Luke 2

Luke 2:1

AL the world,] a popular kind of speech, that is to say, the whole Roman Empire, which as falsely as ambitiously was termed universall, according to the stile of those great Empires, Isay 13. 5. and 14. 26. Ier. 34. 1. Daniel 2:39 Taxed,] that the number of persons, and their wealth, should be set downe as the custome of the Roman Empire was to doe oftentimes.

Luke 2:2

Was first,] for under the same Cyrenius there was another tax mentioned, Acts 5:37 Governour.] in this first taxation he was not the ordinary Governour, but was extraordinarily deputed with a most ample power in that Province, to make this taxation.

Luke 2:3

Into his owne,] this ought to be especially understood of the Iewes, who by their ancient divisions had their Tribes, Nations, and Families, with their inheritances, in certaine severall Cities: in which they held their freedome of being Citizen, though they dwelt elsewhere.

Luke 2:4

Nazareth,] where their habitation was though they came from Bethlehem, where they were Citizens Of David,] namely, the City where he was borne, and where the ancient seat of his family was 1 Samuel 16:1. Iohn 7. 42.

Luke 2:7

In a manger,] of the stable of that Inne, where they were lodged. In which Inne all other places were taken up, by reason of the great concourse of people, either by such as were first come, or such as were of more note and esteeme.

Luke 2:9

The glory,] namely, an admirable and heavenly light which was wont to accompany the apparitions of Angels.

Luke 2:13

Heavenly host,] an ordinary name of holy Angels.

Luke 2:14

Towards,] or amongst men.

Luke 2:19

Pondered them,] examining, gathering together, and comparing them one with the other, to strengthen her selfe more and more in knowledge and faith. See Acts 17:11. 1 Corinthians 2:13.

Luke 2:21

For the circumcising] Christ would be circumcised for the same reasons for which hee would also be baptized, and participate of the other Sacraments. See upon Matthew 3:13.

Luke 2:22

Of her purification,] namely of Marie. Now some texts have it of their purification, namely of Iesus and his Mother: for the infants were reputed to participate of their mothers legall uncleannesse.

Luke 2:24

A paire,] which was the offering for the poorer sort of people, Leviticus 12:8.

Luke 2:25

Devout,] or religious and fearing God, Waiting,] for at that time the mindes of true beleevers, were attentive to look for the comming of the Messias. See Marke 15. 43. Luke 2:38 The Holy Ghost] that is to say he was endowed with the spirit of prophesie.

Luke 2:26

Christ] the Greeke name, answerable to the Hebrew name Messias; that is to say, annointed and consecrated for eternall King and Priest, Psal. 26. Isaiah 61:1. Daniel 9:24.

Luke 2:27

The parents] the Italian The Father] and mother namely Ioseph, according to the common opinion. See Hebrews 7:3 After the custome] which was to present him to the Lord, and ransome him, Exodus 34:20.

Luke 2:29

Lord now] even at this time that thou hast accomplished thy promise unto mee, and that I have with mine eyes seene the Saviour of the world, I die happie and contented. See Genesis 46:30.

Luke 2:31

Prepared] that is to say ordained and appointed from everlasting, to make it knowne in the appointed time to all Nations without any difference to make them partakers of it.

Luke 2:32

To lighten] or which must bee revealed to all Nations.

Luke 2:33

Marveiled] not but that they perfectly knew it by the Angels Revelation: but because they saw this light was also communicated to others, and and did spread it selfe abroad.

Luke 2:34

This child is set] or sent that is to say God hath established him, to be the fundamentall stone of salvation, to all those that shall receive him by a lively faith, who shall by him bee relieved from the fall of sinne and condemnation. And contrariwise to bee a cause of a greater and more irreparable ruine, to those who thorow their owne perversenesse shall reject him For a signe] as a miraculous person, approved by all the infallible signes of truth and vertue, to bee as it were a pledge, and signall set up of salvation, Isaiah 11:1-16. verse 10. whom the world notwithstanding shall oppose thorow incredulity and hardnesse of heart.

Luke 2:35

A Sword] such shall the opposition bee that thou thy selfe who art his mother, must prepare thy selfe to bee pierced with extreame griefes and anguishes That the thoughts] that is to say God shall suffer and bring all this to passe, to the end that by the preaching of the Gospell may bee discovered the impietie and rebellion of Gods open enemies. Which is never so fierce as against the Gospell. And the hypocrisie of the false Children of Gods house: who under the profession of his name and service: doe reject the onely meanes of knowing him to salvation, and of serving him in truth. And finally to shew the internall difference of soules, whereof some thorow grace beleeve in CHRIST, the others reject him thorow their owne malice. See 2 Corinthians 2:15-16.

Luke 2:36

Had lived] this seemeth to bee added for to commend this womans Chastitie and devotion: Who being left a widdow in the flower of her age had continued so, to dedicate her selfe wholly to workes of piety in the Temple, according to the manner of many holy women in those dayes, Exodus 38:8. 1 Samuel 2:22.

Luke 2:39

They had] Namely IOSEPH and Mary.

Luke 2:40

Waxed strong] whereby is showne, That the fulnesse of the gifts of the Spirit, shewed it selfe in him, and brought forth extraordinary good effects, according to the progresse of his age, and the increase of his bodily strength, hee being every way made like unto man, except sinne The grace] that is to say, it plainely appeared that GOD did love him, in a speciall manner, directing, keeping, and blessing him in all things.

Luke 2:41

We〈…〉] carrying Iesus along with them according to the Law At the feast]the Law appointed all Males to come to the Temple at the three solemne feasts, Exodus 23:17. Deuteronomy 16:16. and because here was nothing commanded concerning women. Some have thought that it is here specially spoken of the Passeover, in regard of Mary; who came thither of free devotion. Others hold that the command of comming to the three feasts, was restrained to the Passeover onely, after the people were multiplyed and scattered into farre Countries.

Luke 2:49

Businesse] namely to doe such things as he had commanded me, and performe his service: beginning at doctrine. Others translate it to look to my fathers house.

Luke 2:52

In savour] That is to say, Gods gifts, and graces, and his favour to Christ did daily appeare more evident and abundant, ver. 40. whereupon hee also obtained by a secret vertue the love and good will of men. See 1 Samuel 2:26. Proverbs 3:4. Acts 2:47. Romans 14:18.