Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:15-20 – Shepherds Find the Infant Christ

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[1] has made known to us.” 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[2] and pondered over them in her heart. 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.

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[1] The Lord: The Greek is HO KYRIOS.

[2] 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.

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Preceding

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

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

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Additional reading

1. For those who believe Jesus is God
2. A secret to be reveiled

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Related

1. Luke’s Gospel-Chapter 2-Verses 15-20
2. Nobody slouched toward Bethlehem.
3. The Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 23, 2012
4. The nativity of the lord – mass at dawn – gospel-reading Luke-2:15-20
5. Christmas Day: 25 Dec – Luke 2:15-20 ~ treasure and think about these things
6. The Love of God within the Nativity – A Christmas Message 2017
7. Telling the True Story
8. 25th December – Christmas-day – the nativity of the lord – the mass at dawn – gospel-reading Luke 2:15-20
9. His Coming. Christmas Devotional. December 10.
10. December 15th: O Come Let Us Adore Him
11. Christmas Day: 25 Dec – Luke 2:15-20 ~ treasure and think about these things
12. Christmas Day, 25 Dec 2019 – Luke 2:15-20 ~ treasure and think about these things
13. Things to Ponder

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Nigh

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

LK2:8 Now there were shepherds[1] in the same area who were living outside keeping watch at night[2] over their flock. LK2:9 Then YHWH’s angel[3] appeared to them and YHWH’s glory[4] shone all around them and so they became frightened with a great fear. 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[5] who is Lord Messiah.[6] 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[7] praising The God and saying: LK2:14 “Glory to God in the heights, and on earth peace among men of goodwill!”[8]

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[1] 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.

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

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

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

“and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”” (Ex 16:7 NIV)

“While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked towards the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD appearing in the cloud.” (Ex 16:10 NIV)

“16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.” (Ex 24:16-17 NIV)

“34 ¶ Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Ex 40:34-35 NIV)

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

“It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a saviour and defender, and he will rescue them.” (Isa 19:20 NIV)

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

“24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’, and sixty-two ‘sevens’. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.” (Da 9:24-25 NIV)

[7] 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.

[8] 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.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6 NIV)

“to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,” (Isa 61:2 NIV)

“to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”” (Lu 4:19 NIV)

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Preceding

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

Matthew 1:18-25 – Genesis of Jesus Christ

Matthew 22:41-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus Asks a Trump Question

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

The Climax of Matthew’s story

Mark 8:27-29 Simon Peter said Jesus is the Messiah,the Son of The Living God!

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Additional reading

1. Written to recognise the Promised One
2. Truth, doubt or blindness
3. Do not be afraid. Good news because a Saviour has been born
4. For Getting to know Jesus
5. The True Significance of Jesus’ Birth
6. The sent one from God
7. Jesus begotten Son of God #3 Messiah or Anointed one
8. Afraid to see the man of the heavens opened
9. No Other Name (But Jesus)
10. The saviour Jesus his human side
11. Today’s thought “outstretched arm of Jehovah” (February 01)
12. Memorizing wonderfully 51 Acts 2:22-38 Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
13. Called My Son Out of Egypt
14. Anointing of Christ as Prophetic Rehearsal of the Burial rites
15. Let’s Think About Redemption Differently
16. As near to God as you want Him to be
17. Reason to preach #5 Trained to do it God’s way
18. Wishing lanterns and Christmas
19. Prayer theme for December: Pray for the coming of the Prince of Peace

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Related

1. A Message of Hope from a Minor Prophet (Christmas Eve Sermon, 12/24/13)
2. Luke’s Gospel-Chapter 2-Verses 8-14
3. Sermon on Luke 2:8-14
4. A Christmas Prayer – Luke 2:8-14
5. Have I Got News For You #adventbookclub – Day 21
6. Answer
7. God Offers Peace to All
8. A Journey to Bethlehem – Joy
9. Birth of Jesus Christ: Good news
10. The Reveal
11. March 19 Gathering: Anointed
12. TLIC Family-day – 50 – February 19 – anointed – 3
13. Good Grief, It’s Christmas
14. Charlie Brown Christmas
15. Was Jesus anointed at the home of Lazarus or Simon the Leper? / Christian Theology & Apologetics
16. @egwinspirational
17. Merry Christmas
18. “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
19. What Christmas is all about
20. The Meaning of Christmas…
21. ♣ What Is THE Meaning Of Christmas?
22. Let’s start talking to each other again!
23. Remind Me Again, Linus, What Is Christmas All About?
24. The True Meaning of Christmas (in which I quote Luke the Theologian via Charles Schultz)
25. The True Meaning of Christmas Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call Their favorite time of the year Christmas
26. ☆Merry Christmas!☆
27. December 14th: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
28. The Sunday Message
29. 2012 NRA Christmas Message – Part 2
30. Christmas Devotions: Angels
31. Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men?
32. Danger in the Manger!
33. Christmas: Peace to Those on Whom His Favor Rests
34. “Behind Every Cloud…”: Gen. 9.12-15; Luke 2.8-14; Acts 1.6-9; Rev. 1.7: An Advent Sermon

