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Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Wiersbe says "You cannot escape Jesus Christ. His birth affected Caesar’s politics (Lk 2:1–3), the ministry of the angels (Lk 2:8–15), and the activities of common men (Lk 2:15–20)." As I drive around I see signs saying "Merry Christmas," the very word which includes His Name. But the sad irony is that so many say "Merry Christmas" who have no real concept of Who this Christ is or what incredible gift He has made available to them if they would only receive His gift of eternal life by grace through faith in Christ (Jn 17:3, Ro 10:9-10+). Then they would be truly "Merry" in both time and eternity! Steven Cole has interesting introduction - A few years ago, newscaster Andy Rooney responded to the charge that his profession only covered the negative side of everything. He imagined a newscast in which it was reported that planes took off and landed safely. In Florida, the orange crop was hit by another night of average weather. The oranges just hung in there and grew. In Detroit, General Motors announced that 174,000 Chevrolets would not be recalled because they were all perfect. Rooney’s point was that good news isn’t always appreciated unless it’s against the backdrop of bad news. Our text tells us the best news in the world, but two factors make it difficult for people to appreciate it. First, the Christmas story is perhaps the most widely known story in history. As a result, many people, even Christians, shrug it off as not being especially exciting or relevant to the problems they are facing. Second, many people do not realize what dire straits they are in regarding their standing before God and their eternal destiny. So when they read the familiar story that a Savior has been born in the city of Bethlehem, they yawn and say, “That’s nice. What’s for dinner?” Not seeing their desperate need for salvation, they fail to appreciate the fact that this story is the best news in all of history. The best news in the world is that a Savior was born for you, who is Christ the Lord. A couple of years ago, Moody Magazine (Jan./Feb., 1996) reported that 49 percent of professing Christians agree that “all good people, whether they consider Jesus Christ to be Savior or not, will live in heaven after they die.” (ED: Compare this August, 2021 Barna report which notes that of Americans who claim to be born again "60% believe that if a person is good enough, or does enough good things, they can earn their way into Heaven." Woe! Jesus' words in Mt 7:21-23+) If that opinion is true, then the story of the birth of Jesus may warm your heart and make you feel good. But it won’t be the best news in the world, news that you cannot live without. However, if the Bible is correct in stating that all people have sinned and apart from Christ they are under God’s condemnation (ED: cf Ro 3:10, Ro 3:20, Ro 3:23, Ro 6:23), then the news that the Savior has been born is hardly just nice! It is the best news in the world and it is absolutely crucial! (The Best News in the World Luke 2:1-20) “God doesn’t roll dice.” (R C Sproul) Nothing happens by chance. Ever. Roman Empire Ruled by Caesar Augustus Now in those days a decree (dogma) went out from Caesar (kaisar) Augustus that a census be taken (apographo) - Don't read over this too fast and miss that the good news about Christ the Savior is historically true. Don't intertwine the legend of Santa Claus who brings gifts with the historical truth of Jesus Christ Who brings the only gift that really matters! And so we begin by asking what days? Days of Caesar Augustus and days of a census. See note on census. Every day is the day of the Lord. There are NO "accidental events" in the history of the world, for as has often been said "history" is "HIS STORY!" Proverbs says that "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Pr 21:1) and so in Luke's account we see God moving the heart of Augustus who, by his edict calling for a census, sets the historical stage for the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. God through the edict caused Joseph to go from Nazareth to Bethlehem in order to fulfill Micah 5:2. So these were the days of the birth of the long expected Messiah. God is sovereign over everything, including the timing of events! You can stake your life on it! (See also Divine Providence). THOUGHT - The twist in the story is, of course, that it is the very pagan authorities who are responsible for bringing Jesus to Bethlehem. Caesar, like Cyrus before him (ED: 2Chr 36:22, cf Nebuchadnezzar who God calls "My servant" - Jer 25:9, 43:10), unknowingly becomes the servant of God’s purpose. The promise is fulfilled through the actions of the unlikeliest of people. For God is Lord of all the earth and there is no power not under his authority, no poverty to which he turns a blind eye of indifference. (June Osborne) John
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Wiersbe - Augustus Caesar (kaisar) was ruling, but God was in charge, for He used Caesar's edict to move Mary and Joseph eighty miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill His Word. Rome took a census every fourteen years for both military and tax purposes, and each Jewish male had to return to the city of his fathers to record his name, occupation, property, and family. When Mary said "Be it unto me according to Thy word" (Luke 1:38), it meant that from then on, her life would be a part of the fulfillment of divine prophecy. God had promised that the Saviour would be a human, not an angel (Ge 3:15; Heb. 2:16), and a Jew, not a Gentile (Ge 12:1-3; Nu 24:17). He would be from the tribe of Judah (Ge 49:10), and the family of David (2Sa 7:1-17), born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14) in Bethlehem,' the city of David (Micah 5:2). (ED: SEE Messianic Prophecies) All of this occurred just as the Scriptures said, and Caesar unknowingly played an important part. A.T. Pierson used to say, "History is His story," and President James A. Garfield called history "the unrolled scroll of prophecy." If God's Word controls our lives, then the events of history only help us fulfill the will of God. "I am watching over My word to perform it," promises the Lord (Jer. 1:12, NASB) (Scroll to page 143 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Caesar Augustus - (Latin: Imperātor Caesar Dīvī Fīlius Augustus 23 September 63 BC–19 August 14 AD) was the founder of the Roman Principate and considered the first Emperor, controlling the Roman Empire from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. R Kent
