1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 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.
...a decree from Caesar Augustus... (who ruled from 27BC to 14AD)
...that 'all the world' {GK=oikoumene, the inhabited earth} should be taxed.
The word translated 'taxed' or 'taxing' {GK=apographe} refers to a census or registration. The word is not used elsewhere of taxation. However, the census, which included everyone within the Roman Empire, would have enrolled the populace, for a tax to be implemented later.
This 'taxation' {census} was 'first made' when Cyrenius {Quirinius} was governor of Syria.
Quirinius was a Roman official, who lived from 51BC to 21AD, and served in various governmental roles, most of which are not well documented as to time, place and title. But it is known that he served as 'the governor of Syria' from 6 to 7 AD, at a time of taxation. Therefore, critics claim Luke is in error, because those dates are too late for Christ's birth.
However, some scholars say there is reason to think that Quirinius may have served as governor twice, the 'first time' from 4 to 1 BC (the period in which Christ was born).
Others note that the word 'governor' {GK=hegemoneuo}, in v.2, refers to anyone in a governing role (it is not the typical title for a 'governor'). Apparently, he was involved in overseeing the census in the Syrian region, prior to holding the office of governor, during the later period when taxes were collected.
Joseph... went out of the city of Nazareth... unto the city of David... called Bethlehem.
The census required everyone to register in their ancestral cities.
Seven hundred years earlier, God's Word through His prophet Micah, declared that the future Ruler of His people would be born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2; cp. Mat 2:1-6). Apparently, Joseph and Mary did not realize that this applied to Mary's Son. At least, there is no indication that they were making preparation for such an arduous and inconvenient journey. As the crow flies, Bethlehem is 70 miles distant from Nazareth. But they would need to travel much farther on winding primative roads, over hills and streams, on foot or upon a donkey. In the best of conditions, they would be travelling for a week or more. With Mary's condition, late in her pregnancy (v.5), such a journey would seem unwise. Yet, the prophecy must be fulfilled.
Therefore, God so arranged that a heathen emperor, hundreds of miles away, issued a decree which required them to register in Bethlehem, at His appointed time.
...she brought forth her firstborn son... laid him in a manger...
'Swaddling clothes' were bands of fabric which were wrapped around an infant.
Much has been made about there being 'no room in the inn,' as though the inn keeper was heartless. However, at that time, the city was overflowing with people, who had also come to be registered. In any case, in a crowded public inn there would have been no privacy for the birth process. Jesus, God's Son, entered the world in the humblest of locations, where He was surrounded by the lowliest of his creatures, in a relatively peaceful setting, apart from the impure gaze of strangers within the inn.
Note that Jesus was Mary's 'firstborn' son. The implication being that other children were born to her later. The Scriptural record contradicts the teaching of the R.C.C., that Mary was a 'perpetual virgin' (eg., Mat 1:24,25; 13:55,56). Likewise, Scripture declares that there is nothing impure about the marriage relationship between one man and one woman (Heb 13:4).
The announcement by angels, and the adoration by the shepherds. 2:8-20
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (v.8)
Almost 600 years earlier, while the Babylonian armies besieged Jerusalem, the Lord spoke to Jeremiah (in Jer ch.33) concerning the imminent destruction of the city and Temple, and the complete collapse of the Davidic Kingdom. However, rather than ending Israel's history at that point, the Lord promised that He would restore and re-establish the Kingdom, at a future time, after He caused "the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David" (Jer 33:15-17).
It would be worthwhile to read all of that chapter. But for now, notice that in the time when God would begin to perform His promises to Israel, shepherds would again tend their flocks in the fields of Judah (Jer 33:12-14). As Jeremiah recorded God's promise, that possibility seemed unthinkably remote. But God declared the absolute certainty of His Word (Jer 33:19-26).
The angelic announcement, of Jesus' birth, came during a period of relative peace.
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
The word for 'good tidings' {GK=euangelizo, good news} is used throughout the NT, of the 'Gospel' of Christ. eg., Luk 4:18; Rom 1:16
Although the Gospel was presented "to the Jew first," the angel mentions, first, the blessing which would come "on all the families of the earth" through Abraham's seed (Gen 22:16-18).
