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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

CHAPTER TWO:
THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JOHN AND JESUS

[“Birth and Growth of a Father’s Son”]
Key word: Christ

Luke 2:1-7 – A Firstborn’s Birth In Bethlehem

LK2:1 Now it occurred in those days 59 that a decree 60 was sent out from Caesar Augustus 61 to register 62 all the inhabitants of the land. 63

59	In those days: About 10 AD.

60	Decree: The Greek is DOGMA.

61	Caesar Augustus: The Roman Emperor died in 15 AD.

62	Register: Or, taxed, census, registration.

63	All the inhabitants of the land: The word may refer only to Judea.

LK2:2 This was the first census during the time Quirinius 64 was governor of Syria.

64

Quirinius: His full name is Publius Sulpicius Quirinius. Tacitus the Roman historian mentions him: “[Quirinius] sprang from the municipality of Lanuvium – had no connection; but as an intrepid soldier and an active servant he won a consulate under the deified Augustus, and, a little later, by capturing the Homonadensian strongholds beyond the Cilician frontier, earned the insignia of triumph,… adviser to Gaius Caesar during his command in Armenia.” [The Annals, III, XLVIII)] He died 21 AD. Josephus mentions him: “Quirinius, a Roman senator who had proceeded through all the magistracies to the consulship and a man who was extremely distinguished in other respects, arrived in Syria, dispatched by Caesar to be governor of the nation and to make an assessment of their property. Coponius, a man of equestrian rank, was sent along with him to rule over the Jews with full authority.” Josephus mentions that he ordered a taxation which may have caused the need for the census. This led to a Jewish revolt. [Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 1, 2, 3, 4 [i, 1]] For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts 5:37. Another commentary states: “Quirinius stood in exactly the same relation to Varus, the governor of Syria, as at a later time Vespasian did to Mucianus. Vespasian conducted the war in Palestine while Mucianus was governor of Syria; and Vespasian was legatus Augusti, holding precisely the same title and technical rank as Mucianus.” [The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge 1957, Vol. IX, pp. 375, 376] This and other histories and archaeological discovers proves the existence of such a person.

LK2:3 So everyone traveled to register in their individual towns. LK2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee and the village of Nazareth to Judea and David’s village called Bethlehem. 65

65	Bethlehem: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 2:6. [Micah 5:2]

LK2:5 Because his family was of David’s genealogy he registered there with his pregnant fiancée 66 Mary.

66	Fiancée: Or, espoused wife, betrothed, engaged, having been given in marriage. The state of engagement made Mary his woman or wife. Though they were not married by the Jewish ritual of the wedding feast, there was no legal condemnation under the Law of Moses.

LK2:6 And it came about while they were there it became the time for her to give birth. LK2:7 She gave birth to a son – her firstborn 67 – and then she wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them at the inn. 68

67	Firstborn: Or, her first child. The Greek is PROTOTOKON, the first born of a woman. Thus, inferring she had other children. [Matthew 1:25]

68	Inn: Or, lodging house. This may have been a guestroom, however it may have been a caravanary – a place where those on the trade routes stopped for over night rest. Surely it was primitive and one thing dominated the sense – the odor of animals.

Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

LK2:8 Now there were shepherds 69 in the same area who were living outside keeping watch at night 70 over their flock.

69	Shepherds: Though Luke compiled his Gospel thirty years later it is still possible he was able to interview one or more of these shepherds. Certainly he could get facts from their children who would have been told the story.

70	Living outside keeping watch at night: Suggesting it was not yet winter and was mild enough in the fall to sleep outdoors.

LK2:9 Then YHWH’s angel 71 appeared to them and YHWH’s glory 72 shone all around them and so they became frightened with a great fear.