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Wiersbe adds "a typical Eastern “caravansary,” was a two-story structure (the lower level was for animals) built around a courtyard where travelers could camp. Jesus must have been born in one of the cattle stalls; the feeding trough was His bed. See Phil. 2:1–11 and 2 Cor. 8:9." (See Wiersbe Bible Commentary) Butler - The only available space for the child was in the animal trough attached to the wall that their room shared with the animals' quarters. The promised king came to his people but did not have enough power to secure a resting place for his birth (Ed: He had laid aside His divine prerogatives - Php 2:5-7). The descendants of David descended to a stable to find a place to lay the head of the King of kings. This is how God used earth's lowest to bring salvation from heaven's highest. (Holman New Testament Commentary - Luke:) THOUGHT- The word "no" (ouk) means absolutely none. It reminds me of my honeymoon when we went to the hotel we had planned to spend the night and the attendant said "Sorry, we do not have a reservation under that name and the hotel is completely booked!" All praise to Thee, eternal Lord, Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood; Choosing a manger for a throne, While worlds on worlds are Thine alone. —Luther When Joseph found no room to lodge in Bethlehem, he lodged in a certain cave near the village. While they were there, Mary brought forth Christ, and laid Him in a manger. THOUGHT - Is their not some divine irony that in a feeding trough for animals lay the very One Who would later "feed the world" declaring “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst...“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” (John 6:36, 51) Have you partaken of the Bread of Life, by grace through faith? If not, your destiny and doom is to remain "spiritually hungry" throughout eternity with no opportunity to satiate your soul's lack! He was a humble workman, w/the tools with which he wrought, And he built a common stable, or so it was he thought! And he fashioned there a manger, Where the cattle could be fed, Never thinking that the Savior, Would pillow there His head. He had only built a stable, With a manger in the stall, Yet it cradled there the Christ-child, Who is King & Lord of all! So although our task be humble, Let us work each day with care; For we may not know God’s purpose, Or why He places us there. For the manger that formed the cradle, Of our Lord & Savior here, was built by a humble workman, in Bethlehem of Judea(r) --Henry B Knox Play Away in the Manger - Casting Crowns. Children's Choir (Another beautiful Christmas Carol) Away in the Manger Away in a manger no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love You Lord Jesus; look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me Lord Jesus I ask You to stay Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Your tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with You there. First-born (firstborn) (4416) (prototokos from protos = first, foremost, in place order or time; rank dignity + titko = beget, to bear, bring forth) can mean first-born chronologically (Lk 2:7), but in most of the other NT uses refers primarily to position, rank, priority of position and emphasizes quality or kind, not time with the idea of "preeminence". What year was Jesus Christ born? When was Jesus born? What is a Christmas nativity? What is Mariology? What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? What is the Assumption of Mary? Who is the Queen of Heaven? Is Mary the co-redemptrix / mediatrix? Wrapped...in cloths (swaddled)(4683)(sparganoo from spárganon = a swathing or swaddling band) means to wrap in swaddling clothes. Swaddling clothes were narrow strips of cloth wrapped around an infant. These cloths were believed to protect its internal organs. This custom of wrapping infants is still practiced in many Mideastern countries. Only other NT use = Lk 2:12. Manger (a feeding trough)(5336)(phatne) means a manger, a crib, a feeding trough (Liddell-Scott has "feed box" or "stall") See picture. Zodhiates - Some ancient writers believe that Jesus was born in a stable formed by nature and not constructed by man. Gilbrant - The Septuagint also uses the word to mean “manger” and in a transferred sense to indicate the room or area enclosed around the manger (Proverbs 14:4). Such mangers were often made of stones laid like blocks, then plastered over with a substance to make them waterproof. These feeding troughs could also be carved from a single block of stone or simply made of dried mud. The animals ate from them. Hezekiah had many such stalls. Actually, several references may be found (2 Chronicles 32:28; Job 6:5; 39:9; Isaiah 1:3; Joel 1:17; Habakkuk 3:17). One of the most pungent analogies in the Old Testament is in Isaiah: “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider” (Isaiah 1:3). For a person or people to forget where they regularly receive nourishment tells of their inconsideration and lack of gratitude. New Testament Usage - The term appears three times in the birth narratives of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 2:7,12,16). It is possible that the idea refers only to the room where Jesus was born or to a feeding place out-of-doors. The Luke account typically stressed God’s interest in the humble things of life. Jesus was laid in a manger upon birth. The angels gave this as a sign to the shepherds that they had found the newborn king of Israel. They would not have been allowed to visit Him in a palace. But they could come where possibly some of their own children had been laid. In a later reference Jesus told a story about an ox that fell into a ditch; He did so in response to questions about His healings on the Sabbath Day (Luke 13:15). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Phatne - 4x all in Luke - Luke 2:7, 12, 2:16, Lk 13:15 = "his donkey from the stall " Phatne - 7x in the Septuagint - pens, manger, storehouses, stalls 2 Chronicles 32:28 storehouses also for the produce of grain, wine and oil, pens for all kinds of cattle and sheepfolds for the flocks. Job 6:5 “Does the wild donkey bray over his grass, Or does the ox low over his fodder? Job 39:9 “Will the wild ox consent to serve you, Or will he spend the night at your manger (feeding trough)? Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the manger (feeding trough) is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. Isaiah 1:3 “An ox knows its owner, And a donkey its master’s manger (feeding trough), But Israel does not know, My people do not understand.” Joel 1:17 The seeds shrivel under their clods; The storehouses are desolate, The barns are torn down, For the grain is dried up. Habakkuk 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Inn (2646)(kataluma from kata = intensifier + luo = to loose) means literally an unloosing of what was bound or a place of unyoking and thus a place of rest, hence a lodge or inn.. This was a locally recognized place to stay overnight while on a journey and could be either in the open air or in a building. Kataluma is used elsewhere only in Luke 22:11 and Mark 14:14 where it means guest room or dining room, referring to a room in someone’s house made available to Jesus and His disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. Zodhiates adds that kataluma "was so–called because of the ancient travelers who on arrival loosened their own belts or girdles, sandals, and the saddles or harnesses of their animals. In the ancient Greek writings, the place of entertainment is called katáluma, where animals and burdens are loosened. See Sept.: Ex. 4:24. Guests were highly regarded in biblical times (Jdg. 19:9, 15)." (Zodhiates' Word Study Dictionary of the NT - This resource is recommended and in my opinion is superior to BDAG because it is so much more readable - you can also borrow a copy of The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament) NET