We might rather have expected the angel to speak 'first' of promises to Israel, which caused Mary and Zacharias to rejoice (in Luke ch.1), and which were confirmed by the presence of Hebrew shepherds dwelling safely at night in previously troubled fields. Perhaps, here, early in the first coming of their Messiah, is a hint that the blessing of national Israel, must await a future day, when they will be ready to receive Him. cp. Joh 1:11; Luk 13:34,35; Psa 110:3
For unto you {the people of Israel} is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
The city of David is Bethlehem, from where Israel's King would come forth.
The angel identified the One born with three titles:
The angels praised God for His wisdom and power, as they observed His unfolding purposes.
...and on earth peace, good will toward men.
The angels announced 'peace on earth.' But is there peace on earth, today?
The future Millennial Kingdom of Christ, will be characterized by true peace on earth (Isa 32:1-2,16-18). But Jesus warned us to expect "wars and rumours of wars," until that day (Mat 24:6-10). James identified the cause of such unrest, in Jam 4:1-3. In the realm of sinful men, there can be no peace (Isa 57:19-21). But, as that passage indicates, the Lord can cure sinful hearts, and enable them to know His peace.
The sense of the last half, of v.14, is more clearly rendered as:
"...and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." [NASB]
However, in our sinful fleshly nature, none of us can please God (Rom 3:9-20). Therefore, God sent His Son, to remove our sinfulness and provide us with His righteousness (Rom 3:21-26). Sinners who turn from their wicked ways to put their full trust in Christ and the redemption which He has purchased, are reconciled to {made right with} God, and therefore, enter into peace with Him (Rom 5:1; 2Cor 5:18-21; Eph 2:14-18).
God has shown His "good will toward men," by demonstrating His love for this fallen world of men, through His Son, who became the Way by which believers escape God's wrath and become His children. Joh 3:16; Titus 3:4-7; 1John 4:9,10
Obviously, the angels were communicating much more than the shepherds could understand, at that time. Therefore, these men were simply directed toward the One who would meet their need, in His time.
15 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.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
The shepherds praised God. As they told their neighbors what they had seen and heard, everyone marvelled (cp. Luk 1:66). Thirty-three years would pass before the Savior accomplished His work of redemption. Would they remember the angelic message? What would they think of Him, then?
Unable to forget the slightest detail, Mary held closely everything that she saw and heard pertaining to her Son, and sought to piece them all together, in order to better understand God's purpose for Him.
21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, {Lev 12:3} his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. {Luk 1:31; Mat 1:21}
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, {Lev 12:2-8} they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) {Ex 13:12-15; Num 8:17; 18:15,16}
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. {Lev 12:8}
From these verses, it is evident that Jesus was born of a woman, under the Law (Gal 4:4,5).
It is also evident, from the type of sacrifice which they could afford (v.24), that Mary and Joseph were financially poor, though the Lord of glory lived in their home. cp. 2Cor 8:9; 2Cor 4:6,7
The adoration and prophecy of Simeon. 2:25-35
25. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon {meaning 'Hearing'}; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, {v.22-24}
Simeon was waiting for the consolation {comfort} of Israel,
which will be realized when the Messiah comes to establish His Kingdom. See Isa 40:1-11; Isa 25:9 (where 'salvation' is HB=yeshua, which is 'Jesus').
Simeon knew and obeyed the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
He believed God's Word to him, that he would live to see the Lord's Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ). Because he followed the Spirit's leading, he recognized the One whom he sought, in the Temple, where Mary and Joseph came to fulfill the requirements of the Law.
God allowed Simeon, not only to see, but also to hold His Christ close to his heart, which was full of praise to the Lord, who had kept His personal promise to his servant (v.26).
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; {Psa 98:2,3; Isa 45:21-25}
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, {Isa 42:1-7; Isa 49:6}
and the glory of thy people Israel. {Isa 46:13; Jer 3:21-23}
...for mine eyes have seen thy salvation {HB=yeshua, 'Jesus'}...
Simeon's praise, voiced in the words of the Hebrew Scriptures, reflects on the Lord's faithfulness to fulfill His Word. (See the references at v.30-32, above.)
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set {appointed} for the fall {eg., Isa 8:13-15; Rom 9:32; 1Cor 1:23,24} and rising again of many in Israel; {eg., Acts 2:36-41; 6:7; 1Tim 1:12-16} and for a sign which shall be spoken against; {Acts 4:26-28; 1Pet 4:14}
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) {Joh 19:25} that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. {Joh 15:22-24; 1Cor 11:19; 1Joh 2:19}
Simeon's blessing, of Mary and Joseph, included a prophetic preview of the diverse response of individuals to the person and work of Jesus.
