34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be that neither Joseph nor Mary fully understood the character of Jesus or of the work he came to perform. When they heard the language of Simeon, descriptive of future glory, they were filled with wonder. spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also ;) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. created intelligences in bowing the knee to Jesus, and confessing him to be Lord to the glory of God the Father. Phil. ii. 10, 11. "And so all Israel shall be saved;" Rom. xi. 26; for out of Zion comes the Deliverer, who shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. ¶ Sign which shall be spoken against. The whole history of our Lord's minis giveness on his lips. He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. He will not utterly forsake them. He will secure their final holiness and happiness, and thus be the glory of his people Israel. 34. For the fall and rising again, &c. It is a common description of Jesus, in the scriptures, that he should be a rock of offence, or a stumbling-try is a verification of this truth. He stone. The apostle refers to this fact, was despised, persecuted, mocked, inRom. ix. 32, 33, and illustrates it at sulted, crucified. The most opprobrious length in Rom. ch. xi. The character terms were applied to him; Nazarene, of Jesus was altogether different from Galilean, an associate of sinners, a winetheir expectations. They expected the bibber and gluttonous, possessed of a Messiah would be a mighty temporal devil,-such were some of the contemptprince; he came in all humility and uous epithets bestowed on him by those fowliness; born of poor parents, living for whom he labored, and for whom he many years in seclusion, making no died. But he returned not railing for pompous display as he passed through railing, nor cursing for cursing; he the land, his whole retinue the common manifested the most kind feelings topeople, and his chosen associates a few wards them while he lived, wept in conpoor fishermen. They expected the templation of their approaching calamMessiah would liberate them from Ro-ity, and died with a prayer for their forman bondage, and exalt their nation to the pinnacle of glory; he counselled them to be obedient to their rulers, and expressly declared that his kingdom was not of this world. They expected the Messiah would show especial regard to those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others; he reproved them faithfully for their hypocritical pretences of sanctity, and assured them that even publicans and harlots should enter the kingdom, before them. They expected the Messiah would bestow particular blessings on the disciples of Moses, to the exclusion of the heathen world; he declared himself commissioned to save the world, and testified that men were to be regarded according to their moral character, without respect to forms of religion, or kindred by blood. Hence the Jews stumbled at that stumblingstone; and most grievous was their fall. They endured calamities without a parallel. Yet we have assurance they shall rise again. God had a merciful purpose to be accomplished. He did not allow them to stumble, that they should utterly perish; but he will cause them to rise again, and to unite with all 35. A sword shall pierce, &c. A figurative expression, denoting that Mary would suffer the keenest anguish on account of her Son; perhaps with special reference to the scene at the cross. The persecutions and afflictions which he endured, however, previous to the closing tragedy, must have been painful to his mother; for a mother most deeply sympathizes in the sufferings of her offspring. The same figure occurs, 1 Tim. vi. 10. Thoughts of many hearts, &c. "That is, that it may be known who are good, and who are bad; men disposed to receive the gospel, and who are otherwise. See I Cor. xi. 19."-Pearce. These words are to be understood in connexion with the preceding verse, the former clause of this verse being parenthetical. By the light of gospel truth, manifested by Jesus, it would readily be discovered who actually loved truth and godliness, and who openly scorned or hypocritically pretended to love it. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the tem ple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law 36. Anna, a prophetess. She may she might utter her prophecies in the have been the widow of a prophet or great metropolis."-Lightfoot. Her religious teacher; or she may have great age might have excused her conforetold future events. But perhaps no stant attendance; but her zeal and piety more is intended by this epithet, than induced her to be uniformly present, that she sometimes gave a public tes-night and day, that is, at both the timony to the truth, as in ver. 38, thus evening and morning sacrifices, and to instructing others. See 1 Cor. xiv. 3. observe all the prescribed fasts. Aser. The same as the Hebrew, Asher. "The inheritance of his tribe lay in a very fruitful country, on the sea coast, with Libanus north, Carmel and the tribe of Issachar south, and Zebulon and Naphtali east. Tyre and Sidon, with the whole of Phoenicia, were assigned as the territory of this tribe, (Josh. xix. 24-31,) but it never possessed the whole range of district assigned to it, Judg. i. 31."