Note - The Greek word kataluma is flexible, and usage in the LXX and NT refers to a variety of places for lodging (see BDAG 521 s.v.). Most likely Joseph and Mary sought lodging in the public accommodations in the city of Bethlehem (see J. Nolland, Luke [WBC], 1:105), which would have been crude shelters for people and animals. However, it has been suggested by various scholars that Joseph and Mary were staying with relatives in Bethlehem (e.g., borrow C. S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 194; B. Witherington, "Birth of Jesus," DJG, 69–70); if that were so the term would refer to the guest room in the relatives' house, which would have been filled beyond capacity with all the other relatives who had to journey to Bethlehem for the census. Big Plans Read: Luke 2:1-12 You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. —Matthew 1:21 Two thousand years ago, there were no earthly plans for celebrating Jesus’ birth. Quietly and unannounced, Joseph and Mary entered Bethlehem and searched for a place to spend the night. It was a busy time in the Judean village, but the excitement had nothing to do with the upcoming birth. The crowds had gathered to take part in a census. They didn’t know that Mary was about to deliver the Savior. As the year 2000 approaches, the story has changed. There are serious discussions going on about how Bethlehem can get ready for the estimated 4 million tourists who will converge on the Israeli city during Christmas 2000. One estimate puts the price tag at $3.5 billion to prepare for the big day. What a contrast to that first Christmas! It’s almost as if people want to make up for missing His birth. Yet, a proper preparation has nothing to do with money or motels or shrines. It’s a matter of the heart. If we want to honor Christ for who He is, we will put our complete faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. The Christmas season comes again. Let all the earth with one accord Rejoice that God has given to men A Savior, who is Christ the Lord. —Baker You can't truly celebrate Christ's birth until you've invited Him into your heart. QUESTION - Where Was Jesus born?- ANSWER - The Bible chronicles Jesus Christ’s birth in Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; and 2:1–20. At the time of Mary’s pregnancy, a decree by Caesar Augustus went out that “all the world should be registered” (Luke 2:1). This meant that every person in the Roman Territory was required to return to the city of their ancestors to be counted in a census. Joseph lived in Nazareth at the time but needed to travel south to the region of Judea, “to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4). Naturally, Joseph took his betrothed, Mary, to go with him to be counted as a member of his family. Thus, the young couple ended up in the small town of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. This location aligns with the prophecy foretold by Micah, proclaiming that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2). Because 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.) Traditionally, the “inn” (kataluma) referred to in Luke 2:7 is thought to be a kind of commercial hotel. And the place where Mary and Joseph took shelter was a stable somewhere in the vicinity. However, we don’t know for sure if that was the case, because the Greek word translated as “inn” (kataluma) can also be translated as “guest room.” This translation would lead us to envision more of a private home filled with guests, plus a separate area used to house the family’s animals. Sometimes the place for animals was located on the lower level of a house, away from where the people lived. So, when Luke refers to “no room in the kataluma,” he could have meant there was no room on the upper level, which was already full of sleeping visitors or family. Archaeological findings have also revealed homes that merely had a wall separating the front of the house from the back, where animals were kept safe. Both of these floor plans imply an indoor animal shelter connected to the house in some way. Regardless, there was a manger or feeding trough in the place where Christ was born, and that was used as a resting place for the newborn Jesus, as stated in Luke 2:7. There is also a theory that the shelter in which Jesus was born was a place in the northern part of Bethlehem called Migdol Eder. This was a watchtower with a place underneath that shepherds used during the lambing season to shelter the newborn lambs that would later be used as sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple. The prophet Micah, who foretold Bethlehem as the place of the Messiah’s birth, also mentions Migdol Eder: “As for you, watchtower of the flock [Hebrew, Migdol Eder], stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem” (Micah 4:8). This theory is used to explain why, when the heralding angels gave the sign that the baby would be “wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger,” the shepherds seemed to know exactly where to look. And it would be apropos for the Messiah to be born in the same place where the sacrificial lambs were born. Whether the actual location of Jesus’ birth was an indoor animal shelter, a separate barn, or a tower used for lambing, the Bible is clear that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in a humble setting in the town of Bethlehem. Question: "Why was Jesus born in a manger?" Answer: It is a common saying at Christmas time that Jesus Christ was “born in a manger.” Of course, it wasn’t possible for Him to actually be born in the manger, but that’s where Mary laid Him after His birth (Luke 2:7). Although we are not sure of the exact location of where Jesus was born, we do know that it was near Bethlehem and that there was a manger, or feeding trough, there. God promised the Savior’s virgin birth immediately after mankind’s first sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). Hundreds of years later, the prophet Micah foretold the birth of Christ in the small town of Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus’ earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were called to Bethlehem for a census of the entire Roman territory (Luke 2:1–5). While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Jesus to be born (Luke 2:6). Because of the crowds that had come to Bethlehem, there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:7). While tradition says that the inn was a sort of hotel, we don’t know that for sure. In fact, the Greek word translated “inn” (kataluma) could be translated “guest room.” This fact has led some to believe that Jesus may not have been born in a stable or barn, but in a house with a lower floor serving as a nighttime shelter for the families’ animals. If that were the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to find a manger located in that area of the house. When Luke states that there was no room in the kataluma, he could mean there was no room on the upper level, which would have been full of other people sleeping. In any case, Jesus was born at night, in some sort of keeping-place for animals. After He was delivered, Mary His mother wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger (Luke 2:7). Later that same night, shepherds from nearby fields found Him