Lucas 2
Marvin Vincent · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 2
Vincent notes that "The participle and finite verb, denoting habitual, continuous subjection. “Even before, he had been subject to them; but this is mentioned now, when it might seem that he could by this time have exempted himself. Not even to the angels fell such an honor as to the parents of Jesus” (Bengel). Compare Heb. 1:4–8."
Lucas 2
Vincent - There is a play upon the words: watching watches. There was near Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, a tower known as Migdal Eder, or the watch-tower of the flock. Here was the station where shepherds watched the flocks destined for sacrifice in the temple. Animals straying from Jerusalem on any side, as far as from Jerusalem to Migdal Eder, were offered in sacrifice. It was a settled conviction among the Jews that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and equally that he was to be revealed from Migdal Eder. The beautiful significance of the revelation of the infant Christ to shepherds watching the flocks destined for sacrifice needs no comment. ASSORTED COMMENTS ON SHEPHERDS John MacArthur on shepherds (poimen) - The good news of the Savior’s birth came first to a most unlikely group of people. Shepherds were near the bottom of the social ladder. They were uneducated and unskilled, increasingly viewed in the post-New Testament era as dishonest, unreliable, unsavory characters, so much so that they were not allowed to testify in court. Because sheep required care seven days a week, shepherds were unable to fully comply with the man-made Sabbath regulations developed by the Pharisees. As a result, they were viewed as being in continual violation of the religious laws, and hence ceremonially unclean. That is not to say, however, that being a shepherd was an illegitimate or disreputable occupation. Two of the greatest figures in Israel’s history, Moses (Ex. 3:1) and David (1 Sam. 16:11–13), were shepherds at some point in their lives. Moreover, the Old Testament refers metaphorically to God as the “Shepherd of Israel” (Ps. 80:1; cf. 23:1; Isa. 40:11), while Jesus described Himself as the “good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14; cf. Heb. 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4). Shepherds were, however, lowly, humble people; they certainly were not the ones who would be expected to receive the most significant announcement in history. That they were singled out to receive this great honor suggests that these shepherds were devout men, who believed in the true and living God. Such people are later described as those who were “looking for the consolation of Israel” (Lk 2:25) and the “redemption of Jerusalem” (Lk 2:38).(See context in Luke 1-24 MacArthur New Testament Commentary ) Kent
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Vincent - Luke’s Gospel is the gospel of the poor and lowly. This revelation to the shepherds acquires additional meaning as we remember that shepherds, as a class, were under the Rabbinic ban, because of their necessary isolation from religious ordinances, and their manner of life, which rendered strict legal observance well nigh impossible.
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Vincent - Keeping watch (phulassontes phulakas). Phulake is sometimes used of a watch as a measure of time, as in Matt. 14:25; Mark 6:48; Luke 12:38. So possibly here. See Rev. in margin, night-watches. O Holy Night (sung by Josh Groban) O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn; Chorus Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night divine. 2. Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming; With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand: So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from Orient land, The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend; Chorus He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger! Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King! your King! before him bend! 3. Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is Love and His gospel is Peace; Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease, Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we; Let all within us praise his Holy name! Chorus Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we! His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim! His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim! What Christmas is All About - By David McCasland Fifty years ago A Charlie Brown Christmas was first broadcast on American television. Some network executives thought it would be ignored, while others worried that quoting the Bible would offend viewers. Some wanted its creator, Charles Schulz, to omit the Christmas story, but Schulz insisted it stay in. The program was an immediate success and has been rebroadcast every year since 1965. When Charlie Brown, the frustrated director of the children’s Christmas play, is discouraged by the commercial spirit of the holiday season, he asks if anyone can tell him the real meaning of Christmas. Linus recites Luke 2:8-14 including the words, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk 2:11-14KJV). Then Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” That’s what Christmas is all about. Father in heaven, as we approach Christmas, may we grasp in a deeper way Your amazing gift to us. God broke into human history to offer us the gift of salvation! Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. an angel of the Lord suddenly stood: Lu 1:11,28 Jdg 6:11,12 Mt 1:20 Ac 27:23 1Ti 3:16 and the glory of the Lord: Ex 16:7,10 40:34,35 1Ki 8:11 Isa 6:3 35:2 40:5 60:1 Eze 3:23 Joh 12:41 2Co 3:18 4:6 Rev 18:1 and they: Lu 1:12 Isa 6:4,5 Ac 22:6-9 26:13,14 Heb 12:21 Rev 20:11 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NET Luke 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. Abraham Bloemaert (Manner of) - Announcement to the shepherds SHEPHERDS SUDDENLY SEE THE GLORY OF GOD Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night divine. THOUGHT - When was the last time you fell on your knees in wonder, awe and adoration? Or perhaps a better question is have you ever fallen on your knees before Jesus, the King of kings? If not, may God's Spirit supernaturally touch your heart with the truth of the Good News that Christ was born and Christ has died for you personally that you might live with Him forever and ever. Amen. And an angel (aggelos/angelos) of the Lord (kurios) suddenly stood before (ephistemi) them - An angel of the Lord is not THE Angel of the LORD (a Christophany in the OT) but AN angel, a messenger from God to simple men, who proclaimed to them the incarnation of Jesus, the Old Testament Angel of the LORD! Unlike Lk 1:11, 19, 26+ the angel is not identified by name (only Gabriel and Michael are named of the good angels). Recall it was night (Lk 2:8) and suddenly the glory of the Lord shone all around these shepherds. This was at first a single unnamed angel (see aggelos/angelos, cf the angel named Gabriel in Lk 1:19, 26+) who would make the greatest announcement ever made to this sinful world! Two sudden shepherd sights - first an angelic solo (Lk 2:9), then an angelic choir (Lk 2:13)! Suddenly is a frequent "time phrase" in Luke's writings. Here are all of Dr Luke's uses of suddenly in the NAS - It makes for an interesting study! -- Lk. 2:9; Lk. 2:13; Lk. 9:39; Lk. 21:34; Lk. 24:4; Acts 2:2; Acts 9:3; Acts 12:7; Acts 16:26; Acts 22:6; Acts 28:6 Butler - Shift the spotlight once more from earth's lowly shepherds enduring a dark night to heaven's most glorious messenger. With the angel came God's glory, his shining majesty, the side of God humans can see and to which they can respond in confession, worship, and praise (see Isa. 60:1-3). As with Zechariah (Lk 1:12-13) and Mary (Lk 1:29-30), gazing at God's glorious angel terrified the shepherds. (Luke Holman New Testament Commentary) Warren
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Vincent has an interesting observation on the law of the Lord - The word law occurs in this chapter five times; oftener than in all the rest of this Gospel put together. Luke emphasizes the fact that Jesus" was made under the law" (Galatians 4:4), and accordingly elaborates the details of the fulfilment of the law by the parents of both John and Jesus. EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS (dianoigo) THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD (kurios) -
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Vincent - The offering of the poor. While the lamb would probably cost about one dollar and seventy-five cents, the doves would cost about sixteen cents. She would not bring the creatures themselves, but would drop the price into one of the thirteen trumpet-shaped chests in the Court of the Women. Young pigeons: lit., young ones of pigeons Cambridge Bible - The Law of Moses, with that thoughtful tenderness which characterises many of its provisions, allowed a poor mother to bring two turtledoves instead; and since turtledoves (being migratory) are not always procurable, and old pigeons are not easily caught, offered the alternative of “two young pigeons.”
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Vincent notes "As applied to morals and religion, it emphasizes the element of circumspection, a cautious, careful observance of divine law; and is thus peculiarly expressive of Old Testament piety, with its minute attention to precept and ceremony. Compare Acts 2:5+." Friberg adds this was " a characteristic of one who carefully observes the law. The kindred word, eulabeia, godly-fear, occurs twice' Hebrews 5:7; Hebrews 12:28. TDNT - The Non-Christian Usage - This group denotes an attitude of “caution” or “circumspection,” e.g., regard for the kairos, vigilance, provision, concern, then conscientiousness, in religion scrupulosity or awe, more generally fear or anxiety. Liddell- Scott on eulabes - taking hold well, holding fast:-then metaphorically undertaking prudently, discreet, cautions, circumspect, Gary Hill - eulabēs ("devout") literally means "taking hold of what is good." It focuses on the outward response someone gives to what they feel is truly worthwhile (worthy of respect). Eulabēs is sometimes translated "God-fearing" because it shows awe-inspired fear that reveres what is sacred, i.e. "godly respect" for the things of God. Eulabēs especially suggests piety in the inner being (the soul), defining a devout attitude towards God (His Word). 2152 (eusebēs) is "by holy awe of God, finding expression in devoted activity" (Vine). Trench says "In eulabēs we have the anxious and scrupulous worshiper, who makes a conscience of changing anything, of omitting anything, being above all things fearful to offend. Threskos (Jas 1:26) which still more nearly corresponds to the Latin 'religiosus' – focus on the zealous and diligent performer of the divine offices, of the outward service of God . . . 'cultus,' or perhaps more strictly, of which euāebela is the informing soul" In sum, eulabēs...describes a circumspect person who "takes hold" of (respects) what is sacred. Eulabēs "literally means, 'handling well'; hence, 'cautious, circumspect'; 'God-fearing, pious'" (Souter). The root eulab- emphasizes the outward respect (reverence) that comes with true piety. Eulabēs ("devout") conveys personal initiative needed to pursue "godliness," giving reverence (due respect) to God and His Word. Eulabēs applies "to morals and religion, i.e. circumspection which inspires a cautious, careful observance of God's law. Thus it is peculiarly expressive of Old Testament piety, with its minute attention to precept and ceremony" (WS). In religious (spiritual) contexts, this root eulab-, "godly fear" refers to the piety shaped by genuine godly fear, i.e. coming from a personal knowledge of God's love.] Working it out - We can only be genuinely devout by living in God's persuasions of faith, which always shows reverence for His written Word (Scripture). Being devout (eulabēs) is important because it impacts the Lord forever! (Discovery Bible) Eulabes - 4x in 4v in the NT and twice in the Septuagint (Lev 15:31+ eulabes means keeping clean of, keeping from, Micah 7:2+ = "The godly [Heb - chasid = kind, pious; Lxx = eulabes] has perished