—Calmet. This territory was the northwesterly section of Canaan, and bordered on the Mediterranean. Seven years from her virginity. In other words, she had lived with a husband, or in a married condition, seven years, and subsequently had been a widow, even until she had become very old. 37. A widow of about fourscore and four years. This may possibly denote that she had lived in a state of widowhood eighty-four years, in which case her age would considerably exceed a century; but the more common and probably the more correct opinion is, that she was now eighty-four years old. Which departed not from the temple. "It may be doubted, whether any women ever discharged any office in the temple; some think they did. It is apparent, that women were wont to come from other parts to the tabernacle for devotion's sake, not to perform any ministry. So this Anna, by birth of the tribe of Aser, had changed her native soil, and fixed her abode at Jerusalem, partly for devotion, that she might be the more at leisure for praying in the temple, and partly as a prophetess, that 38. At that instant. While Simeon was speaking, ver. 29-35. ¶ Spake of him. Either of Jesus, as the Messiah, or, as the construction of the sentencé seems rather to denote, of God, to whom she gave thanks for sending the Messiah. Redemption. The same kind of redemption is here intended as in Luke xxiv. 21; a redemption or deliverance from political bondage and temporal evils which then oppressed the nation. For such a redemption, very many, both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, were earnestly looking, and they expected it would be accomplished by the Messiah. There is no evidence that the nation expected any other redemption under his reign. As Jesus did not accomplish this, but labored only to effect a spiritual redemption, which they did not expect at his hands, they rejected him, and would not have him to reign over them. 39. They returned into Galilee, &c. Luke omits the flight into Egypt, recorded Matt. ii. 13-15. But he does not deny that Jesus was carried thither by his parents. He says they returned into Galilee, and so they did; but he does not affirm that they returned immediately. A similar case is recorded in the history of Paul. In Acts ix. 22—26, we are informed that he returned to Jerusalem, after his conversion; nothing is said of his labors in any other place than Damascus, until he returned; but in Gal. i. 17, 18, we learn that, after his conversion, he went into Arabia, and then returned to Damascus, whence, after three years, and not before, he of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him. 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. went to Jerusalem to confer with Peter. Here is an interval of at least three years passed over by Luke; and we may reasonably suppose him to have done the same in the text. Joseph and Mary returned to Bethlehem, after presenting Jesus in the temple; fled to Egypt; remained there a short time, until after the death of Herod, who sought to destroy the child's life; and then returned to their own city, Nazareth. Some suppose they returned directly to Nazareth, and fled from that place to Egypt; and that Matthew describes their second return. But the former interpretation seems preferable. 40. Jesus was "found in fashion as a man," having taken the form of man, not of angels; Phil. ii. 8; Heb. ii. 16. Hence, being "made like unto his brethren," he increased in stature and wisdom from youth to manhood; his spirit was strengthened or rendered firm and energetic by the trials he endured; he was "tempted like as we are, yet with out sin;" and, at the close of his ministry, "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Heb. ii. 17; iv. 15; Phil. ii. 8. The grace of God was upon him. Campbell renders this phrase, "adorned with a divine gracefulness," as indicating that mingled majesty and kindness of manner, which produced such a powerful effect on those whom he addressed, filling believers with affection and confidence, and unbelievers with awe. This effect is often noticed in the scriptures. "Never man spake like this man." John vii. 46. There was a divine gracefulness in his manner, and an energy in his language, evidently more than human. He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, and in him dwelt the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Acts x. 38; Col. ii. 9. This gave him his extraordinary power 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a over men, while on the earth, and qualified him effectually to accomplish the great work assigned him, the redemption of the world from sin. 41. Went to Jerusalem every year, &c. By the Jewish law, all the males were required to attend the feast of the passover in Jerusalem, every year. There were three feasts, thus celebrated every year, at which a general attendance was required: the passover, or feast of unleavened bread; the feast of weeks, or of the first fruits of the harvest, sometimes called Pentecost; and the feast of tabernacles, or of the ingathering of the harvest. Exo. xxiii. 14-17. Joseph and Mary seem to have been blameless, touching the law. Phil. iii. 6. 42. Twelve years old, &c. At this age, the Jews caused their sons to learn the trade or occupation, designed for them. And it has been supposed, that, at this age, the sons were required to attend the feasts with their parents, and become partakers of the prescribed religious duties. Exo. xxxiv. 23. Jesus promptly yielded obedience to the law; and, indeed, on this occasion, commenced his "Father's business," ver. 49. 43. Fulfilled the days. That is, the eight days of the passover, for so long that feast continued; the first and eighth were the principal of those days, being distinguished by peculiar religious ceremonies. Exo. xii. 16; Deut. xvi. 1-8. 44. In the company, &c. In the East, it was customary to travel in large companies or caravans. See note on ver. 7. Whole neighborhoods would travel together to the feasts. The children would naturally associate with each other, and would not be so constantly under the eye of their several parents as if a single family were journeying. Thus, though Jesus remained at Jerusalem, when the caravan left, “Joseph day's journey; and they sought | astonished at his understanding and him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Fa 47 And all that heard him were ther's business? and his mother knew not of it," ver. 43, reasonably supposing he was with the other children belonging to their company. They probably saw him, when preparing to depart, and felt assured of his safety. But at the close of the first day's journey, they sought him among their kins folk and acquaintance, and not finding him, became aware that he was left behind. 45. Seeking him. Probably, on their way to Jerusalem, as well as in the city itself; for they knew not whether he was left there, or was lost on the journey. 