just as the angels told them they would (Luke 2:10–12). So, why was the Savior and King born in a place where animals were kept? And why was He then laid in the animals’ food trough? Surely, God’s Son deserved a high-profile birth in the most elegant of surroundings. But, instead, God’s own Son made His appearance on earth in the lowliest of circumstances. This humble birth conveys an amazing message to creation: the transcendent God condescended to come to us. Instead of coming to earth as a pampered, privileged ruler, Jesus was born in meekness, as one of us. He is approachable, accessible, available—no palace gates bar the way to Him; no ring of guards prevents our approach. The King of kings came humbly, and His first bed was a manger. Related Resources: Was Jesus actually born in September? Gotquestions.org Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Gotquestions.org What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes? What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)? Gotquestions.org Bruce Barton - COMFORT ZONES The government forced Joseph to make a long trip just to pay his taxes. His fiance, who had to go with him, was going to have a baby any moment. But when they arrived in Bethlehem, they couldn’t even find a place to stay. Doing God’s will often takes people out of their comfort zones. Jesus’ life began in poverty. Later, Jesus would stress to his disciples what it meant to have no place to lay one’s head (Lk 9:58). Those who do God’s will are not guaranteed comfortable lives. But they are promised that everything, even their discomfort, has meaning in God’s plan. (See Luke LAC) J C
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Wiersbe adds "Shepherds are not easily fooled. They are practical men of the world who have little to do with fantasy. If they said that they saw angels and went and found the Messiah, then you could believe them. God selected hardworking men to be the first witnesses that His Son had come into the world." ( Scroll to page 143 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Brian Bell - Q: Who do you think were… (1) The 1st Hearers of the Christmas Gospel! (2). The 1st Believers of the Christmas Gospel! (3). The 1st Preachers of the Christmas Gospel! Answer = The Shepherds! The Shepherds Reputation! Bible Almanac – “Shepherds were distrusted in Jesus’ day, as being a wild bunch.” James
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Wiersbe comments "How amazed the angels must have been when they saw the Creator born as a creature, the Word coming as a speechless baby. The best commentary on this is 2 Corinthians 8:9 ("For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich."), and the best response from our hearts is wonder and worship. "Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh" (1 Ti 3:16). ( (Scroll to page 143 in The Bible Exposition Commentary)) And the glory (doxa) of the Lord (kurios) shone around (perilampo) them - In this passage the glory points toward the visible and manifest divine presence. One is reminded of John's description which all believers will one day be privileged to behold "And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb." (Rev 21:23+). Kostenberger points out that in contrast to the glorious manifestation to the shepherds "Luke describes the fear-inspiring appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zacharia and Mary with more subtlety (Lk 1:11+, Lk 1:28+), while the shepherds were enveloped with the powerfully and brilliantly visible glory of God (Ibid) Gene Brooks - The glory (doxa) of the Lord shone round about them. This is the same Glory that appeared to Abraham in Ur (Acts 7:2), the same Glory as Moses encountered on Mount Sinai (Exod. 31), the same Glory as in the Tabernacle (Exod. 40:34-35), the same Glory as appeared at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8:11), the same Glory as Ezekiel saw depart the Temple (Ezek 10:4, 18-19; 11:22-23). Now for more than 500 years the nation of Israel had been without a visible sign of God’s presence among His people. Now the Glory for which Israel had so long waited had been revealed to humble, believing shepherds in the field, not unbelieving priests in the temple. (Sermon Notes) And they were terribly frightened (phobeo) - Fallen finite men are always frightened by the sight of the normally invisible spiritual realm! NET Note comments that the Greek phrase (phobeo phobos megas) literally reads "they feared a great fear" which is a Semitic idiom which intensifies the main idea, in this case their fear." As
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Wiersbe observes that "Fear not!" is one of the key themes of the Christmas story (Luke 1:13, 30, 74; and see Mt. 1:20)."
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Wiersbe - Literally the angel said, "I announce to you good news, a great joy which shall be to all the people." He used the word which means "to preach the Good News," a word Luke uses often in both his Gospel and in the Book of Acts. We see here Luke's emphasis on a worldwide Gospel: the Good News is for everybody, not just the Jews. What was the Good News? Not that God had sent a soldier or a judge or a reformer, but that He had sent a Saviour to meet man's greatest need. It was a message of peace to a world that had known much war. The famous "Pax Romana" (ED: SEE Roman peace) had been in effect since 27 b.c. but the absence of war doesn't guarantee the presence of peace. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, "While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion (ED: strong and barely controllable emotion), grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns more than even for outward peace." The Jewish word shalom (peace) means much more than a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. It has to do more with character than circumstances. Life was difficult at that time just as it is today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and the military state was in control. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men's hearts. Then, God sent His Son! (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) (Bold added) For Behold (idou) I bring you good news (euaggelizo/euangelizo) of great joy (chara) - For (gar) is a term of explanation which begs the question "What is the angel of the Lord explaining?" The angelic messenger says in essence "I evangelize to you a great joy". Or one could render it “I proclaim or announce the gospel [good news] of great joy to you,” or “I gospel great joy to you.” THOUGHT - What a privilege this messenger had to tell about the advent of the Messiah! We have the privilege of sharing the good news with the world, and angels cannot take our place. And so we see in Acts that the good news of personal salvation was not announced to men by angels but by other men (Compare the angel addressing Cornelius in Acts 10:3-7+ and Peter being the one actually proclaiming the Gospel in Acts 11:13-14+). So God's pattern in the church age is for saved men to speak the Gospel to the unsaved. Are you taking advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to proclaim the Good News? When we get to Heaven there will be no need. Sow the Gospel seeds while it is still called today (Jn 9:4).