from the earth"). Luke describes other devout men below: Luke 2:25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Acts 2:5+ Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. Acts 8:2+ Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. Acts 22:12+ "A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, Looking (waiting)(4327)(prosdechomai from pros = in compound Greek words implies motion or direction toward + dechomai [word study] = a deliberate and ready reception) means to accept favorably, to receive one into intercourse/companionship, to give access to oneself or receive to oneself. Prosdechomai means to receive one coming from some place and so to welcome with friendliness (Ro 16:2+, Phil 2:29+). This great Greek verb describes one who is waiting for something (in the present context Someone) with a sense of expectancy (Take a moment to ponder the similar uses of prosdechomai - Mk 15:43 ("Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God"), Luke 2:25, Lk 2:38+, Lk 12:36+, Lk 23:51+, Acts 23:21+, Titus 2:13+,Jude 1:21+). THOUGHT - Does this verb describe your life beloved? If not what "earthly cargo" do you need to jettison in order to assure a safe voyage and an "abundant" arrival at port (see 2 Pe 1:10,11+, He 6:19, 20+, 2 Cor 5:10+)? In Isaiah 49:3 Jehovah says "Those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame." The root verb dechomai means to accept deliberately and readily, receive kindly and so to take to oneself what is presented or brought by another. It means to welcome as a teacher, a friend, or a guest into one's house. The word describes accepting persons with open arms, minds, and hearts, even going beyond normally expected gracious hospitality. The term was often used of welcoming honored guests and meeting their needs with special attention and kindness. Prosdechomai is used of things future, in the sense of expecting and with the meaning of accepting. This verb is virtually always is found in the middle voice conveying reflexive action (action directed or turned back on self) which means that one receives to one’sself or gives another access to one’s self. As alluded to in the introductory comments on this passage, prosdechomai is in the present tense which calls for our looking to be our lifestyle! THOUGHT - Are you looking for Him? If you are looking at the visible things, the temporal things (2 Co 4:18+) of this passing world (1 Jn 2:17+), you can be sure that your looking (for Him = Second Coming) will be a bit lacking! As an aside the only way we can be continually looking for Jesus is by relying on the filling and empowering of the Spirit of Jesus Whose role is to point us to the Son, to glorify the Son (John 16:14)! We need more men like G Campbell Morgan who said "I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps he may interrupt my work and begin his own. I am not looking for death, I am looking for Him." (Amen!) How would my daily choices change if I lived with what I like to call "vertical vision" (in contrast to "horizontal vision" -- looking at the things of the world [horizontal] rather than the things above [vertical])? Adoniram Judson alluded to living expectantly in light of His imminent return when he wrote that "A life once spent is irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity. The same may be said of each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the marks which we put upon it, it will exhibit forever. Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny. How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness?! It is too late to mend the days that are past. The future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. THOUGHT - Beloved, if you are struggling with the cost you might have to pay to be one of God's winning runners, or simply struggling with God's will for your life, struggling with what to do with your time, struggling with how you should live in these last days, struggling with whether you are really looking forward to that moment in eternity when you will stand fully revealed before your Lord, then you cannot afford not to watch the following video by John Piper (click title to watch Dr Piper's 46 minute video = Don't Waste Your Life. You can also download a free copy of John Piper's book Don’t Waste Your Life (also has a study guide) Moulton-Milligan have this secular use of prosdechomai “I am waiting for the 450 drachma you have given to Radanus.” (Comment: We can probably all identify with this person's anticipation of being repaid!) If we are to be looking for Christ to return at any time, living in light of its imminency, such an "uplook outlook" should be a powerful incentive to spur us on to fight the good fight necessary for godly living and bold witnessing. Note the emphasis is that we are to be looking for the Christ and not for the Antichrist, for a one world government or for any other supernatural sign. Beloved, our Bridegroom's coming is imminent, and no prophetic event is required to precede His sure return (See related topics Imminency; Another discussion on imminency). Maranatha (Our Lord, come! 1 Cor 16:22). THOUGHT - Is that my mindset? Do my day to day choices reflect the reality of an expectant attitude? Expectant Looking Is the "Antidote" for Apathetic Living Hudson Taylor put it this way "Since he may come any day, it is well to be ready every day." The watchers on the mountain Proclaim the Bridegroom near, Go, meet Him as He comes, With Hallelujahs clear! The marriage feast is waiting, The gates wide open stand Up, up! ye heirs of glory, The Bridegroom is at hand!" THOUGHT - May we be like the Psalmist who cried "My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning." (Ps 130:6-note) Related Resources: Watching and Waiting Vertical Vision Second Coming of Christ A Maranatha Mindset Maranatha-Our Lord, Come! Redeem the Time Consolation (3874)(paraklesis from pará = side of + kaléo = call) refers to calling to one's side or one's aid which can be for the purpose of providing solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation, encouragement. BDAG notes that paraklesis is used in Luke 2:25 "in an eschatological (prophetic) sense...i.e., Messianic salvation....In later times Jews occasionally called the Messiah himself מְנַחֵם = ‘Comforter’." This is fascinating to me in that this same Hebrew noun (מְנַחֵם= Comforter) is used in the lament of the city of Jerusalem after her destruction and the departure of Yahweh from the Temple (final destruction by Babylon in 586 BC). In this tragic setting the Spirit inspires Jeremiah to record these words as if spoken by the desolate city "“For these things I weep; My eyes run down with water; Because far from me is a COMFORTER (מְנַחֵם; Lxx = parakaleo which is in same word family as paraklesis), One who restores my soul. My children are desolate Because the enemy has prevailed." (Lam 1:16, cp similar sentiment in Lam 1:2) It is as if Simeon picks up the centuries old lament of ancient Jerusalem as he daily scans the horizon in search of the Comforter! As an aside we do well to recall that all of Scripture is actually a paraklesis, an exhortation, admonition, comfort or encouragement for as Paul wrote "whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Ro. 15:4-+). We also see a foreshadowing of this future comfort (and Comforter) in the prophecy of Isaiah “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. The Lxx of comfort...comfort is the verb parakaleo. Clearly God's heart to His people Israel is to send them comfort and how better than to send the comfort in the form of the Comforter Himself, the Messiah. And as shown in the context of Luke 2, Simeon was looking eagerly for the consolation that only the Messiah Himself could provide. The Godly "Senior Saint" (Simeon, Luke 2:25-32) 1. His death was permitted by God 2. His death followed a godly life of faithful service 3. His death meant peace—he had seen the Savior! 1. Look at his eyes: a promise was fulfilled; he saw Jesus 2. Look at his lips: he praises the Sovereign Lord 3. Look at his heart—he is experiencing God's peace I love C H Spurgeon's sermon entitled "Simeon" based on Luke 2:25 and I would strongly recommend clicking here and reading the entire message. Here is an excerpt from his introduction: WHAT a biography of a man! How short, and yet how complete! We have seen biographies so prolix, that full one half is nonsense, and much of the other half too vapid to be worth reading. We have seen large volumes spun out of men’s letters. Writing desks have been broken open, and private diaries exposed to the world. Now-a-days, if a man is a little celebrated, his signature, the house in which he was born, the place where he dines, and everything else, is thought worthy of public notice. So soon as he is departed this life, he is embalmed in huge folios, the profit of which rests mainly, I believe, with the publishers, and not with the readers. Short biographies are the best, which give a concise and exact account of the whole man. What do we care about what Simeon did—where he was born, where he was married, what street he used to walk through, or what coloured coat he wore? We have a very concise account of his history, and that is enough. His “name was Simeon;” he lived “in Jerusalem;” “the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” Beloved, that is enough of a biography for any one of us. If, when we die, so much as this can be said of us— our name— our business, “waiting for the consolation of Israel”— our character, “just and devout”— our companionship, having the Holy Ghost upon us— that will be sufficient to hand us down not to time, but to eternity, memorable amongst the just, and estimable amongst all them that are sanctified. Pause awhile, I beseech you, and contemplate Simeon’s character. The Holy Ghost thought it worthy of notice, since he has put a “behold” in the sentence. “Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon.” He doth not say, “Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was king Herod;” he doth not say, “Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, who was high priest;” but, “Behold!”—turn aside here, for the sight is so rare, you may never see such a thing again so long as you live; here is a perfect marvel; “Behold,” there was one man in Jerusalem who was “just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” His character is summed up in two words—“just and devout.” “Just”—that is his character before men. “Devout”—that is his character before God. He was “just.” Was he a father? He did not provoke his children to anger, lest they should be discouraged. Was he a master? He gave unto his servants that which was just and equal, knowing that he also had his Master in heaven. Was he a citizen? He rendered obedience unto the powers that then were, submitting himself to the ordinances of man for the Lord’s sake. Was he a merchant? He overreached in no transaction, but providing things honest in the sight of all men, he honoured God in his common business habits. Was he a servant? Then he did not render eye-service, as a man-pleaser, but in singleness of heart he served the Lord. If, as is very probable, he was one of the teachers of the Jews, then he was faithful; he spoke what he knew to be the Word of God, although it might not be for his gain, and would not, like the other shepherds, turn aside to speak error, for the sake of filthy lucre. Before men he was just. But that is only half a good man’s character. There are many who say, “I am just and upright; I never robbed a man in my life; I pay twenty shillings in the pound; and if anybody can find fault with my character, let him speak. Am I not just? But as for your religion,” such a one will say, “I do not care about it; I think it cant.” Sir, you have only one feature of a good man, and that the smallest. You do good towards man, but not towards God; you do not rob your fellow, but you rob your Maker. “Will a man rob God?” Yes, and think far less of it than he would if he robbed man. He who robs man is called a villain; he who robs God is often called a gentleman. Simeon had both features of a Christian. He was a “just man,” and he was also “devout.” Mark, it does not say he was a just man and religious. A man may be very religious, and yet he may