Lucas 2

J. Vernon McGee · Citado em PreceptAustin

Lucas 2

Vernon McGee - It is wonderful to see a little baby come into the world, and your heart goes out to him; there is a sympathy that goes from you to him. That is the way God entered the world. He could have entered—as He will when He comes to earth the second time—in power and great glory. Instead, He came in the weakest way possible, as a baby. George Macdonald put it this way They all were looking for a King To slay their foes and lift them high: Thou cam’st, a little baby thing That made a woman cry. That is the way the Saviour came into the world. He did not lay aside His deity; He laid aside His glory. There should have been more than just a few shepherds and angels to welcome Him—all of creation should have been there. Instead of collecting taxes, that fellow Caesar should have been in Bethlehem to worship Him. Jesus Christ could have forced him to do that very thing, but He did not. He laid aside, not His deity, but His prerogatives of deity. He came a little baby thing. (See context Thru the Bible) Brian Bell - So we have Royalty clothed in rags; Majesty emerging in the midst of the mundane; Eternity stepping into time; And the most prominent event of all human history being noticed by no one but…a handful of outcasts. (ED: As noted below most commentaries write that shepherds were considered "outcasts" by the rabbis.) (Luke 2:1 -7 The Bethlehem Miracle) And she wrapped (sparganoo; swaddled) Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger (phatne) - The cloths were long strips used keep the limbs straight, as well as provide warmth and protection. There were no royal baby clothes for Jesus to wear! The mention of a manger has led many to conclude Jesus was actually born in a stable. But that is not what the text says. Luke only says Mary laid Him in a manger which was a feeding trough, something that could be found inside of or outside of a stable. A tradition from the middle ages says Jesus was born in a cave, but this is also conjecture. Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty. Everything pointed to obscurity, poverty, and even rejection. Luke showed the King of kings born into poor and humble circumstances—born as a human, born to serve. Jesus Himself testified "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:45, cf Mt 20:28) Out of the ivory palaces, Into a world of woe, Only His great, eternal love Made my Savior go. Henry

Lucas 2

Vernon McGee - Dr. Luke gets right down to the little human details in this passage. He is saying that Mary put swaddling clothes on this little child—baby clothes and diapers on the Son of God! How perfectly human He was—God manifest in the flesh! (See context Thru the Bible) Robert Stein - The irony of the most important event in history taking place in a manger should not be lost sight of; it reveals how God elevates the lowly and humble and rejects the proud and mighty of this world. Compare Phil 2:6–7. For Luke this theme of reversal was of major importance. (NAC) James Freeman on Swaddling clothes - 1. The “swaddling clothes” were bandages which were tightly wrapped around a new-born child. The rank of the child was indicated by the splendor and costliness of these bands. A fine white shawl, tied with a golden band, was sometimes used for the purpose; at other times a small purple scarf fastened with a brooch. The poor used broad fillets of common cloth. The practice is still followed in the East. Miss Rogers, an English lady, who had opportunities far beyond ordinary travelers for observing the domestic life of the Eastern people, describes the appearance of an infant thus bandaged: “The infant I held in my arms was so bound in swaddling-clothes that it was perfectly firm and solid, arid looked like a mummy. It had a band under its chin and across its forehead and a little, quilted silken cap on its head with tiny coins of gold sewed to it. ‘the outer covering of this little figure was of crimson and white striped silk; no sign of arms or legs, hands or feet, could be seen” (Domestic Life in Palestine, p. 28). This was in Jaffa. Another infant which she saw in Bethlehem is thus described: “I took the little creature in my arms. His body was stiff and unyielding, so tightly was it swathed with white and purple linen. His hands and feet were quite confined, and his head was bound with a small, soft red shawl, which passed under his chin and across his forehead in small folds” (p. 62). This custom is referred to in Job 38:9; Lamentations 2:22; Ezekiel 16:4; Luke 2:12. 