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

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[1] that a decree[2] was sent out from Caesar Augustus[3] to register[4] all the inhabitants of the land.[5] LK2:2 This was the first census during the time Quirinius[6] was governor of Syria. 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.[7] LK2:5 Because his family was of David’s genealogy he registered there with his pregnant fiancée[8] Mary. 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[9] – and then she wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them at the inn.[10]

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[1] In those days: About 10 AD.

[2] Decree: The Greek is DOGMA.

[3] Caesar Augustus: The Roman Emperor died in 15 AD.

[4] Register: Or, taxed, census, registration.

[5] All the inhabitants of the land: The word may refer only to Judea.

[6] 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.

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

“”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.”” (Mic 5:2 NIV)

[8] 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.

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

“and Joseph did not know Mary until after she gave birth to a son. Joseph called his name ‘Jesus.’” (Mt 1:25 MHM)

[10] 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.

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Preceding

Story of Jesus’ birth begins long before the New Testament

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1 Review Questions on Chapter One

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Additional reading

1. Jahushua, Joshua, Jeshua or Jesus an Immanuel or God with us an incarnated God or a human being?
2. Memorizing wonderfully 25 Tabernacle of David Out of Bethlehem
3. A season of gifts
4. Thought for the Christmas time: A sense of history
5. Jesus begotten Son of God #2 Christmas and pagan rites
6. The place where Jesus was brought up
7. In a few days time it will be 2020 years ago that the Messiah was born

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Related

1. Do you remember?
2. Unexpected Guests: Devotional Day 4
3. Monday 12.23.13 A Birth in Bethlehem
4. Unto Us a Child is Born #adventbookclub – Day 25
5. “Jesus Was Born of a Woman” Luke 2:1-7| Sermon Audio
6. The decision
7. Martha #adventbookclub
8. Martha iii #adventbookclub
9. Monday, December 22: A Child is Born
10. The Journey
11. FBC Advent Devotional
12. No Room #Advent
13. Messages for Christmas
14. A New Hope – Luke 2:1-7
15. The Innkeeper and the Common Man (Luke 2:1-7)
16. Wrapped in swaddling clothes
17. On a Silent Night
18. How Jesus (un)dressed for success
19. A Mysterious Sign from God (Luke 2:1-7)
20. No Place
21. December 25th: Mary, Did You Know?
22. 9th Day of Christmas: Wed, 02 Jan – Luke 2:1-7 ~ The Birth of Jesus
23. No Room in the Inn
24. Where can peace be found? (Luke 2:1-7)
25. Mary’s Story

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:26-38 – Gabriel’s Appearance to Mary

Luke 1:26-38 – Gabriel’s Appearance to Mary

LK1:26 Now in Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the village of Galilee called Nazareth, LK1:27 to a virgin[1] [Isaiah 7:14] promised in marriage to a man named Joseph of David’s House. And the name of the virgin was Mary.[2] LK1:28 Approaching Mary, Gabriel said to her: “Greetings, favored one! The LORD is with you!” LK1:29 At this statement Mary was very puzzled and kept wondering what this greeting meant. LK1:30 Then the angel Gabriel said to Mary: “Do not be frightened, Mary, for you have found favor with God. LK1:31 And, behold, you will conceive in your womb and will give birth to a son, and you will give him the name Jesus.[3] LK1:32 He will become a renowned person[4] and will be called a son of the Most High.[5] [Psalm 82:6] YHWH The God[6] will give to him David’s throne,[7] [Isaiah 9:7] LK1:33 and he will reign over Jacob’s House throughout the Ages. There will never be an end to his kingdom.” [Daniel 2:44] LK1:34 But in response Mary said to the angel Gabriel: “How can this be[8] since I have never known a man?” LK1:35 So the angel answered her: “Holy Pneuma[9] will come over you and the Most High’s power will overshadow you. As a result the One to be born will be also called Holy, God’s Son.[10] [Psalm 89:26] LK1:36 Now, look, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age and this is now the sixth month of her so-called barrenness. LK1:37 For no message from God is impossible.”[11] [Genesis 18:14] LK1:38 Then Mary said: “Look, YHWH’s slave![12] May it all take place with me just as you say!” And the angel Gabriel left her.

