Luke 3

Luke 3:1

When Cyrenius was governor of Syria - When Publius Sulpicius Quirinus governed the province of Syria, in which Judea was then included.

Luke 3:5

And while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered - Mary seems not to have known that the child must have been born in Bethlehem, agreeably to the prophecy. But the providence of God took care for it.

Luke 3:6

She laid him in the manger - Perhaps it might rather be translated in the stall. They were lodged in the ox stall, fitted up on occasion of the great concourse, for poor guests. There was no room for them in the inn - Now also, there is seldom room for Christ in an inn. Matthew 1:25

Luke 3:10

To you - Shepherds; Israel; mankind.

Luke 3:13

Glory be to God in the highest; on earth peace; good will toward men - The shouts of the multitude are generally broken into short sentences. This rejoicing acclamation strongly represents the piety and benevolence of these heavenly spirits: as if they had said, Glory be to God in the highest heavens: let all the angelic legions resound his praises. For with the Redeemer’s birth, peace, and all kind of happiness, come down to dwell on earth: yea, the overflowings of Divine good will and favour are now exercised toward men.

Luke 3:19

For all the things that they had heard - From Mary; as it was told them - By the angels.

Luke 3:20

To circumcise the child - That he might visibly be made under the law by a sacred rite, which obliged him to keep the whole law; as also that he might be owned to be the seed of Abraham, and might put an honour on the solemn dedication of children to God.

Luke 3:21

The days - The forty days prescribed, Leviticus 12:2,4.

Luke 3:22

Exodus 13:2.

Luke 3:23

A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons - This offering sufficed for the poor. Leviticus 12:8.

Luke 3:24

The consolation of Israel - A common phrase for the Messiah, who was to be the everlasting consolation of the Israel of God. The Holy Ghost was upon him - That is, he was a prophet.

Luke 3:26

By the Spirit - By a particular revelation or impulse from him.

Luke 3:29

Thy salvation - Thy Christ, thy Saviour.

Luke 3:31

And the glory of thy people Israel - For after the Gentiles are enlightened, all Israel shall be saved.

Luke 3:32

Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken - For they did not thoroughly understand them.

Luke 3:33

Simeon blessed them - Joseph and Mary. This child is set for the fall and rising again of many - That is, he will be a savour of death to some, to unbelievers: a savour of life to others, to believers: and for a sign which shall be spoken against - A sign from God, yet rejected of men: but the time for declaring this at large was not yet come: that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed - The event will be, that by means of that contradiction, the inmost thoughts of many, whether good or bad, will be made manifest.

Luke 3:34

A sword shall pierce through thy own soul - So it did, when he suffered: particularly at his crucifixion.

Luke 3:36

Fourscore and four years - These were the years of her life, not her widowhood only. Who departed not from the temple - Who attended there at all the stated hours of prayer. But served God with fastings and prayers - Even at that age. Night and day - That is, spending therein a considerable part of the night, as well as of the day.

Luke 3:37

To all that were waiting for redemption - The sceptre flow appeared to he departing from Judah, though it was not actually gone: Daniel’s weeks were plainly near their period. And the revival of the spirit of prophecy, together with the memorable occurrences relating to the birth of John the Baptist, and of Jesus, could not but encourage and quicken the expectation of pious persons at this time. Let the example of these aged saints animate those, whose hoary heads, like theirs, are a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. Let those venerable lips, so soon to be silent in the grave, be now employed in the praises of their Redeemer. Let them labour to leave those behind, to whom Christ will be as precious as he has been to them; and who will be waiting for God’s salvation, when they are gone to enjoy it.