2. There is a dispute as to the precise meaning of the word φύτνη here and in Lk 2:12, 16 rendered “manger,” and in Luke 13:15, rendered “stall.” Some authorities give it the one meaning, and some the other; while others, as our translators, attach both meanings to the word. It is the Septuagint rendering for the Hebrew ebus in Job 39:9, and in Isaiah 1:3; a word which, in our version, is translated “crib.” The location of the manger or the stall is also a point of discussion; whether it was connected with the stable belonging to the inn, or with some other stable in the neighborhood, as, for instance, in some cave nearby. Caves, we know, were used for dwellings (see note on Genesis 19:30, #18) and are so used at this day, and also for stables. The discussion is interesting, but is not pertinent to the object of this book. It is proper, however, to remark, that in many rude houses horses and cattle are stabled in the court, while the family are provided for in apartments raised on a platform of stone some two feet from the level of the court. The food of the animals is placed on this platform, and sometimes there are hollow places in the stone which serve the purpose of mangers. See further in the description of the inn in the next paragraph. 3. The Eastern “inn,” or caravanserai, bears no resemblance to the inns with which we are acquainted. There are various kinds of these Oriental inns, some being merely small, rude resting-places, such as are mentioned in the note on Jeremiah 9:2 (#540), while others are capacious and comparatively comfortable. Such an inn presents, at a distance, the appearance of a fortress, being a quadrangular building about a hundred yards long on each side of the square, having its wall about twenty feet high. An arched gateway, surmounted by a tower, opens into a large open court, surrounded by a platform, on the level of which are the travelers’ rooms. These rooms are not furnished, each traveler being expected to provide for himself everything but actual shelter. He must carry his own bedding, provisions, and cooking utensils. In case of sickness the porter in attendance may minister to his wants. See Luke 10:34, 35. The horses, camels, and baggage are placed in the extensive court, in the center of which is a fountain. Sometimes, however, there are stables formed of covered avenues, extending between the rear wall of the lodging-rooms and the external wall of the caravanserai, the entrance being at the corners of the quadrangle. These stables are on a level with the court, and thus below the level of the platform on which are the travelers’ apartments. This platform, however, projects into the stable, thus forming a ledge or bench above the stable floor. On this ledge the cattle can, if they wish, rest the nosebags of haircloth which contain their food. Dr. Kitto thinks that it was in such a stable as this that our Lord was born. See Daily Bible Readings, vol. 7, p. 63. (Scroll to page 1004 in Manners and Customs) QUESTION - What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes? ANSWER - Swaddling clothes are cloths and bands used in the practice of swaddling, or essentially “wrapping” an infant tightly in cloth. The idea behind swaddling is that it helps the baby transition from the womb (a very snug place) to the outside world. Swaddling clothes are still used today, but with some modifications. In general, swaddling has been proved to help infants sleep better, to prevent them from scratching themselves, and to reduce the risk of SIDS. In ancient times, like today, a swaddled infant was safe if wrapped and watched properly. Many cultures still practice swaddling today. The biblical passage that refers to swaddling clothes is Luke 2: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7ESV). We can assume from the fact that she swaddled the baby Jesus that Mary was an attentive and loving mother. The angel who spoke to the shepherds on the hillside mentions swaddling clothes as part of the sign to the shepherds that they had found the Messiah (Luke 2:12). There are some interesting theories about Luke’s detail of Jesus’ swaddling clothes. Some have postulated that the swaddling clothes were a foreshadowing—a prophetic reference—of Jesus’ burial cloths. The Greek word sparganoo is the root word used in the phrase “swaddling clothes,” and it means “to clothe in strips of cloth.” But this word sparganoo is never used in the New Testament to refer to burial cloth. In the descriptions in the Gospels of Jesus’ burial, we see variations on the phrase “wrapped in linen cloth,” and different Greek words are used for the binding. The swaddling clothes could prefigure Jesus’ burial (the Magis’ gift of myrrh in Matthew 2:11 is a clearer bit of foreshadowing), but the link can’t be proved linguistically. When the Son of God came into our world, He was entrusted to responsible, loving parents who sought to meet His every need. Baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes according to the custom of the day, an action that showed the tender care and affection of His mother. - Gotquestions.org Because there was no room for them in the inn (kataluma) - Because (dioti) - Always pause to ponder terms of explanation (as with "for") asking at least one question "What is the writer explaining?" Sometimes the answer not as straightforward as in this context which clearly is explaining why Jesus had to be laid in a manger. So many had returned to Bethlehem for the census, the small city was overflowing with people. There was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn, which forced them to take refuge in the only place available—a shelter for animals. (Although the Bible never mentions animals being present at the birth of Christ, Luke does say that the baby Jesus was laid in a manger—and the presence of a manger strongly implies the presence of animals.) NET Note adds that "There is no drama in how this is told. There is no search for a variety of places to stay or a heartless innkeeper. The innkeeper is not a villain figure in Luke's record! (Such items are later, non-biblical embellishments.) Bethlehem was not large and there was simply no other place to stay. The humble surroundings of the birth are ironic in view of the birth's significance." I recommend Spurgeon's Sermon "No Room for Christ in the Inn" - Luke 2:7. THOUGHT - "This happened in a public place, with other travelers and residents. “Men were trafficking, and little children playing, and woman gossiping beside the well – and lo! The kingdom of heaven was among them.” (Morrison) i. “That there was no room in the inn was symbolic of what was to happen to Jesus. The only place where there was room for him was on a cross.” (Barclay)" (David Guzik) THOUGHT - The problem of "no room" is symbolic of the problem that man has faced since Jesus was born. Most of mankind, throughout history, has had "no room" for the Lord Jesus Christ. People have no room for Christ because they are full of themselves, full of their own will, full of their own cares, and full of their own sinfulness. They feel they have no time or no need for the Lord. People may deny Christ and scorn Him. Yet, every time they write the date of the year, they are giving a witness to the fact of His birth in Bethlehem. Truly His birth was the most important and famous of all births. God wants access to us. He wants to come into our heart and fellowship with us through His Spirit. Few people, including some Christians, open the doors of their hearts to walk with God and have daily fellowship with Christ because they are seeking satisfaction in other areas. They are filled with other trivial things. Let me ask, "Have you crowded the Lord out of your life? Do you spend any time with Him? Do you really have a close relationship with Him? Are you accessible to the Lord? This is His plea and challenge to us all through the Bible. (Pr 23:26) (Mattoon) Swindoll suggests "It is quite possible that a temporary khan or caravansary (picture) was established in Bethlehem to supply lodging for the crowds. These large, walled, open-air courtyards were often seedy establishments run by shady characters, offering slightly better protection from robbery and the elements than sleeping on the street or in the open fields. More truck stop than motel, they were not the kind of place to give birth. See context Insights on Luke )

Lucas 2

Vernon McGee points out that "Again Dr. Luke is emphasizing His humanity. He came into this world as a human being. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. God knows about mankind. He knows you, and He knows me. He understands us because He came into this world a human being. This also means that we can know something about God, because He took upon Himself our humanity." (See context Thru the Bible: The Gospels - Luke) Martin Luther - The mystery of the humanity of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding." Brian Bell adds that Luther "called the Incarnation - “en-flesh-ment” God is willing to make any accommodations to have fellowship with us. Like, becoming human. (Ed: I have heard Chuck Swindoll say "Since I’m a chili lover, I sometimes describe His incarnation by saying He was “God con carne.”) Illustration: A hospital patient was in an accident and is left with the sense of smell only. Her mother wanted to communicate her presence, so used a perfume the girl would remember as her mom’s. Now the perfume is not the mother’s essential nature, but is an extension of her real self to communicate on the girl’s level. God also is not essentially a body, but He became human. He extended Himself to communicate on our level so we could respond. (Brian Bell - The Christmas Gospel) You will find (heurisko) - Note the "will" ("will" occurs over 200x in Luke and often conveys the sense of a prophecy - of course you need to check the context to make sure it expresses future tense). In short, this statement is a prophetic promise from the angel! And God's prophecies are always fulfilled! The shepherds had the sure prophetic promise from God through His angelic messenger that you will find Jesus! THOUGHT - That was true then and it is true now! If you are lost spiritually and want to find Jesus and eternal life, God will lead someone to speak the Gospel to you. God will lose none of those who are His children! Are you "lost?" Do you even know what "lost" means in a spiritual sense? Simply put, if you are "lost" spiritually today, you will be lost eternally! You "must be found" by the Spirit of Jesus and the Gospel of Jesus, Who Himself testified "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Lk 19:10+). "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other Name (OTHER THAN JESUS) under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12+) “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved...." (Acts 16:31+) Related Resource: Given the importance (and the mystery) of the Humanity of Jesus Christ you might consider listening to 3 excellent lectures from Dr Wayne Grudem. You could print out the accompanying outline to take notes. All three lectures will give you an excellent overview of the Humanity of Jesus Christ. Online Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem - The Person of Christ - scroll to page 455 (this is his actual book on systematic theology and not just notes) Lecture 1 - The Person of Christ - Mp3 Lecture 2 - The Person of Christ - Mp3 Lecture 3 - The Person of Christ - Mp3 Outline of the Person of Christ - 4 pages Brian Bill - Angels appear in more than half of the books of the Bible, with over 300 total references. They have three primary responsibilities. They magnify God. The number one job of angels is to adore God. Nehemiah 9:6: “You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” According to Job 38:7, at creation “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy.” They are messengers of God. The word “angel,” as used in the Bible, literally means messenger. Their job is to do what God sends them to do. Angel messengers basically convey two types of messages. Sometimes it’s good news like announcing the birth of Christ. That Christmas carol “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” captures the fact that angels “herald” or proclaim. But, other times they bring bad news. When they serve in this capacity, they are not cute and cuddly cherub dolls that we put on top of our Christmas trees. 2 Thessalonians 1:7: “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.” The Book of Revelation is full of avenging angels and it is anything but pretty. They minister to people. Hebrews 1:14 puts it best: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Most of the time angels are not seen; they minister invisibly behind the scenes. And yet, on occasion, they break into our world, appearing for a short time to accomplish a specific purpose. The Bible mentions that when they do appear, they often look just like humans. Listen to Hebrews 13:2: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” It is impossible to read the Christmas story without understanding a little about angels because it begins and ends with them. The Incarnation is so incredible and so earth shaking that only the angels could be entrusted by God to be the appropriate messengers. No earthly channels of communication could be relied upon to get this amazing message out because no human person could possibly be persuasive enough. One interesting point to be made is that if you were to look at all the major events in the Bible, there is no other occurrence that has as many messages from so many angelic messengers. Yancey refers to a