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Wiersbe adds "The Jewish word shalom (peace) means much more than a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. It has to do more with character than circumstances. Life was difficult at that time just as it is today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and the military state was in control. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men’s hearts. Then, God sent His Son!" (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Eirene in Luke and Acts - Lk. 1:79; Lk. 2:14; Lk. 2:29; Lk. 7:50; Lk. 8:48; Lk. 10:5; Lk. 10:6; Lk. 11:21; Lk. 12:51; Lk. 14:32; Lk. 19:38; Lk. 19:42; Lk. 24:36; Jn. 14:27; Jn. 16:33; Jn. 20:19; Jn. 20:21; Jn. 20:26; Acts 7:26; Acts 9:31; Acts 10:36; Acts 12:20; Acts 15:33; Acts 16:36; Acts 24:2 Pleased (2107)(eudokía from eu = well, well off + dokeo = to seem, to think, to have an opinion) means good will or pleasure. Eudokia speak sof that which pleases. Of course, ultimately the only way for an unholy sinner to be pleasing to the Holy God is to be clothed in the garments of salvation, dressed in the perfect, God pleasing righteousness of Christ. The only other use in Luke is Lk 10:21 = "for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight." A Prize for Peace - Alfred Nobel made a fortune from the invention of dynamite, which changed the course of warfare. Perhaps because of the horrors that wars inflicted with the use of dynamite, he made a provision in his will for a prize to be given annually to those who work to promote peace. Today it’s called the Nobel Peace Prize. God’s expression of peace to the world was His Son. When Jesus was born, the angels’ clear, unmistakable message to the shepherds was “on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). ILLUSTRATION Scientists report that noise has a definite effect on our working efficiency. Noise increases the pulse,quickens the blood pressure,and upsets the normal rhythm of the heart. Spiritual noise has just as bad an effect on spiritual life. The man who is occupied with the things that keep him from hearing the voice of God in his heart is spiritually frustrated. It is impossible for those who are spiritually noisy to have true peace of mind, peace of heart, and peace of soul! This is why God has said, "Be still, and know that I am God;" (Psalms 46:10). - Donald Grey Barnhouse, Let Me Illustrate (Fleming H. Revell, 1967), p. 49. Application - Peace in an "in" word today. Some people use the word without any knowledge of how a person really gains a lasting peace. We have been given peach from the Lord and we need to speak Peace every where we go. Peace On Earth? Read: Luke 2:8-14 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. —John 14:27 I wouldn’t want to pick a fight with a sky full of angels, but I must admit that I’ve always wondered about the promise of peace the angelic host made to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem. For the last 2,000 years, peace on our planet has been at best a rare commodity. Wars continue to ravage innocent lives, domestic violence is a growing calamity, divorce rates soar, churches split, and peace in our restless and wayward hearts seems to be an elusive dream. Where is the promised peace? Actually, on reflection, we can see that Jesus brought all that is needed for peace in our world. He taught the principles of peace, calling for people to love their neighbors as they love themselves. And as He was leaving this planet, He promised, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). He told us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, forgive offenses, reject greed, tolerate each other’s weaknesses, live to serve and love one another as He has loved us. We know at times there will be strife; On this we must agree— When conflict drops into our lives, We’ll solve it peacefully. —Fasick When we experience peace with God, we can share His peace with others. A Ukrainian Christmas Read: Luke 2:6-14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” —Luke 2:14 The people of Ukraine include many wonderful elements in their observance of Christmas. Sometimes wisps of hay are placed on the dinner table as a reminder of the Bethlehem manger. Another portion of their celebration echoes the events of the night when the Savior entered the world. A Christmas prayer is offered and then the father in the household offers the greeting, “Christ is born!” The family then responds, “Let us glorify Him!” These words draw my mind to the appearance of the angels in the sky over Bethlehem on the night Christ was born. The angel of the Lord declared, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The heavenly host responded, ““Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (v.14). Those twin messages give such depth of meaning to this wonderful time of year. The Savior has come bringing forgiveness and hope—and He is deserving of all the worship we can give Him. May all who know the wonder of His gift of eternal life join with the voices of that angelic host declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!”By Bill Crowder With th’angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” —Wesley The spectacular glory of God’s love for us was revealed in the coming of Jesus. Now Is The Time Read: Luke 2:8-20 Glory to God in the highest! —Luke 2:14 During our church’s Christmas celebration, I watched the choir members assemble in front of the congregation while the music director rifled through papers on a slim black stand. The instruments began, and the singers launched into a well-known song that started with these words: “Come, now is the time to worship.” Although I expected to hear a time-honored Christmas carol, I smiled at the appropriate choice of music. Earlier that week I had been reading Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, and I noticed that the first Christmas lacked our modern-day parties, gifts, and feasting—but it did include worship. After the angel announced Jesus’ birth to some wide-eyed shepherds, a chorus of angels began “praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest!’” (Luke 2:13-14). The shepherds responded by running to Bethlehem where they found the newborn King lying in a barnyard bassinet. They returned to their fields “glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen” (v.20). Coming face to face with the Son inspired the shepherds to worship the Father. Grant us, Father, hearts of worship At this time of Jesus’ birth; We would see anew His glory Shine throughout this sin-cursed earth. —D. De Haan Heaven’s choir came down to sing when heaven’s King came down to save. What Christmas Is All About Read: Luke 2:8-14 There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8 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” (vv. 11-14 kjv). Then Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” During this season filled with our own doubts and dreams, it’s good to ponder afresh God’s great love expressed in the familiar story of Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus, and the angels who announced the Savior’s birth. 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! INSIGHT - Two angels are named in the Bible: archangels Michael (Dan. 10:13; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7) and Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26). Angels appeared a number of times in connection with Christ's birth. Gabriel appeared to Zacharias (Luke 1:11–20) and then to Mary, announcing that she would become the mother of the Messiah (v. 26). An unnamed angel, which most scholars believe was Gabriel, appeared three times in dreams to Joseph (Matt. 1:20; 2:13, 19). Gabriel also announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds and, joined by a "multitude of the heavenly host," declared glory to God (2:8–14). The Promise Of Peace Read: Luke 2:8-15 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. —2 Peter 1:2 At Christmastime we love to hear the angelic message of peace on earth. But the message that’s repeated in songs and sermons needs to be heard and heeded every day of the year. We continually hear reports of tragedies around the globe. And we may be troubled by personal problems and crises. We long for and pray for peace. The Bible provides an answer to that plea for peace. To start with, the apostle Paul assured us in Romans 5:1 that it is possible to have peace with God. Yes, we disobedient and sinful creatures can enter into a state of reconciliation with God through faith in His Son Jesus (v.11). We can enjoy emotional peace as we cast our cares on the Savior (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7). There is also the possibility of interpersonal peace. In Romans 12:18, Paul urged believers, “As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Peace with others can become a reality. Best of all, we can anticipate global peace when our Savior, the Prince of Peace, returns. Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within; Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus, we know, and He is on the throne. —Bickersteth Only the Prince of Peace can bring lasting peace. Parallel Universes Read: Luke 2:1-7 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! —Luke 2:14 Every so often I catch myself wondering about the whole grand scheme of faith. I stand in an airport, for example, watching important-looking people in business suits, briefcases clutched to their sides, as they pause at an espresso bar before scurrying off to another concourse. Do any of them ever think about God? I wonder. Christians share an odd belief in parallel universes. One universe consists of glass and steel and wool clothes and leather briefcases and the smell of freshly ground coffee. The other consists of angels and spiritual forces and somewhere-out-there places called heaven and hell. We palpably inhabit the material world; it takes faith to consider oneself a citizen of the other, invisible world. Once from the realms of infinite glory, Down to the depths of our ruin and loss, Jesus came, seeking—O Love’s sweet story— Came to the manger, the shame, and the cross. —Strickland The key word of Christmas is “Immanuel”— God with us! Luke 2:15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." NET When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us." GNT Καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἀπῆλθον ἀπ᾽ αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν οἱ ἄγγελοι, οἱ ποιμένες ἐλάλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους, Διέλθωμεν δὴ ἕως Βηθλέεμ καὶ ἴδωμεν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο τὸ γεγονὸς ὃ ὁ κύριος ἐγνώρισεν ἡμῖν. NLT When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." KJV And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ESV When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." NIV When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." ASV And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. CSB When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." into: Lu 24:51 2Ki 2:1,11 1Pe 3:22 Let: Ex 3:3 Ps 111:2 Mt 2:1,2,9-11 12:42 Jn 20:1-10 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SHEPHERDS SEEK TO SEE SAVIOR When the angels (aggelos/angelos) had gone away from them into heaven - While they had departed visibly into a very real place called Heaven, a place all followers of Christ will also one day enter. When we die we will be absent from our body and present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:6-8+, Php 1:21-24+). No delays! No limbo! No purgatory. No soul sleep. Instant entrance into the same Heaven to which these angels returned, into the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We may not have visible angels today but we can be certain they also "appear" for our aid. The writer of Hebrews says (referring to angels) asks a rhetorical question - "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?" (Heb 1:14+).