not be devout. Religion, you know, as the term is used, consists very much in outward observances; godliness and devotion consist in the inward life and action arising from the inner spring of true consecration. It does not say here that Simeon was a religious man, for that he might have been, and yet have been a Pharisee, a hypocrite, a mere professor. But no; he was a “devout” man. He valued the “outward and visible sign,” but he possessed the “inward and spiritual grace.” Therefore he is called “a just man and devout.” “Behold!” says the Holy Ghost. “Behold!” for it is a rarity! Come ye here, ye Christians of the present day! Many of you are just, but ye are not devout; and some of you pretend to be devout, but ye are not just. The just and the devout together make up the perfection of the godly man. Simeon was “a just man and devout.” (See complete sermon - "Simeon") Simeon A Hidden One Luke 2:25-32 James Smith From Handfuls of Purpose "My mother's grave my Sinai was, But light, not lightning, was the cause That won me from my unbelief, And staunch'd an ageing father's grief; Softly my childhood's prayer returned, And my old faith within me burned." Simeon seems to have been one of the Lord's hidden ones, who, under the guidance of God, calmly and quietly served Him in waiting. But the hidden one is here brought into light. He has prayed in secret, he is now rewarded openly. 1. See his holy character. a. He was just and devout (Luke 2:25). Just in his dealings with men, and devout in his dealings with God. Righteous and holy. These are the two sides of a Christian life, they must be equally honest and true. b. He waited for the consolation of Israel. He waited and prayed because he believed. This dear old man of God had no faith in any other means or efforts to comfort Israel than the coming of the King. This is still Israel's hope, for "the Lord shall comfort Zion" (Isa 51:3). His waiting was rewarded; his hope was fulfilled. "They shall not be ashamed that wait for Me" (Isa 49:23). Wait on the Lord! c. He was endued with the Spirit. "The Holy Ghost was upon him." There is always a very vital connection between waiting on the Lord and being endued with power (Act 2:1-4). The effect of the Holy Spirit resting upon Him was twofold: 1. He was taught. It was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 2. He was led. "He came by the Spirit into the temple" (Luke 2:27). Every Spirit-possessed one has the things of Christ revealed to him or her, and will be led by the Spirit. It may simplify the matter to reverse the order here: (1) Be filled with the Spirit, then you will (2) be willing to wait on and for the Lord; and then (3) you will be able to live a just and devout life before God and men, being taught of God and led by the Spirit. 2. Hear his joyful testimony. His is indeed a striking attitude as he stands with the infant Saviour in those arms so long outstretched in prayer and patient waiting. Who can refrain from giving a glowing testimony when the arms of their faith have been filled with the personal Saviour? He blesses God as one whose life had now been fully satisfied with his gift. Crowned with his honour, and ready to depart in peace. Such is always the satisfying power of Jesus Christ when received by faith. He testifies of- a. Christ as the Salvation of God. "Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation" (Luke 2:30). Beautiful is the title thus given to Jesus. "Thy Salvation." God's great love, mercy, and power united to redeem and bless us in the person of His Son. This was the making bare of the arm of the Lord for salvation (Isa 52:10). This naked arm reveals, if we might so put it, the strong and mighty saving muscle of Jehovah. "O arm of the Lord, awake, awake!" What else but the living Christ in our hearts will ever fit us for departing in peace? b. Christ as the Light of the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). "As a revelation to the nations" (Newberry). Christ is God's revealed Light to the nations of the earth. With regard to the character of God and the way of salvation there is no other light. All else is but the light of sin-blinded reason, which is only supposition or superstition. "I am the Light of the World." (Jn 8:12) Salvation is a coming out of darkness into His marvellous light. (1Pe 2:9) The sparks of our own making will never turn night into day (Isa 9:2). No more can our own work save us. The presence of Christ with us and in us is as Heaven's own searchlight turned upon the Father that we may see Him, and turned upon ourselves, upon sin, death, and eternity that we might see these, as it were, with His eyes. "Walk in the light" (1Jn 1:7). c. Christ as the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:32). This is the order revealed by the Holy Ghost to Simeon. Christ was to be first a light to the Gentiles, after that the glory of His people Israel. Was there another in Israel who believed that the Christ would first bless the Gentile nations before He would be glorified among His own ancient people? The Holy Spirit could make no mistake. The Messiah would be cut off, numbered with transgressors. But He will come again, not as a sin-offering, but as the King of Israel, with great power and glory. They shall mourn because of Him (having crucified Him) (SEE Zechariah 12:10+), but the glory of the Lord will then have arisen upon them. Where the glorified One is there will be glory, for glory always dwells in Immanuel's land, whether in earth or in Heaven, in Time, or Eternity. Christ is our Salvation; Christ is our Light; Christ is our Glory. To Him be the praise. John
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Vincent adds an interesting thought that "The word (Revealed) here implies that the revelation to Simeon had been given in answer to prayer." THOUGHT - Have you ever asked yourself, “If God were to withdraw His Holy Spirit from me, would I even notice the difference?” Would your week have gone any differently than it did if the Spirit had pulled out? To walk by the Spirit means to depend on Him consciously for everything you do. You depend on Him to resist temptation. You ask Him for insight into His Word. You rely on Him for the right attitude in the midst of trials. You seek Him for wisdom in difficult decisions. When you live in the power of the Holy Spirit, your life is marked by hope in God. (Ro 15:13+)