concept called, “thin places,” where the natural and supernatural worlds come together at their narrowest, with only a thin veil between them (“Rumors of another World,” Page 45). As we read the Christmas story, there are many of these thin places, particularly when messengers from the angelic world make an appearance into our world. I’d like us to look at how four Christmas characters responded to these angelic encounters. (See full sermon Luke 2:9-14 The Angels' Plea for Peace) Sign (4592)(semeion a sign is something that serves as a pointer to aid perception or insight. In the NT a sign speaks of a token which has behind it a particular message to be conveyed. A sign directs attention away from its unusual nature to the meaning and the significance it points to. It speaks of outward compelling proof of divine authority. In John a sign is generally a "miraculous sign" that points to some deeper spiritual significance in connection with the event (Jn 2:11, 18). Semeion describes a miracle whose purpose is that of attesting the claims of the one performing the miracle to be true. Semeion in NT (mainly Gospels and Acts) - Matt. 12:38; Matt. 12:39; Matt. 16:1; Matt. 16:3; Matt. 16:4; Matt. 24:3; Matt. 24:24; Matt. 24:30; Matt. 26:48; Mk. 8:11; Mk. 8:12; Mk. 13:4; Mk. 13:22; Mk. 16:17; Mk. 16:20; Lk. 2:12; Lk. 2:34; Lk. 11:16; Lk. 11:29; Lk. 11:30; Lk. 21:7; Lk. 21:11; Lk. 21:25; Lk. 23:8; Jn. 2:11; Jn. 2:18; Jn. 2:23; Jn. 3:2; Jn. 4:48; Jn. 4:54; Jn. 6:2; Jn. 6:14; Jn. 6:26; Jn. 6:30; Jn. 7:31; Jn. 9:16; Jn. 10:41; Jn. 11:47; Jn. 12:18; Jn. 12:37; Jn. 20:30; Acts 2:19; Acts 2:22; Acts 2:43; Acts 4:16; Acts 4:22; Acts 4:30; Acts 5:12; Acts 6:8; Acts 7:36; Acts 8:6; Acts 8:13; Acts 14:3; Acts 15:12; Rom. 4:11; Rom. 15:19; 1 Co. 1:22; 1 Co. 14:22; 2 Co. 12:12; 2 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:17; Heb. 2:4; Rev. 12:1; Rev. 12:3; Rev. 13:13; Rev. 13:14; Rev. 15:1; Rev. 16:14; Rev. 19:20 Wayne Detzler on semeion - Early in its use this word meant a visible sign which someone saw. For instance, when Constantine was embroiled in battle he saw the sign of a cross and the words, "In this sign conquer." This turned him to Christianity, and he granted toleration to the Christians in 313. So first of all semeion meant a real or imagined visible sign. Later it came to mean the intervention of the deities in our world. This is the meaning which the Bible attaches to miracles, when God breaks into the natural world to accomplish some special feat. (Borrow a copy of this book - strictly speaking it is not a lexicon but has very interesting discussions of selected Greek words - New Testament words in today's language). Gene Brooks on significance of the sign - Herein lies the significance of the sign. The sign the angel gave was that the Babe -- wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a hollowed out, stone manger -- has the appearance of One wrapped for burial and placed on a stone slab in a tomb. The same Mary who, certainly with help from a midwife and a man named Joseph, helped dress that baby boy in swaddling cloths on Christmas night was the same one who, after the Crucifixion, with help from other women and a man named Joseph, helped dress the body of the Lord in strips of burial cloth and place him in a hollowed out stone enclosure in a tomb. The sign points to Jesus' purpose in life. It points to his death as a sacrifice for all mankind. (Luke 2:1-20 - The Birth of Jesus) Find (2147)(heurisko) means to find after searching and so to discover (cf Mt 7:7) BDAB - (1) to come upon something either through purposeful search or accidentally, (2). to discover intellectually through reflection, observation, examination, or investigation, find, discover. Luke uses heurisko later in Chapter 2 of Joseph and Mary losing and finding Jesus (Lk. 2:45, 46+) Luke's frequent uses of heurisko - Lk. 1:30 = "you have found favor with God."; Lk. 2:12; Lk. 2:45; Lk. 2:46; Lk. 4:17; Lk. 5:19; Lk. 6:7; Lk. 7:9; Lk. 7:10; Lk. 8:35; Lk. 9:12; Lk. 9:36; Lk. 11:9; Lk. 11:10; Lk. 11:24; Lk. 11:25; Lk. 12:37; Lk. 12:38; Lk. 12:43; Lk. 13:6; Lk. 13:7; Lk. 15:4; Lk. 15:5; Lk. 15:6; Lk. 15:8; Lk. 15:9; Lk. 15:24; Lk. 15:32; Lk. 17:18; Lk. 18:8; Lk. 19:30; Lk. 19:32; Lk. 19:48; Lk. 22:13; Lk. 22:45; Lk. 23:2; Lk. 23:4; Lk. 23:14; Lk. 23:22; Lk. 24:2; Lk. 24:3; Lk. 24:23; Lk. 24:24; Lk. 24:33; Acts 4:21; Acts 5:10; Acts 5:22; Acts 5:23; Acts 5:39; Acts 7:11; Acts 7:46; Acts 8:40; Acts 9:2; Acts 9:33; Acts 10:27; Acts 11:26; Acts 12:19; Acts 13:6; Acts 13:22; Acts 13:28; Acts 17:6; Acts 17:23; Acts 17:27; Acts 