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Wiersbe - Certainly they arranged for others to care for their flocks while they hastened to Bethlehem (ED: YES POSSIBLY, BUT COULD GOD HAVE KEPT THE SHEEP TOGETHER AND SAFE WHILE HIS ANGELS WERE ON MISSION FOR HIM?). Halford Luccock called this “the first Christmas rush,” but it was certainly different from the Christmas rushes we see today! (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Constable on the shepherds came in a hurry - Contrast the attitude of the religious leaders (IN JERUSALEM WHEN QUERIED BY KING HEROD) who, though they heard of Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, did not bother to check it out (Mt. 2:5). Luke did not break the feeling of excitement and swift action in the narrative by describing how the shepherds located the manger. In Luke's account there is no mention of the star that appeared to the wise men." "Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he (KING HEROD) inquired (imperfect tense = over and over) of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’” (Mt 2:4-6+) THOUGHT - The religious leaders recognized the OT had clearly spoken of a literal, personal Messiah to be born in Bethlehem, but they refused to receive Him as their Messiah (Jn 1:11+), in contrast to the simple shepherds who had seen Him in the manger and went away witnessing of Him and glorifying and praising God! It is fascinating and tragic that "religious" people are often the very ones who refuse to accept the fact that faith in Jesus the Messiah is the only way to God and eternal life in His Kingdom! I encounter this response frequently when I am witnessing to someone who place more credence in their "holy church" than in the Holy One of Israel! Too often religion deceives and blinds one to the truth of God's Word and the need for relationship instead of religion! It's like an influenza shot in the Fall, which prevents the person from getting the "real disease!" J C
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Wiersbe observes that "For some reason, shepherds were not permitted to testify in court, but God used some humble shepherds to be the first human witnesses that prophecy had been fulfilled and the Messiah had been born. The angels have never experienced the grace of God, so they can't bear witness as we can. Telling others about the Saviour is a solemn obligation as well as a great privilege, and we who are believers must be faithful." (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) THOUGHT - Wiersbe's comment begs a simple question - When was the last time you told someone about Jesus Who will return not as a Child but as the King of kings? They made known (gnorizo) - They met Jesus in a crib, and based on their belief in the word from the angel, they spread the news that He was the Savior, Christ and Lord! They were the first NT evangelists! They had a missionary focus. We are all called to be missionaries the moment we exit the doors of the church on Sunday! The fields are white unto harvest beloved! Don't miss the harvest! The shepherd's speaking about Jesus is a good model for all of us once we have seen Him with the eyes of faith. How can we keep such good news to ourselves when most of the world is spiritually dead, without hope, helplessly enslaved by their sins and on a fast track to eternal damnation? The shepherds were like the apostles in Acts who explained "we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20+) TECHNICAL NOTE - Note that the less accepted manuscripts have a different verb (1232)(diagnorizo from diá = denoting separation + gnorizo = to know) means to know by distinguishing, to give an exact report. Holman NT Commentary - Seeing the baby Jesus was not enough for the shepherds. They had to share the story. Everyone they met heard from them about angelic visits, angelic songs of praise, and a trip to a manger to find the baby of God's glory. Most important, they shared what had been told them about this child. The fact of the child was news. The function of the child was Gospel. Shepherds found in a manger the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord Himself. They let everyone in hearing distance know. TELL IT OUT! The statement (rhema) which had been told them about this Child (paidion) - NLT - "what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child." In other words they passed on the Good News they had received. Don't miss this -- what did they make known? Did they focus on their spectacular angelic encounter? No, like Paul years later, they proclaimed the Christ, the Messiah, the one "has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Lk 2:10+) (Paul would later add "and Him crucified." 1 Cor 2:2, cf 1 Cor 1:23) The statement (4487)(rhema from verb rheo = to speak - to say, speak or utter definite words) refers to the spoken word, especially a word as uttered by a living voice. Laleo is another word translated speak but it refers only to uttering a sound whereas rheo refers to uttering a definite intelligible word. Rhema refers to any sound produced by the voice which has a definite meaning. It focuses upon the content of the communication. For example in Luke we read "And they understood none of these things, and this saying (rhema) was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said. (Luke 18:34)" Rhema is used 6x in Luke 2 - Lk 2:17 ("they made known the statement"), Lk 2:19 ("Mary treasured all these things"), Lk 2:29 (according to Your word), Lk 2:50 ("they did not understand the statement"), Lk 2:51 (His mother treasured all these things in her heart). A T
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Wiersbe comments - These shepherds are good examples for us to imitate today. They received by faith the message God sent them and then responded with immediate obedience. After finding the Baby, they reported the good news to others, "glorifying and praising God." They took the place of the angels! (Luke 2:13-14) Then they humbly returned to their duties, new men going back to the same old job.For some reason, shepherds were not permitted to testify in court, but God used some humble shepherds to be the first human witnesses that prophecy had been fulfilled and the Messiah had been born. The angels have never experienced the grace of God, so they can't bear witness as we can. Telling others about the Saviour is a solemn obligation as well as a great privilege, and we who are believers must be faithful. (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found. —Watts Keeping Christ out of Christmas is as futile as holding back the ocean’s tide. Wondered (were amazed, bewildered, stunned) (2296)(thaumazo from thauma [from thaomai = to wonder] = wonder, admiration) means to wonder, marvel, be struck with admiration or astonishment. Thaumazo describes the human response when confronted by divine revelation in some form (Mt 9.33) and describes incredulous surprise. And is this reaction not still what we see in our day where men wonder but too often conclude that it is just a "fairy tale" that God could become a Man to save men from their sins!