71	YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism that occurs often in the Old Testament. [Genesis 16:7; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22]

72	YHWH’s glory: A Hebraism. [Exodus 16:7, 10; 24:16, 17; 40:34, 35]

LK2:10 And the angel said to them: “Do not be frightened. For, behold, I declare to all of you a great joy for all the people. LK2:11 Because today there was born to you in David’s city a savior 73 who is Lord Messiah. 74

73	A savior: Or, deliverer. The Greek SOTER is without the article. The designation is used of God and judges of Israel. [Isaiah 19:20]

74	Lord Messiah: Or, Christ, Anointed Lord, Messiah and Lord, Christ the Lord. [Daniel 9:24, 25]

LK2:12 And this will be your sign – you will find an infant wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” LK2:13 Then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of celestial armies 75 praising The God and saying:

75	A multitude of celestial armies: Or, KJV: a multitude of the heavenly host; GDS: a throng of the heavenly army; AMP: an army of the troops of heaven.

LK2:14 “Glory to God in the heights, and on earth peace among men of goodwill!” 76

76	Peace among men of goodwill: Or, on earth peace, good will toward men; RSV: among men with whom he is pleased; ABU: peace toward men of his good pleasure; MON: among men who please him. [Isaiah 9:6] Compare Jesus’ use of Isaiah 61:2 at Luke 4:19.

Luke 2:15-20 – Shepherds Find the Infant Christ

LK2:15 Now when the angels departed from them to heaven the shepherds talked to one another: “Let us go up to Bethlehem now and see if this has really happened just as the LORD 77 has made known to us.”

77	The Lord: The Greek is HO KYRIOS.

LK2:16 Quickly they arrived [in Bethlehem] and found both Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. LK2:17 Now as soon as they saw them they realized the [truth of the] message that had been made known to them regarding this child. LK2:18 So everyone that heard this was amazed regarding everything that had been reported by the shepherds. LK2:19 But Mary kept all these things in her memory 78 and pondered over them in her heart.

78	Mary kept all these things in her memory: It is possible Luke interviewed Mary in her old age. If she had been a young girl of 14 when she gave birth to Jesus, Mary would have been about 45 when Luke was doing his research.

LK2:20 Then the shepherds returned [to their flocks], glorifying and praising The God for everything they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them.

Luke 2:21-24 – Presenting the Baby to God

LK2:21 Now when eight days 79 had passed it was time for the infant to be circumcised and then to be named “Jesus” just as the angel had stated before he was even conceived in the womb.

79	Eight days: The time when a baby’s blood coagulation is at its highest during life time.

LK2:22 So when the period of their purification 80 [Leviticus 12:2] was completed according to the Law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the LORD, 81

80	The period of their purification: Seven days. [Leviticus 12:2]

81	The Lord: TO KYRIO.

LK2:23 just as it has been written in YHWH’s law: 82 “Every male opening the womb will be called holy to the LORD.” [Exodus 13:2, 12,15]

82	YHWH’s law: a Hebraism. [Exodus 13:9; 2 Chronicles 17:9; 34:14]

LK2:24 And so they offered a sacrifice according to what the Law of YHWH 83 states: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 84 [Leviticus 12:8]

83	The Law of YHWH: A Hebraism occurring first at 2 Kings 10:31. [Psalm 1:2; 19:7; 119:1]

84	Pigeons: Indicating the family was poor

Luke 2:25-35 – Simeon’s Blessing and Warning

LK2:25 Now look, there was a person in Jerusalem named Simeon. And he was righteous and reverent 85 and was waiting for Israel’s consolation, 86 and holy Pneuma was upon him.

85	Righteous and reverent: Or, just and devout, upright and devout. It means the person was law-abiding and observed Jewish rituals.

86	Waiting for Israel’s consolation: Or, TCN: lived in constant expectation; TAY: constantly expecting the Messiah to come. [Isaiah 40:1; 49:13; 66:11]

LK2:26 For it had been revealed to him by holy inspiration 87 that he would not experience death until he had seen YHWH’s Christ. 88 [Psalm 2:2]

87	Holy inspiration: Or, divinely revealed. The Greek is KECHREMATISMENON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5537, having been instructed. (GRN)]

88	YHWH’s Christ: Or, the Lord’s Christ, Lord’s Messiah, God’s Anointed. Likely drawn from Psalm 2:2. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Revelation 11:15.

