Jesus born in Bethlehem.

went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that 2 the whole land should be enrolled. (This was the first enrolment by Cyrenius, before that 3 when he was governor of Syria.) And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the family and lineage of David :) 5 To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, 6 being great with child. And it came to pass, that, while they were there, the days were ac7 complished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the house for strangers.

An angel announceth it. Now there were in the same country shep- 8 herds abiding in the field, and keeping nightwatches over their flock. And, behold, an an- 9 gel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they feared greatly. And the angel said to them, 10 "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people. For unto you is born this day, in the 11 city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign unto you; Ye will find 12 the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with 13 the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory be to God in the 14 highest heavens; and on earth peace, good-will towards men."

I have, therefore, given what seems to me to be the clear sense of the pas sage. Day-spring or dawn is certainly improper.

80. In spirit, &c. In his mind or understanding, being filled with wisdom, as it is said, Ch. ii. 40.

CHAP. II. 1. The whole, &c. The text is ambiguous, and may denote the whole Roman empire; or be confined to the whole land of Judea. Comp. Acts ii. 29. With Lardner and others, I take it in the latter sense: first, because the text will fairly bear it ; and secondly, because the circumstances of Herod, and the oath as mentioned by Josephus, seem to imply it; and thirdly, because none of the Roman historians mention a general census at the time to which Luke refers. See Lardner's Works.

2. This was the first, &c. The common rendering of the text is undoubtedly at variance both with the testimony of Josephus, and of Luke himself. Cyrenius was not governor of Syria during the reign of Herod, nor until the deposition and banishment of Archelaus, when Judea was made a Roman province, and taxed as other provinces; and in consequence of which Judas of Galilee raised an insurrection. See Acts v. 37. This was ten or eleven years after the death of Herod. Either then the text or the version must be wrong. Lardner has endeavoured to support the text, and rendered, "This was the first enrolment of Cyrenius, governor of Syria." Doddridge, Newcome, and others adopt this version, adding, in italics, afterwards governor of Syria. Campbell adheres to the text, but gives a rather unusual sense to the verb. His version is, "This first register took effect, when Cyrenius was president of Syria." Great as his authority in a matter of criticism is, I prefer the version of Lardner; for if Lardner has given a rather uncommon sense to the participle, he has given one more so to the verb. I doubt the integrity of the text; for I cannot think that Luke, who in other instances is so accurate, would express himself in so loose and indeterminate a manner. If the whole verse be not a marginal gloss, (for it has no connexion with what precedes or follows) I agree with those critics who think that wr; has been dropped before the participle; and on this ground I have formed my version. The text itself implies this; for a first enrolment involves in it a reference to a second. See Michaelis Anmerkung.

4. City of David, &c. He was probably born there; or he might go there in conformity to the custom of the Jews, who were enrolled by their tribes and families; and he might have some small estate there; and according to Ulpian, a man was to enrol himself where his estate lay.

5. Great with child. The reason of Mary undertaking such a journey in this condition is stated, note to Ch. iii. 33.

7. No room for them in the, &e. Pearce and Campbell agree that

xaraλupa signifies a room for guests, and answers to what Busbeqius calls Xenodocdium, where persons were comfortably lodged at the public expence. It is probable that there was only one such house for strangers in Bethlehem; and this being full, Joseph and Mary were obliged to retire to a more homely receptacle, called a stabulum, the middle of which afforded room for cattle, and the sides accommodation for persons. It was not properly a stable, but was formed for the convenient lodging of both men and cattle. Tradition makes this place to have been a large natural cave, where couveniences had been made for strangers. Both Justin Martyr and Origin refer to this; and the place is shown to travellers to this day. Considering the circumstances of our Lord's birth, and the desolations of Judea, I do not think this tradition entitled to much, if any, credit. Our Lord being born in such a place as above described, it was natural to lay him in a manger to rest. Some would make this a hair-cloth bag, and others consider it as the stable itself; but see Campbell's refutation of both these notions.