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Wiersbe - Note that the word law is used five times in Luke 2:21-40. Though He came to deliver His people from the bondage of the Law, Jesus was "made under the Law" and obeyed its commands (Gal. 4:1-7). He did not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17-18). Jesus' parents obeyed the Law first by having the child circumcised when He was eight days old. This was the sign and seal of the covenant that God made with Abraham (Gen. 17), and it was required of every Jewish male who wanted to practice the faith. The Jews were proud to be God's covenant people, and they scornfully called the Gentiles "the uncircumcision" (Eph. 2:11-12). It is unfortunate that circumcision became an empty ritual for many Jews, because it proclaimed an important spiritual truth (Dt. 10:15-20; Ro 2:28-29 ED: See circumcision of the heart). "His circumcision was His first suffering for us," said the late Donald Grey Barnhouse, a Philadelphia minister and author. It symbolized the work the Saviour did on the cross in dealing with our sin nature (Gal. 6:15; Phil. 3:1-3; Col. 2:10-11). In obedience to the Lord, Mary and Joseph gave Him the name Jesus, which means "Jehovah is salvation" (Matt. 1:21). (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) His name was then called Jesus (Iesous: Hebrew Yeshua), the name given by the angel (aggelos/angelos) before He was conceived (sullambano) in the womb (koilia) - As discussed above, the giving of the name was apparently a part of the ceremony of circumcision as it parallels the actions with John the Baptist (Lk 1:59–66+). Don't miss the unusual way He got His Name - like John the Baptist, Jesus was named by God His Father, even before He was conceived (Lk 1:31+)! And notice also that this Name was so important that God made sure He gave the Name to both Joseph (Mt 1:21+) and Mary (Lk 1:31+)! Luke 1:31+ - “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. Mt 1:21+ "And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for (THIS EXPLAINS THE MEANING OF HIS NAME JESUS) it is He who will save His people from their sins." What a beautiful Name it is What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King
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Wiersbe notes that Jesus' parents "also had to "redeem" the boy since He was Mary's firstborn (Ex. 13:1-12+). They had to pay five shekels (Nu 18:15–16+) to redeem the Redeemer Who would one day redeem us with His precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19+). Their humble sacrifice would suggest that they were too poor to bring a lamb (2 Cor. 8:9). But He was the Lamb!" (Scroll to page 144 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Purification (2512)(katharismos from katharizo = to cleanse and our English word catharsis which Webster's defines as purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension) describes the process of making clean, cleansing, purifying, freeing from filth. The NT uses refer to cleansing either from the "stain" of sin, an "inward contamination" (Heb 1:3, 2 Pe 1:9) or ritual cleansing as prescribed in the law of Moses (Mk 1:44, Lk 2:22, 5:14) or by Jewish customs (Jn 2:6). Note that these external Jewish rituals were always meant to point the practitioners to their need for internal cleansing, but sadly most of the Jews missed this deeper significance and practiced these laws mechanically, from their informed head, not a humble, broken heart! Completed (4092)(pimplemi from the obsolete pláō = to fill) to fill, to make full, to complete. Most of the uses of this verb are by Luke (22/24) and most are used with in a figurative sense. Most describe persons filled with something (Spirit or an emotion) and are wholly affected, controlled or influenced by what fills them. Time was filled up or completed - Lk 1:23+ and Lk 1:57+ Filled with the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:15+ = of John the Baptist while still in mother's womb, Lk 2:4+ = day of Pentecost, Acts 4:8+ = of Peter, Acts 4:31+ = the praying believers, Acts 9:17+ = of Paul, Acts 13:9+ = of Paul). Filled with an emotion (Lk 4:28+, Lk 6:11+ = filled with rage, Lk 5:26+ = filled with fear, Acts 3:10+ = wonder and amazement, Acts 5:17+ = jealousy, Acts 13:45+ = Jews filled with jealousy, compare Acts 19:29+ = city filled with confusion). Of time fulfilled or completed (Lk 1:23+ = days of priestly service ended, Lk 1:57+, Lk 2:6+ = pregnancy completed, Lk 2:21-22+, Lk 21:22+. The important takeaway on this verb is to see that what fills a person controls the behavior and actions of that person. Obviously Spirit filling leads to good, godly behavior, but the other emotions noted above lead to sinful, ungodly behavior. Present (3936)(paristemi from para = near, beside + histemi = place, set) literally means to place or set beside or near and hence to place at someone's disposal. Paristemi in the Septuagint was used as a technical term for priest’s placing the offering on the altar. This act conveyed the general idea of surrendering or yielding up which Paul picks up on in Romans 12:1+ writing "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present (paristemi) your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." What an "Offering" to present to the Lord! In Acts 1:3+ Jesus "presented Himself alive after His suffering (Which signifies God accepted His the offering of His body!)." Paristemi as noted conveys the general idea of surrendering or yielding up. In the Old Testament a worshiper would present an unblemished animal sacrifice to God as an expression of worship. Today, God doesn't want us to present dead sacrifices but to present ourselves to Him as living sacrifices. The OT Law demanded sacrifice. The Gospel of Grace invites us to consider the "mercies of God" in and respond accordingly. On the basis of what God has shown us He has done, we are not to look to the Law and respond because we MUST. Instead we look at all God has done in showing us mercies and we respond freely from a grateful heart. Luke 2:23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), NET (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male will be set apart to the Lord"), GNT καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν νόμῳ κυρίου ὅτι Πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἅγιον τῷ κυρίῳ κληθήσεται, NLT The law of the Lord says, "If a woman's first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the LORD." KJV (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) ESV (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") NIV (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), ASV (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), CSB (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) NKJ (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD "), NRS (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), YLT as it hath been written in the Law of the Lord, -- 'Every male opening a womb shall be called holy to the Lord,' Every: Ex 13:2,12-15 22:29 34:19 Nu 3:13 8:16,17 18:15 Luke 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL IS