LK2:27 So under inspiration 89 he arrived in the temple [courtyard] 90 and when the parents of the little boy Jesus brought him – for it was according to custom regarding an infant –

89	Under inspiration: Or, by the spirit, inspired by, led by, moved by.

90	Temple [courtyard]: The Greek is HIERON and always refers to the temple compound and not the Temple proper. Women were not permitted into the inner courts so this was possibly the Court of Women.

LK2:28 and thus Simeon welcomed [the Christ] into his arms. 91 Then he blessed The God and said:

91	Simeon welcomed [the Christ] into his arms: Is it possible this was the priest who circumcised Jesus?

LK2:29 “Absolute Sovereign, 92 now You may dismiss 93 Your servant in peace according to Your message.

92	Absolute Sovereign: Or, Sovereign Lord. [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1203] For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts 4:24.

93	Dismiss: Or, depart, discharge, die in content.

LK2:30 Because my eyes have seen Your salvation [Isaiah 40:5] LK2:31 that You have prepared in the presence of all the people – LK2:32 an apocalyptic illumination 94 to the non-Jews and a glory to Your people Israel.” [Isaiah 46:13]

94	Apocalyptic illumination: Or, KJV: a light to lighten; ASV: a light for revelation; NEB: a light that will be a revelation. Drawn from Isaiah 42:6. The Greek is PHOS EIS APOCALYPSIN.

LK2:33 Now [the infant’s] father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon had said. LK2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to [the infant’s] mother Mary: “Behold, this One is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed 95 –

95	A sign to be opposed: Or, NEB: a sign which men reject; BAS: a sign against which hard words will be said; GDS: a portent that will be much debated; KNX: a sign which men will refuse to acknowledge; NOR: a controversial figure.

LK2:35 (and also, Mary, your own soul will be pierced by a sword!) – that the thoughts of many hearts may be exposed.” 96

96	Exposed: Or, revealed, laid bare, brought into the light of day.

Luke 2:36-38 – Anna’s Thanks before Those Waiting

LK2:36 Now there was a prophetess, 97 Anna, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, [a widow] who had only lived seven years with her husband from her virginity.

97	Prophetess: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. [Acts 21:9]

LK2:37 She had been widowed eighty-four years and was never missing from the temple [courtyard of women] worshipping night and day with fastings and prayers. LK2:38 At that same moment she was standing nearby praising The God and speaking about [the Christ] to everyone who was waiting for Jerusalem’s redemption. 98

98	Jerusalem’s redemption: Or, deliverance, liberation, salvation. About 60 years later Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Roman armies with one million dead.

Luke 2:39-40 – The Young Child Grows

LK2:39 Now when everything had been fulfilled according to YHWH’s law they returned to the village of Nazareth in Galilee. LK2:40 And so the child continued to grow stronger and stronger being filled with wisdom, and God’s unmerited favor was upon him. 99

99	God’s unmerited favor was upon him: It is clear the young boy Jesus was not God. Luke does not deal with the flight to Egypt as other Gospels cover this history.

Luke 2:41-50 – Twelve Year Old Jesus in the Temple

LK2:41 Now each year [Jesus’] parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. LK2:42 So when Jesus was twelve years old 100 he went up with them according to the custom of the festival.

100	Twelve years old: It is possible Jesus had turned twelve in the fall around October for it is now spring.

LK2:43 After fulfilling the days [of the festival] 101 [the parents] returned but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem. His parents were unaware of this,

101	Fulfilling the days [of the festival]: Eight days.

LK2:44 thinking him to be in the traveling group. Then after a day’s journey they went looking for Jesus among their relatives and friends. LK2:45 But they did not find him so they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. LK2:46 Then after [looking] three days 102 they finally found Jesus sitting among the [Jewish] teachers in the temple [courtyard]. Jesus was listening to the teachers and asking them questions. 103

102	Three days: Missing four days, it is interesting these Jewish parents did not think of the temple first.

103

Jesus was listening to the teachers and asking them questions: Nothing here tells us Jesus was teaching these rabbis. He was “listening” and asking questions. At the age of twelve the Jewish boy became a “Son of the Covenant.” The next phrase shows Jesus answered their questions well and this impressed those listening.