8. Night-watches. That is, watching them by turns, the space of three hours. From this it is probable that our Lord was born, not on the 25th of December, but as early as September or October. This may be proved from Luke's account in the first Chapter. The Jews began their sacred year at the Passover, (Exod. xiii. 4) which was near the vernal equinox, in the month Abib, and answers to the latter end of our March, and beginning of April. Zechariah was of the course of Abijah which was the eighth. As the priests were divided into twenty-four courses for the year, each course served at the temple only a fortnight. 1 Chron. xxiv. 10. If we count from the Passover in the latter end of March or early in April, Zechariah's course would be at the temple in June. On his return Elizabeth conceived, suppose about the end of June; and when Elizabeth was in the sixth month of her pregnancy, Ch i. 26, which will bring us into December, an angel was sent to inform Mary, that she should conceive, which seems to have then occurred. Reckoning nine months from December, Jesus must have been born in the month of September or of October. Now in the month Tisri was the feast of Tabernacles or Booths, Numb. xxix. 12, when the Jewish vintage was gathered in. As the Jews were obliged to assemble at the chief city of their respective districts, and as the feast of Tabernacles was a season of leisure, this was most suitable for the enrolment. The reason why I have said Jesus must have been born either in September or October, is, that as the Jews reckoned their year by lunar months, they were obliged to add a month at the end of every third year, which they called Veader, in order to adjust the lunar with the solar year. See Prideaux's Preface to Con. Vol 1. Lardner has stated it as his opinion that our Lord was born about the season above-mentioned.

Jesus is circumcised.

15

And it came to pass, when the angels had | departed from them into heaven, that 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 16 known to us." And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in 17 a manger. And when they had seen it, they declared what had been told them concerning 18 this child. And all that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the 19 shepherds. But Mary observed all these things, 20 considering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS; the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him 23 to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that openeth the womb 24 shall be called holy to the Lord;") And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons."

12. Lying in a manger. This seems to be the circumstance by which they were to know him, and not his being wrapped in swaddling clothes, as this latter was usual.

14. Glory be to God, &c. This anthem of praise was suitable to the display now made of the love, grace, and faithfulness of God.

19. Considering them, &c. It is clear that Mary did not know every thing relating to the son she had born; and her piety is manifest in observing and considering the various wonders which occurred.

21. The eighth day, &c. This was according to the law, Gen. xvii. 12. His name Jesus, Ch. i. 31.

⚫ 22-24. Days of her purification, &c. See Levit. xii. 2. Exod. xiii. 2. || and Numb. viii. 17. Levit. xii. 8. The offering of Mary shows that she was not rich, though married to one of the family of David.

25. Consolation of Israel. That is, the coming of Messiah. This proves that there was then an expectation of his coming. Comp. Ch. iii. 15. John iv. 25. 26. Lord's Annointed. Or Messiah, a name given to the Saviour, as being both appointed to, and fully qualified for, the discharge of his office. 30. Thy salvation. Campbell deserts the trope, and renders, the

Simeon prophesieth.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spi- 26 rit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Anointed. And he came by 27 the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, Then he 28 took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant de- 29 part in peace, according to thy word: For mine 30 eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast 31 prepared before the face of all people; A light 32 to enlighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel."

And Joseph and his mother wondered at 33 those things which were spoken by him. And 34 Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rise of many in Israel; and for a sign which will be spoken against; will be spoken against; (Yea, a sword will 35 pierce through thy own soul also ;) so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the 36 daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband but seven years after marriage. And she 37 was a widow of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And 38 she coming in at that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed all things ac- 39 cording to the law of the Lord, they returned

Saviour,' which is the sense; but as a similar trope occurs in the next verses, I have retained it here.

32. A light to enlighten, &c. Newcome, to be revealed, &c. Jesus was to be a light by his doctrine to be preached among the Gentiles. See Is. xlix. 6. Acts xxvi. 18.; xxviii. 28.

34. Fall and rise, &c. That is, many Jews will reject him and full by their unbelief; and many will receive him, and rise from their present sinful state. For a sign. A wonderful person, and yet many will oppose and revile him.