18:2; Acts 19:1; Acts 19:19; Acts 21:2; Acts 23:9; Acts 23:29; Acts 24:5; Acts 24:12; Acts 24:18; Acts 24:20; Acts 27:6; Acts 27:28; Acts 28:14 Baby (1025) brephos is used most often in the NT of a literal baby whether unborn or born or newly born. Some contexts signify a young child. (1) The babe in the womb, Lat. foetus. Unborn child, babe, fetus (Lk 1.41); (2) newborn child, infant, baby, a very small child (Lk 2.12); (3) childhood (2Ti 3.15); (4) metaphorically, of a new or immature Christian (1Pe 2.2) Brephos - 5/8 NT uses by Luke - Lk. 1:41; Lk. 1:44; Lk. 2:12; Lk. 2:16; Lk. 18:15; Acts 7:19; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:2 Lying (appointed, destined) (2749) (keimai) means literally to be in a recumbent position, to lie down, to be laid down. The root meaning refers to lying down or reclining and came to be used of an official appointment and sometimes of destiny. In the military keimai was used of a special assignment, such as guard duty or defense of a strategic position - the soldier was placed (set) on duty. Figuratively, keimai means appointed (determined or decided upon) or destined (cf Lu 2:34+ and Php 1:16+ where we see that Paul was divinely appointed for the defense of the gospel). Destined means intended or chosen for a particular purpose or end. The idea is that God “sets (lays down)” something for a particular purpose. In context this usage of keimai affirms God's sovereignty and ultimate control of all things. Uses of Keimai by Luke - Lk. 2:12; Lk. 2:16; Lk. 2:34; Lk. 3:9; Lk. 12:19; Lk. 23:53 The Shepherds Read: Luke 2:8-20 You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. —Luke 2:12 The angel bypassed Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel. He didn’t go to Herodium, Herod’s villa near Bethlehem. He appeared instead to a band of shepherds tending their flocks (Luke 2:8-9). Back then no one thought God would be interested in shepherds, or that shepherds would be interested in God. Shepherds were notoriously irreligious, ranked by the rabbis with prostitutes and other “habitual sinners.” They were outcasts, barred from the synagogue and polite society. They assumed that God would never accept them, and they feared Him. But God spoke to them. I think He knew that these shepherds, like so many people who appear indifferent to spiritual things, were quietly longing for God. All of us have a longing for something more. And no matter how hard we try to appear self-sufficient, sooner or later we run out of something essential—love, money, time, or life. Isolation, loneliness, and fear of death lead us to acknowledge our need for a Savior. But where can we find Him? Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. —Anon. God's gift to a dying world is the life-giving Savior. Luke 2:13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, NET Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, GNT καὶ ἐξαίφνης ἐγένετο σὺν τῷ ἀγγέλῳ πλῆθος στρατιᾶς οὐρανίου αἰνούντων τὸν θεὸν καὶ λεγόντων, NLT Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-- the armies of heaven-- praising God and saying, KJV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ESV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, NIV Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ASV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, CSB Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: multitude: Ge 28:12 32:1,2 1Ki 22:19 Job 38:7 Ps 68:17 103:20,21 148:2 Isa 6:2,3 Eze 3:12 Da 7:10 Lu 15:10 Eph 3:10 Heb 1:14 1Pe 1:12 Rev 5:11 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AN ANGELIC ARMY'S ANTHEM OF PRAISE And suddenly (exaiphnes) there appeared with the angel (aggelos/angelos) a multitude (plethos) of the heavenly host (stratia - see note) praising (aineo) God and saying - Keep the context in mind, for it had been over 400 years since the Jews had received a word from God and thus undoubtedly that long since the glory of God had appeared in such manifest, special form (cf His general glory in Ps 19:1-2). Suddenly often describes the unexpected nature of God's acts, especially eschatological events (e.g., Mal. 3:1+). In this case a solitary angel was suddenly joined by a multitude of the heavenly host. What a sight for these simple shepherds who were considered ceremonially unclean by religious men, but who now were being serenaded by God's angelic "choir!" God's ways are mind-boggling! Suddenly the hillside and the sky had become the shepherd's "church!" Host is is literally army and as Bengel quips "Here the army announces peace!"