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Vincent - For the fall, because he will be a stumbling-block to many (Isaiah 8:14; Matthew 21:42, Matthew 21:44; Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 1:23). For the rising, because many will be raised up through him to life and glory (Romans 6:4, Romans 6:9; Ephesians 2:6). The prophet Isaiah had spoken of Jesus as a Stone in two passages - the imagery is that Jesus is a "Stone" over which people will stumble and fall. One will either stumble over Christ and be eternally lost or stand upon Him by grace through faith and be eternally saved. “Then He shall become a sanctuary; But to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, And a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. “Many will stumble over them, Then they will fall and be broken; They will even be snared and caught.” (Isa 8:14,15) So the word of the LORD to them will be, “Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there,” That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared and taken captive. 14 Therefore, hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers, Who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, 15 Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, And with Sheol we have made a pact. The overwhelming scourge will not reach us when it passes by, For we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception.” 16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone (MESSIAH), A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed (THIS IS THE ONE WHO RISES TO HEAVEN!). (Isa 28:13-16) See also Matt. 21:42, 44; Rom. 9:33; 1 Cor. 1:23; 1 Pet. 2:8 For a sign (semeion) to be opposed (antilego) - The KJV is more literal reading "a sign which shall be spoken against (antilego)". Opposed is present tense signifying that Jesus would be continually spoken against and this has happened for 2000 years! He was initially insulted, mocked, and hated in Israel, this opposition culminating in His crucifixion. Israel’s opposition to Jesus Christ is a repeated theme in Luke’s gospel (Luke 4:28–30; Luke 13:31–35; Luke 19:47; Luke 20:14–20). And the unregenerate world still opposes Him which of course means His true followers will also be opposed (Mt 10:22, Lk 6:22, Jn 15:18, 19, 17:14)! What was this sign? Ultimately Jesus and His coming and His pointing men to God and to how they could get to God. It was not by their works of righteousness, but by believing in Him. And this "narrow way" would be opposed by many in Israel in Jesus' day and by men throughout the world ever since. How often we are opposed when we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and hear "You are being narrow minded and bigoted!" "There are many ways to God!" "How can you be so arrogant as to think you have the truth and no other religion has the truth?" And on and on it goes. Jesus only Name by which men may be saved (Acts 4:12) in America today is used more as a profanity on television, movies, music, books, etc. Spurgeon on a sign to be opposed - How true has this been. The cross has been to many a stumbling block, and to the worldly wise it has been foolishness; and so will it be to the world’s end. Christ and his gospel will always be spoken against. If you know a gospel which is approved by the age, and patronized by the learned, that gospel is a lie. You may be sure of that; but if it be spoken against, if it be slandered, if it be called absurd, unscientific, and I know not what, all that is in its favor. (Luke Exposition) David
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Vincent on ethnos - Assigned to the same root as etho, to be accustomed, and hence of a people bound together by like habits or customs. According to biblical usage the term is understood of people who are not of Israel, and who therefore occupy a different position with reference to the plan of salvation. Hence the extension of the gospel salvation to them is treated as a remarkable fact. See Matthew 12:18, Matthew 12:21; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19+; Acts 10:45+; Acts 11:18+; Acts 18:6+. Related Resources: Nations - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Easton's Bible Dictionary Gentiles Fausset Bible Dictionary Gentiles Holman Bible Dictionary Gentiles Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Gentiles Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Gentiles (2) Gentiles International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Gentiles Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Gentiles McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Gentile The Jewish Encyclopedia Gentile Luke 2:33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. Lu 2:48 Luke 1:65,66 Isa 8:18 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PARENTERAL AMAZEMENT And His father and mother were amazed (thaumazo) at the things which were being said about Him Why were they amazed? Mary had been told He was the Son of God, etc. It seems that they did not understand some of the OT Messianic Prophecies about their young son! Joseph and Mary were continually (present tense) amazed that their infant, a normal human baby, was being called the Savior of Jews and Gentiles, in short that He was the long expected and frequently prophesied of Messiah (see Messianic Prophecies). And their amazement continued as He grew into a young man (Luke 2:42-48+) Both Joseph and Mary had been told Jesus Whose very name means "Jehovah saves" but they did not fully understand the global scope of His salvation. For example in Matthew an angel of the Lord speaking to Joseph says of Mary "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21). Here His people clearly refers to the Jews. But Simeon's prophecy enlarges on the words of the angel and says Jesus will also be a light of revelation to the Gentiles! To their Jewish minds, this would have been shocking.