35. A sword will, &c. That is, thou wilt experience the most piercing affliction on account of him; alluding, most probably, to the crucifixion. John xix. 25.So that the thoughts, &c. The ministry, miracles, and death of Jesus will discover or bring to light the thoughts, designs, and dispositions of all kinds of characters.

40 into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the favour of God was upon him.

41

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every 42 year, at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem 43 according to the custom of the feast; And having fulfilled the days, they returned, but the youth Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; 44 and Joseph and his mother knew it not. But But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kindred and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they returned 46 to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER II. 1. We see reason to admire the providence of God, which directs and overrules the counsels of men, so as to accomplish its own designs. Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, according to prophecy. Mary was now far advanced in pregnancy, and had not some unusual circumstances occurred, she would have abode at Nazareth, and there brought forth Jesus; and then what truth would there be in the prediction? In this case the prophets would have seen false visions, and the faith of the church would be vain. But nothing of this kind was suffered to occur. Cæsar issued a decree, that all the people of Judea should be enrolled; and while he was only contriving to augment his power and his wealth, he was made the instrument of accomplishing the divine will. His decree brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, as descendants of David, and there sprang up the righteous branch from the stem of Jesse.

From this as from other instances, it appears that "the counsel of the Lord shall stand."

2. With what gratitude should we contemplate this appearance of our incarnate Redeemer! Had he come into the world in all the honours that earth could give, it would have been a most wonderful instance of condescension and love. But behold Him, whom angels were commanded to adore, born in the meanest place, and laid in a

goeth to Jerusalem, &c.

the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both bearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his 47 understanding and answers. And when his 48 parents saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said to him, "Son, why hast thou done thus to us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." And he said to them, 49 "How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must needs be in my father's house? But they understood not the thing which he 50 spoke unto them. And he went down with 51 them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them but his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in 52 wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

manger! The only Son of God not only becomes the Son of man, but seems as if abandoned to misery! What astonishing abasement! Yet amidst this abasement what testimonies were given to him! The angels that had seen the glory with which he had been invested in heaven, now saw him in the form of a servant, and announced the design of his coming to the pious and humble shepherds. "To you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." A multitude of the heavenly host joined in an anthem of praise for this display of love to men. "Glory be to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace, good-will towards men." How should we re-echo this song, Glory to God for this peace, for this good-will to us sinful

men.

3. Let us follow the example of the holy family and of the venerable saints, Simeon and Anna. They observed the ordinances of God, circumcising Jesus when eight days old; and offering the gift which Moses commanded; and presenting him to the Lord. How happy was Simeon! It had been revealed to him that he should not die before he had seen the Lord's Anointed. How delighted must he have been, when led by the spirit to the temple, he took the infant Saviour in his arms, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy

wholly omitted what Matthew relates of the coming of the wise men, and the descent of Joseph and Mary into Egypt, and the reason of their going to reside at Nazareth. See Matt. ii. 1, &c. Of these facts, it seems Luke had received no information; but his omission is not to be regarded as rendering the narrative of Matthew questionable. For nothing is more common than for one Historian to omit interesting facts which another relates; and while this shows that one does not copy another, it tends to give credibility to their testimony. Thus the variations of the Evangelists, and the omissions of facts and circumstances in one which are found related by another, show that they wrote without knowing of one anothers design or work.

41. His parents went, &c. Women were not obliged by the law to go; but it seems from the instance of Hannab, 1 Sam, i, 7, &c. that it was customary

for pious females to go and observe that holy solemnity. It is probable, that his parents took Jesus with them, because that they perceived he became strong in spirit, and was filled with divine wisdom.

43. Fulfilled the days. That is eight days; for so long the passover and feast of unleavened bread lasted. Exod. xii. 1-28.- The youth, &c. After Pearce I have thus rendered, as the term child does not seem proper to one so old, and who attended on the passover.

45. Found him not, &c. The company must have been very large, as it occupied the space of a day to examine it, before they returned to Jerusalem. 46. In the midst of the teachers They sat on benches in a half circle, and their scholars at their feet. Acts xxii. 3.

47. Understanding and answers. As Jesus asked them questions, they, probably to try his knowledge, might ask him questions in reference to the