Bible Commentary

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 10. the whole multitude ] This seems to shew that the vision took place either on a sabbath, or some great feast-day. praying ] The Temple was mainly used for sacrifice. Prayer in the Tabernacle is only once mentioned in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:10”

According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 9. his lot was to burn incense ] Rather, he obtained by lot the duty of entering and burning incense. This was the loftiest and most coveted of priestly functions, Exo 30:1-10; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:9”

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, 8. executed the priest’s office ] The priest who had the highest functions allotted to him was called ‘the chief of the course.’ There are said to have been some 20,000 priests in the days … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:8”

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years. 7. And they had no child ] This was regarded as a heavy misfortune because it cut off all hope of the birth of the Messiah in that family. It was also regarded as often involving … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:7”

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 6. righteous ] One of the oldest terms of high praise among the Jews (Gen 6:9; Gen 7:1; Gen 18:23-28. See Psa 37:37; Eze 18:5-19, &c.). It is used also of Joseph, Mat 1:19; and is defined … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:6”

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth. 5 25. The Announcement of the Birth of the Fore-runner 5. There was in the days ] The elaborate style … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:5”

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. 4. mightest know ] Rather, mayest fully know. of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed ] Rather, of those accounts in which thou wast orally instructed. Gal 6:6. From the word ‘to teach orally’ comes our ‘ catechise,’ &c. Oral … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:4”

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 3. having had perfect understanding ] Rather, having accurately traced out or followed up. See the same word in 1Ti 4:6; 2Ti 3:10. St Luke modestly puts himself exactly … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:3”

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 2. even as they delivered them unto us, which ] The English version is here ambiguous; and the way in which it is often read shews how completely it is misunderstood. It does not mean ‘that the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 1:2”

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them,] and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. 20. And they ] i. e. the Apostles. went forth ] Not immediately. They were commanded not to “depart from Jerusalem,” but to “tarry” there until at Pentecost they should be endued with power … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Mark 16:20”