LK2:47 Everyone listening was amazed at his comprehension and the answers he gave. LK2:48 When his parents saw him they were astonished and then his mother said to him: “Son, why did you do this to us? 104 Look, your father and I were in a lot of pain 105 searching for you!”

104

Son, why did you do this to us: Or, Child; TCN: treated us like this. A mother’s question. We note it is not Joseph who speaks. It is interesting that such an intelligent lad did not make some provision for telling his parents. Perhaps he knew had he asked they would not have given their permission.

105	In a lot of pain: Or, anxious, distress, anguish. Though it is known Jesus had four brothers and at least two sisters, nothing is mentioned about them here.

LK2:49 Then Jesus said to his parents: “Did you not realize that I would be in my Father’s House?” 106

106

In my Father’s House: Or, business. The Greek is only “things” and so does not refer at all to the Jewish temple proper. There were several courtyards in the compound of Herod’s temple. A woman was not permitted in the Court of Israel where only men worshipped God. It is likely they were all in an outer courtyard. The word “house” is used of the tabernacle of Moses and the temples that followed. [Psalm 26:8; 27:4]

LK2:50 But, his parents did not understand 107 this statement he made to them.

107

Did not understand: This was a common reaction to things Jesus said, including his own later disciples. To Bible readers looking at matters in retrospect the failure to understand is surprising. The use of the word “Father” was very rare in the context of God. The Hebrew Bible uses the word “father” over a thousand times, but in all of these only about a dozen refer to God and most of these are in a Messianic context.

LK2:51 Then he descended with them and they all arrived in Nazareth and there Jesus continued to be in subjection 108 to his parents. His mother treasured all of these things in her heart. 109

108	Jesus continued to be in subjection: Or, NEB: under their authority; TCN: submitted himself to their control; MON: always obedient. If Jesus were to observe the Law of Moses perfectly then he would also keep the Commandment to honor his parents. [Ephesians 6:1, 2]

109	His mother treasured all of these things in her heart: Or, KNX: kept in her heart the memory all that had occurred. Luke has a firsthand source in Jesus’ mother and his brothers and sisters. We can see the good doctor listening intently as these and others related their experiences with Jesus.

LK2:52 And Jesus continued to increase in wisdom and physical growth 110 and in favor with God and people. 111

110

Wisdom and physical growth: Or, stature. The “missing” eighteen years of Jesus life will one day be a fascinating read. We learn from this phrase two important things: a] Jesus continued to grow in that “wisdom” found in the Hebrew Bible [Proverbs 1-3]; and, b] Jesus experienced growing up throughout his teenage years through his twenties as a Jewish lad in a small village under the occupation of the Roman world, influenced considerably by Greek heritage. Jerusalem was right in the center of the great trade routes of the ancient world. For an eager and brilliant mind there was much to stimulate a growing youth. At some point Joseph dies and likely Jesus becomes something of the family head as the oldest son. He learns much about motherhood, womanhood, growing children, Jewish rituals, neighbors good and bad, Roman occupation, Greek culture, providing a livelihood for a large family, and the need to find solitude.

111

In favor with God and people: Jesus not only learned but he increased in God’s favor [approval, blessing, love] indicating he was certainly not God Himself. How does one increase in God’s favor? By ever increasing faith demonstrated by a love for God’s Word and fellowship with His people. We can imagine a young man who the local people could not commend enough. He was not a selfish, egotistical, self-centered carpenter in Nazareth. Jesus learned how to get along with his neighbors, how to keep quiet and not express an opinion when it would accomplish nothing. He was no young upstart who irritated the elders of the community. He was liked by everyone and his reputation was flawless in his community. Everyone knew that the young carpenter did excellent work and asked a fair price. Later Paul will put it: “He learned obedience from the things he suffered.” [Hebrews 5:8]

Review Questions on Chapter Two