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[1] Virgin: Possibly borrowed from Isaiah 7:14 where a PARTHENON is foretold. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 1:23.

[2] Mary: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[3] Jesus: The traditional form of the Greek IESOUS here. The Hebrew form is Yeshua and means “Yehowah is Salvation.” It is the same as the name Joshua. Some argue over the exact form. Accents in pronunciation of foreign languages persist no matter the tongue. It seems unreasonable to many that God would insist every word translated from the Hebrew Bible must be spoken in a Hebrew accent. Even the accents of Jews differed in the 1^st Century just as they do in English and Spanish in different places.

[4] Renowned person: Or, great.

[5] A son of the Most High: Or, [the] Most High’s Son, Son of the Highest, Son of the Most High. The Greek is HUIOS YPSISTOU with the article. Compare a similar phrase at Psalm 82:6.

[6] YHWH The God: The Greek is KYRIOS HO THEOS without the article and may indicate the Tetragram originally occurred here.

[7] David’s throne: An echo of Isaiah 9:7. Compare also 2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 132:11; Jeremiah 23:5.

[8] How can this be: Note Mary is not rebuked for her question while Zechariah was.

[9] Holy Pneuma: Or, holy spirit. Note the Pneuma is paralleled with God’s “power.” For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Holy Pneuma; compare 1 Corinthians 2:16.

[10] God’s Son: Or, the Son of God. The Greek is HUIOS THEOU with the article. Compare Psalm 2:7; 89:26.

[11] For no message from God is impossible: Or, word, declaration. It echoes Genesis 18:14. [Psalm 115:3]

[12] YHWH’s slave: Or, handmaid. The Greek is DOULE KYRIOU.

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Preceding

Luke – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Introduction to the Third Gospel

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:5-7 – Zechariah and Elizabeth

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:18-22 – Struck Dumb For Disbelief

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:23-25 – Elizabeth Pregnant

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest

Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest

LK1:8 Now [something] happened while Zechariah was serving as priest before The God when it was the turn for his [priestly] division. LK1:9 Then according to the ritual of the priesthood it was his turn to burn incense[1] when he entered the temple of the LORD. LK1:10 Outside the throng of worshippers were praying at the time of the offering of incense. LK1:11 Suddenly YHWH’s angel[2] appeared on the right side of the altar of incense [in the Holy Place]. LK1:12 Now when Zechariah saw the angel he was startled and he began to tremble in fear. LK1:13 Then the angel said to him: “Do not to be frightened, Zechariah! For your prayer has been heard and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son and you will call his name ‘John’.[3] LK1:14 And you will become filled with joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. LK1:15 For he will be great in YHWH’s sight[4] and he will not drink wine or strong drink.[5] [Numbers 6:3] He will be filled with holy Pneuma even while in his mother’s womb. LK1:16 He will restore many of the children of Israel[6] to YHWH their God. LK1:17 He will be a forerunner before [the Messiah] in the inspiration and power of Elijah – to restore the hearts of fathers to their children [Malachi 4:5, 6] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to get ready YHWH’s people[7] prepared for [Messiah].”

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[1] His turn to burn incense: Something rotated in the priestly divisions. In the first compartment of the Temple called the Holy Place there was an incense altar before the curtain to the Most Holy. [Exodus 25:1, 2, 6; 35:4, 5, 8, 27-29; 30:34-38]

[2] YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism where the Greek could suggest YHWH originally occurred here.

[3] ‘John’: Meaning “Jehovah Has Favored” or “God’s Gift.” One of the most common names in the Western world, occurring as Juan, Yves, Ivan, Sean, etc.

[4] YHWH’s sight: It is possible the Tetragram originally occurred here.

[5] He will not drink wine or strong drink: That is, a Nazarite from birth by God’s choosing like Samson. [Numbers 6:3; Judges 13:7]

[6] He will ‘restore many of the children’ of Israel: The phrase is borrowed from Malachi 4:5-6. This foretold “restoration” by Elijah was that of Israel to their God and also between Hebrew fathers and sons.

[7] To get ready YHWH’s people: The allusion to Malachi 4:5-6 gives an inspired interpretation to the prophecy. Peter alludes to a similar “restoration” at Acts 3:21. John the Baptist would go ahead of Christ by six months to prepare Israel for Messiah’s appearance by a baptism of repentance. All of Jesus’ apostles and early disciples were most likely disciples of John first.

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Preceding

Luke – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Introduction to the Third Gospel

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:5-7 – Zechariah and Elizabeth

Matthew 9:14-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Bridegroom and Fasting

Matthew 11:2-6 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 2 Imprisoned Baptist Encouraged

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Additional reading

Truth, doubt or blindness