36 And there was one Anna {HB=Hannah, meaning: 'Grace' or 'Favor'}, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel {meaning: 'The face of God'}, of the tribe of Aser {ie., Asher}: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Following her husband's death which ended her seven year marriage, Anna had remained unmarried and had devoted the rest of her life to serve God with fastings and prayers in the Temple. Although some might disparage such work, God sees great value in it. The word 'served' {GK=latreuo} refers to labor worthy of reward. Yet, even among believers, such work is often neglected, until old age hinders a person from doing anything else (cp. 1Tim 5:5).
But, this godly 84 year old widow, had apparently given herself to fasting and prayer for the previous 60 years (or more).
For what was she praying? No doubt, for the needs of God's people (as in Psa 35:13; Col 4:12). But probably, as a prophetess, primarily for the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel (as in Dan 9:3-f). In the context (of Luke ch.1-2), she appears on the scene in company with Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary and Simeon, who were watching and waiting for the consolation of Israel (v.25).
Now, overhearing Simeon's praise, she also recognizes the infant Jesus as the embodiment of God's Salvation, and speaks of Him to others who likewise 'looked' {'waited expectantly,' same word as 'waiting' in v.25} for Israel's Redeemer. cp. Isa 49:7,8; Isa 25:9
The return to Nazareth: the silent years. 2:39,40
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, {v.21-24} they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
As Matthew informs us, there was a delay of several years before their return to Nazareth. The family was still living in Bethlehem, when the wisemen visited, about two years after Jesus' birth. After the wisemen departed, the family fled to Egypt, until Herod was dead. Then, they returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew from childhood to manhood. Mat 2:16-23
40 And the child grew, {Isa 53:1,2} and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: {Isa 11:1-5} and the grace {favor} of God was upon him. {cp. v.52}
Jesus' visit to Jerusalem at Passover, at twelve years of age. 2:41-52
41. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. {Lev 23:5; Deu 16:1-8,16}
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
All Jewish men were required to attend three specific feasts in Jerusalem every year. The first of these was the Passover (which includes the feast of Unleavened Bread}. Mary's heart of worship toward the Lord is seen in her annual voluntary pilgrimage to celebrate the Passover.
Verse 42 probably records Jesus' first visit to Jerusalem, since the time of His birth. At twelve years of age, a young man was in transition, between childhood and manhood. From this point onward, he would be considered responsible to observe the requirements of the Mosaic Law (including attendance at the annual feasts). In his early years, the boy was under his mother's instruction, and would learn the principles of God's written Word, as he learned to read and write. In his teen years, he would typically be apprenticed to his father to learn a trade. Today, observant Jews celebrate a boy's 'Bar Mitzvah' (meaning 'Son of the Covenant') when he reaches his thirteenth year. Although there is no record of such a ceremony in biblical times, the general concept is similar.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it].
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
...after three days...
They spent one day in returning 'a days journey' back to Jerusalem, and two days searching the city 'sorrowing' {ie., consumed with grief; v.48}.
...they found Him in the Temple... in the midst of the doctors...
These 'doctors' {GK=didaskalos} were scholarly teachers of God's written Word. cp. Acts 5:34
...both hearing {listening attentively to} them, and asking them questions {making inquiry}...
...all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
Someone may say: 'Of course, He was the Son of God.'
Yes, but He was also a son of man, who had to grow in wisdom and understanding (v.40). Even as a child, He had a hunger for God's Word, and the Holy Spirit gave Him the ability to digest it. His earthly parents must have arranged for Him to have access to the scrolls of the Tanach (the Hebrew Bible), though He had no formal rabbinical schooling (Psa 119:97,99; Isa 50:4,5).
As the young Jesus meditated on the written Word, God was teaching and preparing Him, for His adult ministry, of teaching God's Word with authority (Luk 4:22,32; Joh 7:15-17).
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: cp. v.33 and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist {knew} ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
Because He was coming into manhood, He was eager to engage in His heavenly Father's work.
However, His public ministry would not begin, until He reached the age at which priests became eligible to serve (Luk 3:23; cp. Num 4:3). Until then, He would learn carpentry alongside Joseph, His earthly step-father.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: {cp. Eph 6:1,2} but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. {cp. v.19}
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. {cp. v.40; Prov 3:3,4}