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Vincent adds "At which age he was known as a son of the law, and came under obligation to observe the ordinances personally." J C
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Vincent adds "Not necessarily the whole seven days of the festival (ED: cf 2Chr 30:21). With the third day commenced the so-called half-holidays, when it was lawful to return home." The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it - This is more literally “Jesus the boy.” In Lk 2:40 it was “the child” (to paidion), here it is “the boy” (ho pais - no longer the diminutive form). The fact that Jesus stayed behind was not disobedience on His part but reflected His intense interest in the services of the Temple. MacArthur on Jesus stayed behind - In stark contrast to the apocryphal gospels’ spurious tales of youthful miracles and supernatural exploits, this lone biblical insight into the youth of Jesus portrays Him as a typical boy in a typical family. His lingering was neither mischievous nor disobedient; it was owing to a simple mistaken presumption on His parents’ part (Lk 2:44) that He was left behind. (MacArthur Daily Bible) Luke 2:44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. in: Ps 42:4 122:1-4 Isa 2:3 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries But supposed (nomizo) Him to be in the caravan and went a day's journey - The caravan of pilgrims would have had many children and undoubtedly they assumed Jesus was with the other children. An ancient journey like this would have involved a caravan for protection and fellowship. And so it was common for pilgrims to travel together to the Feast in organized groups The women usually went ahead and the men followed. Joseph may have thought Jesus was with Mary and Mary that he was with Joseph. “The Nazareth caravan was so long that it took a whole day to look through it” (Plummer). A day's journey would have been about 20-25 miles. James Freeman on "first day's journey" - This does not mean that they traveled an entire day before they missed the lad. An ordinary “day’s journey” varied from eighteen to thirty miles. See note on 1 Kings 19:4 (#315). But when a party started on a journey the first day’s travel was invariably shorter than the usual distance. This is a very ancient custom, and is still practiced. When everything is ready for the caravan to move they slowly march on, but halt for the first night at a distance of from three to eight miles from the place of starting. The reason assigned for this usage is, that if anything has been left behind through mistake or forgetfulness, someone may with but little trouble return and get it in time to join the caravan the next day. In the ease before us they made the short journey of the first day, and then halted for the night; so that, instead of traveling all day without missing Jesus, they only traveled a few hours. The first stopping-place of nearly all traveling parties who now leave Jerusalem for the north is el-Birch, supposed to be the ancient Beer, or Beeroth. It is only eight or ten miles from the city, and is considered a three hours’ journey. There is a tradition that this is the very place where the caravan, of which the family of Jesus was a part, made their first halt; and it certainly has greater probability in its favor than many other traditions connected with Palestine.(Scroll down to page 1007 of New Manners and Customs by James Freeman) And they began looking for (anazeteo) Him among their relatives and acquaintances - One can only imagine what went through His parent's mind. Travel was dangerous in those days and as a parent of 4 I know where my mind goes when one of my children is astray. As Criswell observes "Jesus was missing for nearly three days, before Mary and Joseph retraced their steps on the following day. Probably the women traveled in one group and the men in another. A 12-year-old boy could be with either group; therefore, it is not remarkable that they could have traveled several days before He was missed." (Believers Study Bible) They began looking is in the imperfect tense adds a vivid picture of them searching over and over for Him or as
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Vincent - “We read in the Talmud that the members of the Temple-Sanhedrin, who, on ordinary days, sat as a court of appeal from the close of the morning to the time of the evening sacrifice, were wont, upon Sabbaths and feast-days, to come out upon the terrace of the temple, and there to teach. In such popular instruction the utmost latitude of questioning would be given. It is in this audience, which sat upon the ground, surrounding and mingling with the doctors, and hence during, not after, the feast, that we must seek the child Jesus” (Edersheim, “Life and Times,” etc., i. 247). From this, Edersheim argues that the parents set out for home before the close of the feast. See Alfred Edersheim's discussion in Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah - IN THE HOUSE OF HIS HEAVENLY, AND IN THE HOME OF HIS EARTHLY FATHER - THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM - THE RETIREMENT AT NAZARETH. Luke 2:41-52. Sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. - THE Teacher teaching the teachers! He was "not occupying a teacher’s place, but sitting in the circle among the doctors and their hearers." (Marvin Vincent) Darrell Bock - Some critics have said that rabbis did not allow children to sit in their presence until the middle of the first century. Does this mean this verse is anachronistic or false? In answer to this, public engagement with rabbis was not unusual at this time, and Jesus’ age (12 years old, Lk 2:42) was advanced enough that there is no difficulty in believing he was allowed to sit among the teachers. (See The Gospels and Acts) Sitting in the midst of the teachers (didaskalos) - "This was a typical, traditional setting for teaching in Israel. The teachers would be seated, with the students, sitting in their midst. Only here does Luke use didaskalos to refer to Jewish teachers; in the rest of his gospel the term is reserved for John the Baptist (Lk 3:12+) or Jesus. No one is called “teacher” after Jesus became the