Bible Commentary

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 11. a Saviour ] It is a curious fact that ‘Saviour’ and ‘Salvation,’ so common in St Luke and St Paul (in whose writings they occur forty-four times), are comparatively rare in the rest of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:11”

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 10. good tidings ] the rendering of the verb euangelizomai (see on Luk 1:19). of great joy ] See Isa 52:7; Isa 61:1; Rom 5:11; 1Pe 1:8. The contrast of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:10”

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 9. And lo ] The phrase often introduces some strange or memorable event. the angel ] Rather, an Angel. came upon them ] Epest a common word in St Luke, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:9”

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 8 20. The Angels to the Shepherds 8. in the same country ] Tradition says that they were natives of the little village Beth-zur (Jos 15:58; Neh 3:16). They were feeding their flocks in the same … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:8”

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 7. firstborn ] The word has no bearing on the controversy as to the ‘brethren of Jesus,’ as it does not necessarily imply that the Virgin … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:7”

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 6. the days were accomplished ] There is a reasonable certainty that our Lord was born b. c. 4 of our era, and it is probable that He was born (according to the unanimous tradition of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:6”

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 5. to be taxed ] Rather, to enrol himself. with Mary ] It is uncertain whether her presence was obligatory (Dion. Hal. iv. 5; Lact. De Mort. Persec. 23) or voluntary; but it is obvious that at so trying a time, and after … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:5”

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because (he was of the house and lineage of David: ) 4. the city of David ] 1Sa 17:12, “David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-Judah whose name was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:4”

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 3. every one into his own city ] This method of enrolment was a concession to Jewish prejudices. The Roman method was to enrol each person at his own place of residence. Incidentally this unexplained notice proves that St Luke is dealing with … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:3”

([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2. this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria ] Rather, this first enrolment took place (literally ‘took place as the first ’) when Quirinus was governor of Syria. We are here met by an apparent error on which whole … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 2:2”