HOLY TO THE LORD! As it is written in the Law of the Lord (kurios) - Joseph and Mary carefully followed and fulfilled what was written in the Law of the Lord (note here not called "Law of Moses" but "Law of the Lord"). (As it is written) Ex 13:1-2 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Sanctify (a command) (Heb = qadash; Lxx = hagiazo) to Me every firstborn, the first offspring of every womb among the sons of Israel, both of man and beast; it belongs to Me.” Ex 13:12 you shall devote to the LORD the first offspring of every womb, and the first offspring of every beast that you own; the males belong to the LORD. NET Note on Exodus 13:12 - The unusual choice of words in this passage reflects the connection with the deliverance of the firstborn in the exodus when the Lord passed over the Israelites (Ex 12:12, 23). Here the Law said, "you will cause to pass over to Yahweh." The Hiphil perfect with the vav (w) provides the main clause after the temporal clauses. Yahweh here claimed the firstborn as his own. The remarkable thing about this is that Yahweh did not keep the firstborn that was dedicated to him, but allowed the child to be redeemed by his father. It was an acknowledgment that the life of the child belonged to God as the one redeemed from death, and that the child represented the family. Thus, the observance referred to the dedication of all the redeemed to God. Expositor's Greek - the statement in Lk 2:23 implies that every first-born male child, as belonging to God, must be ransomed (Exodus 34:19, Numbers 18:15-16). Marvin
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Wiersbe - Simeon was led by the Spirit and taught by the Word, and his heart was focused wholly on seeing the Savior. When he saw Him, he received him and (blessed) God. Can we find a better example to follow? (See context in his book Bible Personalities: A Treasury of Insights for Personal Growth and Ministry)
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Wiersbe notes that "In Luke 2:29–32 we find Simeon’s response to seeing Jesus. This is the fifth and last of the “Christmas songs” in Luke. (Elizabeth, 1:42–45; Mary, 1:46–56; Zacharias, 1:67–79; the angels, 2:13–14). It is first of all a worship hymn as he blesses God for keeping His promise and sending the Messiah. He joyfully praises God that he has been privileged to see the Lord’s Christ." (Scroll to page 145 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Note the translations above as they lead to a significant difference in interpretation. Some read like a prayer (NET, NLT, KJV), but that is not correct. The NAS, ESV and NIV are accurate in rendering this as a statement of Simeon's faith in God's Word. It is more of a praise than a prayer! It is a testimony of Simeon to the trustworthiness of God's Word!
Lucas 2
Wiersbe - Because of his readiness and eagerness to die (Luke 2:29), Simeon is usually pictured as a very old man, but nothing in Scripture supports this. Tradition says he was 113 years old, but it is only tradition. (Scroll to page 145 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Now Lord (despotes) - Now is an expression of time and means the momentary present, at the time directly following the present moment, without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening. This was Simeon's special moment in time! Simeon was on God's timetable. He was NOW ready to go to His God. What a wonderful mindset to have in our last hours of life, and something only possible for a genuine believer in Jesus and one filled with the Spirit of Christ. No fear in life, no fear in death! Lord is not the usual kurios but despotes that speaks of the supreme power of God, and of the relation of a slave to his master as a result of purchase, as used by Peter to describe those who deny "the Master (despotes) Who bought them" (2 Pe 2:1+), speaking of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:4+ also speaks of those would deny "our only Master (despotes) and Lord (kurios), Jesus Christ." Steven
Lucas 2
Wiersbe - What did Jesus do during the “hidden years” at Nazareth? Dr. Luke reports that the lad developed physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually (Luke 2:40, 52). In His incarnation, the Son of God set aside the independent use of His own divine attributes and submitted Himself wholly to the Father (Phil. 2:1–11). There are deep mysteries here that no one can fully understand or explain, but we have no problem accepting them by faith. Jesus did not perform any miracles as a Boy, traditions notwithstanding, because the turning of water into wine was the beginning of His miracles (John 2:1–11). He worked with Joseph in the carpenter shop (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and apparently ran the business after Joseph died. Joseph and Mary had other children during those years (Matt. 13:55–56; John 7:1–10), for the “until” of Matthew 1:25 indicates that the couple eventually had normal marital relations. (Scroll to page 145 in The Bible Exposition Commentary) Disciple's Study Bible - Whereas the birth of Jesus was marked by supernatural events, His childhood growth was natural for any human being. He increased His capacities in all areas of life. His spiritual growth amazed the religious authorities. Still He remained an obedient child. The presence of God was uniquely active in this Child, whose will and attitude developed with His body to reach the full potential God had for Him as His Messenger of redemption Increasing (pleroo) in wisdom (sophia) - More literally this is "filled with wisdom" and the present tense indicates this was continual. Henry
Lucas 2
Wiersbe - The word must was often on our Lord’s lips: “I must preach” (Luke 4:43); “The Son of man must suffer” (Luke 9:22); the Son of Man “must be lifted up” (John 3:14). Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was moved by a divine compulsion to do the Father’s will. (Scroll to page 146 of BEC) Marvin Vincent on I had to be ("must" - KJV) - Literally means it is necessary or it behooves. A word often used by Jesus concerning His own appointed work, and expressing both the inevitable fulfillment of the divine counsels and the absolute constraint of the principle of duty upon himself. See Matt. 16:21; 26:54; Mark 8:31; Luke 4:43; 9:22; 13:33; 24:7, 26, 46; John 3:14; 4:4; 12:34. Steven
Lucas 2
Wiersbe - Since Jesus “increased in wisdom” (Luke 2:52), we wonder how much He understood God’s divine plan at that time. We must not assume that at the age of twelve He was omniscient. Certainly He grew in His comprehension of those mysteries as He communed with His Father and was taught by the Spirit. One thing is sure: Joseph and Mary didn’t understand! This was a part of the pain from “the sword” that Simeon had promised her (Luke 2:35), and no doubt it happened again and again as the boy matured. Years later, during His ministry, our Lord’s family didn’t understand Him (Luke 8:19–21; John 7:1–5). (Scroll to page 146 of BEC) Criswell - Luke indicates that Jesus grew (1) intellectually, (2) physically, (3) spiritually, and (4) socially. Thus He grew and matured like any other person. Steven