teacher.....The dialogue method was the customary pattern for teaching in Judaism and was employed by the apostle Paul (Acts 17:2+; “reasoned” translates a form of the Greek verb dialegomai, “to discuss”). Students would gather around a teacher or teachers and stimulate the discussion by asking questions. Only here in the Gospels is Jesus portrayed as the student; after this He is always the teacher—who would ask questions for which the Jewish teachers had no adequate answers (cf. Lk 11:19–20+; Lk 13:2–5+; Lk 20:41–44+)." (See Luke 1-24 MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Both listening to them and asking them questions - Listening is reasonable but asking is amazing because we all know you have to have some knowledge on which to even base sensible questions. Clearly His understanding of theological matters was astute as shown by their reaction in Lk 2:47. The use of questions and answers was typical of the rabbinical method of teaching, and here we witness the greatest Rabboni of all! A T
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Vincent adds that astonished is "a very strong word; the verb meaning, literally, to strike out or drive away from; and so to drive out of one’s senses. Hence in the general sense of great amazement. Amaze is to throw into a maze or labyrinth; and so is closely akin to the Greek word here, and is a faithful rendering." Anxiously (feel agony or torment) (3600)(odunao from odune = sorrow, torment, grief, pain. English anodyne is a drug that relieves pain) means actively to cause intense pain but is used only passively in the NT. All 4 NT uses are by Dr Luke (Lk 2:48, Lk 16:24, 25+ = "agony", Acts 20:38+) . Odunao means to experience intense physical pain (Lk 16:24, 25+ = Hades) or as in the present context to cause one to experience mental and/or spiritual pain manifest by being grieved, anxious, very worried, deeply distressed, consumed by grief. This Greek word was used in medical literature. Looking (seeking) (2212)(zeteo) implies giving attention and priority to and deliberately pursuing after. Vincent comments that "Mary is going over in mind the process of the search." Luke frequently uses zeteo - Luke 2:48; 5:18; 6:19; 9:9; 11:9; 16; 24; 29; 12:29; 31; 13:6; 24; 15:8; 17:33; 19:3; 10; 47; 20:19; 22:2; 6; 24:5; Acts 9:11; 10:19; 21; 13:8; 11; 16:10; 17:5; 27; 21:31; 27:30 Luke 2:49 And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" KJV And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? JESUS PRONOUNCEMENT: HIS BUSINESS IN HIS HOUSE And He said to them - This is the first saying of Jesus that is preserved in the NT. Why is it that you were looking for Me - "Jesus' first question means, "Why didn't you know where to look?" A T
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Vincent comments that " Mary’s question was not as to what her son had been doing, but as to where he had been. Jesus, in effect, answers, “Where is a child to be found but in his Father’s house?”" NET Note probably refers to the necessity of Jesus being involved in the instruction about God, given what he is doing. The most widely held view today takes this as a reference to the temple as the Father’s house. Jesus is saying that his parents should have known where he was." J C
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Vincent on diatereo - The preposition dia, through, indicates close, faithful, persistent keeping, through all the circumstances which might have weakened the impression of the events. The only other NT use of diatereo is also by Luke - Acts 15:29+ that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep (present tense = continually) yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell." Compare Luke 1:66+ All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him. Luke 2:19+ But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Diatereo is used 24x in 23v in the Septuagint - Gen. 17:9-10+ (keeping covenant); Ge 37:11; Ex. 2:9; 9:16; 12:6; 34:7; Num. 18:7; 28:2; Deut. 7:8; 33:9; Ps. 12:6-7; Prov. 21:23; 22:12; Isa. 56:2 Diatereo is used in Ge 37:11 of Jacob with a similar sense as here with Mary - "His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying (What saying? Ge 37:6-10 - they would bow down to Joseph) in mind." In Psalm 12:7 of keeping the afflicted in Psalm 12:5 "You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever." NET Note - The third person plural pronominal suffix on the verb is masculine, referring back to the “oppressed” and “needy” in Ps 125 (both of those nouns are plural in form), suggesting that the verb means “protect” here. The suffix does not refer to אִמֲרוֹת (’imarot, “words”) in Ps 12:6, because that term is feminine gender. BEING YOUNG - If you are twelve years old, one of your hardest jobs in life is obeying the adults who run your home. They are called parents, and they always think they know best. It’s very tough for a twelve-year-old to keep from taking over the family and running it according to intelligent twelve-year-old standards. But when the temptation strikes, remember Jesus… . Even though he knew his real Father, he did not reject his earthly parents. He went back to Nazareth with them and lived under their authority for another eighteen years. God’s people do not despise human relationships or family responsibilities. If the Son of God obeyed his human parents, how much more should you honor your family members! (Life Application Commentary) Luke 2:52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AMP And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man. YLT and Jesus was advancing in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour with God and men. SUMMARY OF JESUS BOYHOOD IN NAZARETH This passage summarizes Jesus' life from boyhood to baptism (Lk 3:21,22+, Mt 3:13-16,17). We see a similar pattern with John the Baptist (Lk 1:80) and Samuel (1 Sa 2:21, 26). The LORD visited Hannah; and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew before the LORD. 26 Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the LORD and with men. We see a similar statement regarding the development of Jesus' character in Hebrews Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, (Hebrews 5:8-9+). Matthew