Lucas 2

Vernon McGee - There was a man by the name of Simeon who by the Holy Spirit was in the temple when the Lord Jesus was brought in to fulfill the Mosaic Law. God had promised Simeon that he would see the salvation of God. What did he see? He saw a little Baby. Salvation is a Person, and not something that you do. Salvation is a Person, and that Person is the Lord Jesus Christ. You either have Him, or you don’t have Him. You either trust Him, or you don’t trust Him. Do you have Him today? (See Thru the Bible) John Trapp quoted a poet’s expression of Simeon’s heart: “I fear no sin, I dread no death; I have lived long enough, I have my life; I have longed enough, I have my love; I have seen long enough, I have my light; I have served enough, I have my saint; I have sorrowed enough, I have my joy; Sweet babe, let this psalm serve as a lullaby to thee, and for a funeral for me. Oh, sleep in my arms, and let me sleep in they peace.” Salvation (4992)(soterios/soterion from soter = savior) is an adjective which refers to that which is pertains to the means of salvation = bringing salvation, delivering, rescuing. When Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms, he realized that Jesus was the means of salvation and said that his eyes had seen tó soterión sou, thy salvation. Soterion "is a more abstract, energetic word than the one commonly so translated." (Ryle) All 4 uses of soterion in the NT - Lk. 2:30; Lk. 3:6; Acts 28:28; Eph. 6:17; Titus 2:11 (For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,) A New Force Read: Luke 2:25-35 My eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples. —Luke 2:30-31 When Matteo Ricci went to China in the 16th century, he took samples of religious art to illustrate the Christian story for people who had never heard it. They readily accepted portraits of Mary holding the baby Jesus, but when he produced paintings of the crucifixion and tried to explain that the God-child had come to be executed, his audience reacted with revulsion and horror. They couldn’t worship a crucified God. As I thumb through my Christmas cards, I realize that we do much the same thing. In our celebrations and observances, we may not think about how the story that began at Bethlehem turned out at Calvary. In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, only one person—the old man Simeon—seems to grasp the mysterious nature of what God has set in motion. “This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against,” he told Mary, and then he made the prediction that a sword would pierce her own soul (Lk 2:34-35). Simeon knew that though on the surface little had changed—Herod still ruled, Roman troops still occupied Israel—underneath, everything had changed. God’s promised redemption had arrived. The cradle without the cross misses the true meaning of Christ’s birth. Luke 2:31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, NET that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: GNT ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν, NLT which you have prepared for all people. KJV Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; ESV that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, NIV which you have prepared in the sight of all people, ASV Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; CSB You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples-- Ps 96:1-3,10-13 Ps 97:6-8 98:2,3 Isa 42:1-4,10-12 45:21-25 Isa 62:1,2 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 2:25-35 The Gospel According to Simeon - Dr Steven Lawson - excellent Related Passage: Luke 24:47+ and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations (THE JEWS AND GENTILES), beginning from Jerusalem. SALVATION MADE READY FOR JEWS AND GENTILES Which You have prepared (hetoimazo) in the presence of all peoples - Which of course refers to salvation in Lk 2:30, and ultimately to the Savior, the "consolation of Israel" (Lk 2:25+), but also the "consolation of the world!" The Salvation which God had prepared beforehand (even from the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4+, "before time began" = 2 Ti 1:9NET+, Rev 13:8+) and foretold in more than 300 OT Messianic prophecies) was for all peoples. Man is not devising his own way to God. Salvation is God coming to man. Religion is man trying to lift himself up to God, but the message of the Cross is that God has come down to man by going up on the Cross! God has not met us half-way. He came the whole way to save us, to pay the price in full (Jn 19:30+). In the presence of all peoples - Presence (KJV = before the face) is prosopon (pros = towards + ops = eye) which literally means Jesus was before the eyes of all. Salvation was not to be just for the Jews but for all peoples which would include the Gentiles, for God "so loved the world" (Jn 3:16+)! It is a global Gospel, a worldwide outreach to a lost and dying world, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Ro 3:23+). A missionary message of mercy, from "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort." (2 Cor 1:3)! This statement is a prelude to the more definitive statement in the next verse, one which undoubtedly would have shocked the ears of most of Simeon's Jewish audience. We see this salvation prepared is a global salvation (not universal salvation - cf Mt 7:13, 14+ - note "few" and "many") which John described in Revelation 5:9+ And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. John MacArthur agrees writing that "Simeon’s next statement would shock Jewish sensibilities. Fiercely proud of their status as God’s chosen, covenant people, the Jews believed Messiah was their deliverer. They assumed He would establish their kingdom, which would then rule over the infidel Gentiles." (See Luke Commentary ) NET Note - Is the phrase all peoples a