ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 2

Luke 2:1–52 Luke records the events of Jesus’ birth (vv. 1–20), his presentation in the temple (vv. 21–40), and his visit to the temple at age 12 (vv. 41–52).

Luke 2:1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem because of a decree, that is, a command (see Acts 17:7), from Caesar Augustus (reigned 31 b.c.–a.d. 14). In those days suggests that Luke did not know the exact year (see Luke 3:23). All the world means the entire known, inhabited world that was subject to Rome. People were registered for the purpose of taxation.

Luke 2:2 the first registration when Quirinius was governor. According to Josephus, Quirinius was governor of Syria a.d. 6–7 and conducted a census in a.d. 6 (which Luke mentions in Acts 5:37). But this cannot be the census Luke is referencing here, since it occurred after the death of Herod the Great in 4 b.c., and Jesus was born during Herod’s reign (see Matt. 2:1; Luke 1:5). Some interpreters believe that Quirinius was the “governor” of the census, but not the governor proper. Another solution is to translate the verse, “This was the registration before Quirinius was governor of Syria” (see esv footnote). Luke would then be clarifying that this was before the well-known, troublesome census of a.d. 6 (Acts 5:37). (One additional proposal is that Quirinius was governor for two separate terms, though this lacks confirming historical evidence.) The most reasonable date for the registration is late in the year of 6 b.c. or early 5.

Luke 2:3–4 Joseph’s ancestral home (own town) was Bethlehem. They went up . . . to Judea, since Bethlehem (in Judea) lies on a mountain 2,654 feet (809 m) high. The references to David (1:27; 32–33; 2:11; see 1 Sam. 16:4, 13) explain why Jesus was born in Bethlehem (see Mic. 5:2).

Luke 2:6 the time came. See Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2:1–6.

Luke 2:7 swaddling cloths. Strips of cloth that wrapped babies to keep them warm and secure. manger. A feeding trough for animals. The inn, with the definite article (“the”), indicates that this was a specific, publicly known lodging place for travelers. no place for them. The inn was full, since many had come to Bethlehem to register for the census (see note on v. 2).

Luke 2:9 the glory of the Lord. The bright light that surrounds the presence of God himself. It may appear as a cloud, a bright light, or a burning fire (see Ex. 16:10; 24:17; Ezek. 1:28; Rev. 21:23).

Luke 2:10 Fear not. A typical reaction to an angelic or divine presence. I bring you good news is the verb form of “gospel.”

Luke 2:11 a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. These three titles reveal the greatness of Mary’s son. For “Savior,” see 1:69; Acts 5:31; 13:23. “Christ” is Greek for the Hebrew “Messiah.” See “the Christ,” Acts 5:42; 17:3.

Luke 2:13 a multitude of the heavenly host. Thousands of angels.

Luke 2:14 peace. The peace of salvation that God gives through his Son (see note on John 14:27; also Isa. 9:6). among those with whom he is pleased. God’s gift of “peace” will come not to all humanity but to those whom God calls to himself.

Luke 2:21 he was called Jesus. The name Jesus (“Joshua” in Hebrew) means “the Lord saves.”

Luke 2:22 the time . . . for their purification. Forty days after Jesus’ birth (Lev. 12:3–4). up to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is on a mountain.

Luke 2:24 A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons indicates that Joseph and Mary were poor (see Lev. 12:8).

Luke 2:25–26 Nothing else is known about Simeon. Consolation of Israel is the hope that God would come to rescue and comfort his people (see 23:50–51; Acts 10:22; see also Isa. 40:1; 49:13).

Luke 2:27 in the Spirit. Under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit (compare Matt. 22:43; Acts 19:21; Eph. 6:18; Rev. 1:10; 4:2). The encounter is in the temple complex (see Herod’s Temple Complex in the Time of Jesus).

Luke 2:30–32 all peoples. Both Israel and the Gentiles.

Luke 2:34–35 Fall refers to judgment; rising refers to salvation. A sign that is opposed foretells future opposition to Jesus. Sword refers to Mary’s future sorrow at Jesus’ crucifixion (see John 19:25).

Luke 2:39 Nazareth was a small agricultural settlement.

Luke 2:40 grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. . . . the favor of God. Compare 1:80. Jesus experienced physical and intellectual growth as any ordinary human child would, but he also experienced “the favor of God” in an unusual and increasing way (2:52).

Luke 2:41 every year. See Deut. 16:16. The Passover was the opening-day feast of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:5–6).

Luke 2:43–44 a day’s journey. About 20 miles (32 km).

Luke 2:46–47 After three days (a day’s journey from Jerusalem, a day returning, and a day of searching for Jesus) his parents found Jesus in the temple. On the temple, see note on John 2:14.

Luke 2:49 I must be reveals a sense of obligation. In my Father’s house indicates that, at age 12, Jesus was clearly aware of being the Son of God. He also understood that teaching would be central to his ministry.

Luke 2:50 And they did not understand. For similar misunderstandings, see 9:45; 18:34.

Luke 2:51 went down. The reverse of v. 4. his mother treasured. Compare v. 19.

Luke 2:52 Jesus increased in wisdom. See 1:80; 2:40. His true humanity is seen in his learning as other human beings learn.