:23; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 3:3; Col. 1:8; 1 Tim. 3:16; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Pet. 4:6; Rev. 1:10; Rev. 4:2; Rev. 17:3; Rev. 21:10