reference to Israel alone, or to both Israel and the Gentiles? The following verse makes it clear that all peoples includes Gentiles, another key Lukan emphasis (Luke 24:47+; Acts 10:34–43+). J Vernon McGee - This is a remarkable statement coming from a man who was limited in his outlook upon life—that is, he was limited to a particular area geographically. Yet he saw the One who was to be the Savior of the world. This is to me one of the amazing things about the Word of God, especially the New Testament. Although given to a certain people, it is certainly directed to the world. No other religion pointed that way. You will notice that the religions of the world are generally localized for a peculiar people, generally a race or nation. But Christianity has been from the outset for all people everywhere. (See Thru the Bible) Prepared (made ready) (2090)(hetoimazo from heteos = fitness - see also hetoimasia) means to make ready, specifically to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity. God has been preparing salvation even before the foundation of the world, "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law." (Gal 4:4+) Inherent in the word prepared are the ideas of design and determined. God has designed salvation and He has determined salvation. All Luke's uses -Lk. 1:17; Lk. 1:76; Lk. 2:31; Lk. 3:4; Lk. 9:52; Lk. 12:20; Lk. 12:47; Lk. 17:8; Lk. 22:8; Lk. 22:9; Lk. 22:12; Lk. 22:13; Lk. 23:56; Lk. 24:1; Acts 23:23. Luke 2:32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel." light of revelation: Isa 9:2, 42:6,7, 49:6, 60:1-3,19 Mt 4:16 Ac 13:47,48 28:28 Ro 15:8,9 and: Ps 85:9 Isa 4:2, 45:25, 60:19 Jer 2:11 Zec 2:5 1Co 1:31 Rev 21:23 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 2:25-35 The Gospel According to Simeon - Dr Steven Lawson - excellent Related Passages: Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. Isaiah 60:1-3 1“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you. 3 “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. Matthew 4:16 “THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.” Acts 13:47-48 (QUOTING Isa 49:6-7)“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I HAVE PLACED YOU AS A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE END OF THE EARTH.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 28:28 “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” Romans 15:8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.” JESUS A LIGHT OF REVELATION Warren Wiersbe refers to this section of Simeon's song as "a missionary hymn, which is something unusual for a devout Jew standing in the temple. He sees this great salvation going out to the Gentiles! Jesus has restored the glory to Israel and brought the light to the Gentiles so that all people can be saved (see Luke 2:10). Remember that the compassion of Christ for the whole world is one of Luke’s major themes." (Scroll to page 145 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) One has to wonder at the reaction of the Jews in the Temple who heard the word Gentiles who they despised! The Prophet Isaiah had foretold 700 years earlier that "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them." (Isaiah 9:2+, see also notes on Mt 4:16). Isaiah was referring to the coming Messiah as the "light" that would shine and remove spiritual darkness (for those who received Him - Jn 8:12). A light of revelation to the Gentiles (ethnos) - Gentiles probably describes most of you who are reading this great prophecy. If you have believed in Jesus the Light of the world, then you can consider yourself as a walking fulfillment of this prophecy! While it was a light of revelation for the Jews, it was especially so for the Gentiles, for our darkness was deeper than the Jews (Eph 2:11-12+). This passage recalls Paul's words "For God, Who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (2 Cor 4:6+) Gentiles are to be more than spectators, but even sharers in the salvation. Isaiah had given a prophecy that also described the Messiah as a "light" “I am the LORD, I have called You (MESSIAH) in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people (THE JEWS), As a light to the nations (GENTILES), To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those who dwell in darkness from the prison. (Isa 42:6, 7) He says, “It is too small a thing that You (MESSIAH) should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel (THE BELIEVING JEWISH REMNANT); I will also make You a light of the nations (OR "TO THE GENTILES") So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (Isa 49:6) “Pay attention to Me, O My people, And give ear to Me, O My nation; For a law will go forth from Me, And I will set My justice for a light of the peoples. (Isa 51:4) The LORD has bared His holy arm In the sight of all the nations (GENTILES), That all the ends of the earth may see The salvation of our God. (Isa 52:10) “Nations (GENTILES) will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising (Isa 60:3) And so here in Luke 2:32 Simeon testified that Messiah's first coming marked the beginning fulfillment of these Old Testament prophecies. Messiah will completely fulfill these promises "as a Covenant to the people" (Isa 42:6) and "to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel" (Isa 49:6), at His Second Coming when "“THE DELIVERER (MESSIAH) WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.” THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.” (Ro 11:26-27+, see Zechariah's description of this fulfillment - Zech 12:10-14+, Zech 13:1+, Zech 13:9+). Cambridge Bible - A memorable prophecy, considering that even the Apostles found it hard to grasp the full admission of the Gentiles, clearly as it had been indicated in older prophecy, as in Psalm 98:2-3. “The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Luke 2)