Luke 2

Luke 2:1

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And it came to pass, when John was born, that there went out a public edict from Augustus Cesar, the Roman Emperor, that all the nations, which were under the Roman dition and jurisdiction, should assemble in those cities, whereto their tribes and families appertained; and there be enrolled, as well for the number of their persons, as for the rate of their tribute and taxation which they were to pay unto the Roman State. So verse 3.

Luke 2:2

And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was

governor of Syria. And this universal taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria, to which Judea pertained as a province; which being of a levy of money to be paid to Rome, was more proper for him to meddle with, than for Herod the tributary king of Judea.

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped

him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room in the inn. And she brought forth her only Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because the meanness of her husband Joseph and the concourse of people was so great, that no place could be obtained for their lodging in the inn.

Luke 2:9

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and

the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And, as the place of Christ’s birth was poor and homely, so were the persons to whom it was first manifested; being but poor shepherds: yet there was not more meanness in them to whom this wonder was first revealed, than there was glory in the revealer; for, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and with a glorious brightness shone round about them. II. 13, 14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Neither did God content himself with the testimony of one angel alone; but, together with that one heavenly messenger, there was a whole host of blessed spirits, praising God, and saying, Now, upon the birth of the Saviour of the World, let all praise and glory be given to God in the highest heaven: let there be a happy peace and reconciliation of man to God: let there be a merciful acceptation, and respect of God to man: yea, Lord, glorious is the praise of thy mercy; firm and comfortable is the peace of thy redeemed; unspeakably gracious is thy good will towards men. II. 22, 23. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. And, when the fortieth day was come, which in the law was appointed for the purification of the woman after her childbirth, Joseph and Mary, besides the errand of that due ceremony, brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord in his Temple: Which they did out of a careful respect to the

Luke 2:25

Waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Waiting long for the coming of the Messiah, which should be for the comfort and salvation of Israel; and he was, by the Holy Ghost, endued with the gift of prophecy.

Luke 2:26

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And it was revealed to him, by the same Spirit of God, that, though he were very aged and looked long for his dissolution, yet that he should not die, till he had, with those his bodily eyes, seen the Messiah, the Lord of Life and Glory.

Luke 2:27

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, &c.

And, by the direction and conduct of the same Holy Spirit, he came into the temple at the very time, when the parents of Jesus brought him thither &c.

Luke 2:29

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.

O Lord, how long have I longed for this day! my life had been tedious unto me, if it had not been for the hope of this sight; and now, that mine eyes are blessed with the sight of my Saviour, now thou givest me a sweet and joyful passage out of this transitory life: thou hast made good thy promise to me, and now make good thy salvation. II. 34, 35. Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Think not that nothing shall follow upon the birth of this Divine Child, but welfare, and glory, and advancement to all men; and especially to Israel: but know, that, as he shall work the happiness of many, so he shall be the occasion of the fall of many also; yea, as his mercy shall save those that are the true sons of Israel, so his justice shall reject and condemn the wicked and unbelievers. Neither look, that he shall be applauded of all; yea, rather, he shall be as a common mark, whereat the arrows of contumely and reproach shall be generally shot, through the world; and his name and religion shall be sure to receive opposition and contradiction, every where: and thereby men shall be tried: and occasion shall be given them, to shew, either the truth or falsehood of their hearts, towards his name and profession. And thou, O Blessed Virgin, howsoever thou shalt find just cause of unspeakable joy in such a Son, yet thou shalt not be without many sorrows and heart-breakings, for those things which shall befall him, and those great indignities and hard measures which shall be offered unto him. II. 36, 37. And had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 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. After the time of her virginity, she had lived seven years in wedlock with her husband; and had, from the decease of her husband, continued a widow for the space of about fourscore and four years: and she spent her time, most-what, in her devotions, and attendance upon God’s public services in the temple; giving herself to religious and pious exercises, of fasting and prayer, continually, upon all occasions.

Luke 2:38

And spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And spake of him to all them, which looked for the coming of the Messiah, for the redemption of Israel.

Luke 2:40

And the child grew, and waxed strong in Spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

And Jesus, the Son of God, who had taken upon him the condition of our humanity, did accordingly subject himself to the infirmities and growths thereof: as, therefore, he would grow in stature of body, so also, in respect of his human soul, he grew and increased in the qualities and graces thereof, in wisdom and knowledge; so as, according to the proportion of his age, the free gifts of the Spirit were augmented in and upon him.

Luke 2:49

Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Did ye not know and consider, that, howsoever I am ready to give all due respects to thee, as my mother, according to the flesh, and to Joseph, as my reputed father, yet that I have another Father, even the great and glorious God of Heaven, whose business I must go about: and if, in comparison of his services, I do seem to neglect you, it is not for you to think much of it.