46. After three days. That is, on the third day. See note on Luke i. 59. One day had been spent on their journey from Jerusalem; one, on their return; and on the third, they found him whom they sought. In the temple. Not in the holy place, but in one of the courts of the temple. See note on Matt. xxi. 12. Sitting in the midst of the doctors. That is, sitting among the Jewish teachers of religion, often styled doctors, or learned men. Sitting was the usual posture of teachers. Luke iv. 20. They stood while reading the scriptures, but sat down to teach or expound. T Asking them questions. Probably respectful questions concerning the law and the prophets. The questions were also discriminating, and evinced uncommon power and maturity of mind in a child of twelve years, as is manifest from ver. 47. There is no evidence that, on this occasion, Jesus endeavored to perplex the teachers, or to make them condemn themselves, as he afterwards did, when they rejected him, and attempted to entrap him in conversation. 47. Astonished at his understanding, &c. His answers were so appropriate, and his questions so significant and important, that the hearers were astonished at the wisdom of one so young. They knew not then that he was under the special guidance of that spirit which imparteth all truth. 48. Amazed. Their astonishment was occasioned by finding Jesus in such a place and so employed. ¶ Why hast thou thus dealt with us? Why hast thou left our company, and given us all this anxiety concerning thy safety, and this trouble and perplexity in finding thee? Thy father. Joseph was the legal though not the natural father of Jesus. As the mystery of his birth was not generally known, it was natural that Mary should speak thus, in presence of the priests, lest she should be regarded as a sinner. That was not the time nor the place to enter upon a full explanation of all the facts connected with the birth of" the only begotten Son of God." John iii. 18. 49. How is it, &c. Various interpretations have been given of this ques-. tion; but the following seems quite as judicious as any other :-" Why have ye sought me with so much anxiety? Mary should have known that the Son of God was safe; that his heavenly Father would take care of him, and that he could do nothing amiss."-Barnes. She had the best possible reason for believing her Son was destined by his Father to perform a great work; she had no reason to believe he had yet accomplished it; she should therefore have trusted in God to protect him. Yet, notwithstanding this, her anxiety was perfectly natural, perhaps unavoidable. Wist. Knew. About my Father's business. Some understand rather, in my Father's house, that is, the temple. In either case, the leading 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. CHAPTER III. TOW in the fifteenth year of the mother kept all these sayings in reign of Tiberius Cesar, Pon her heart. idea is the same; my father sent me to "bear witness to the truth," John xviii. 37; and it is proper that I should be diligent in the work whenever and wherever an opportunity offers. 50. Understood not, &c. They supposed him to be the Messiah; but regarding the Messiah as a temporal prince, according to the common opinion of the Jews, they could not understand how his present employment in the temple was any part of the business entrusted to him. It may seem strange to us, that the communications made to Joseph and Mary should not have enabled them to appreciate the character of Jesus more justly; but it is no more strange, than that his own personal instructions produced no more visible effect on the minds of his disciples. Even until after his resurrection, they looked for political redemption, and could not elevate their minds to the steady contemplation of that more glorious deliverance which he would accomplish. Luke xxiv. 21; Acts i. 6. If we duly consider this fact, we shall cease to wonder that the mother of our Lord, and her husband, did not at once attain a distinct conception of his character, and that they did not understand his language, which, to us, since the more full manifestation of the truth, appears plain. 66 51. Went down. The Jews uniformly speak of going up to and down from Jerusalem, with whatever other portion of the land it is compared. The city stood on elevated ground, but not actually higher than some other portions of Judea. But it was regarded as the city of the great king;" for there stood the temple where His presence was specially manifested. It had, therefore, in the mind of all Jews, a moral elevation or dignity exceeding all other places. T Subject unto them. Our Lord gave many examples to men, that they should walk in his steps. He also gave to children this example of obedience to parents. Though the God of heaven was his father, and he himself was appointed "heir of all things," yet he loved his mother and obeyed her authority, while he was young; he respected her husband also, as his legal guardian, and was subject to him; and, as many believe, wrought with him in his labors as a carpenter. By obedience and diligence, he manifested a filial affection worthy the imitation of every child. And when he became a man, even when almost entirely overwhelmed with the burden of his great work, he did not forget or despise his mother; but made provision for her welfare after he should be taken away. John xix. 26, 27. ¶ His mother kept, &e. See note on ver. 19. Although she understood not the full import of what she had heard and seen, she treasured up all these circumstances, as matters of deep interest. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom, &c. See note on ver. 40. And in favor with God and man. The meaning of this verse is perhaps sufficiently expressed in the following paraphrase: "And Jesus advanced considerably in wisdom, as well as in age and stature, and grew proportionably in favor both with God and men; his behavior being not only remarkably religious, but so benevolent and obliging, as to gain the friendship and affection of all that were about him."-Doddridge. Or, perhaps, we may understand, that as his mental powers were more fully developed, the power of the divine spirit was more strikingly manifested, the favor of God was more distinctly visible and apparently increased; and his character, as a whole, secured to him the respect and friendship of all who knew him. CHAPTER III. 1. Fifteenth year. That is, reckoned from the time when he was associated with Augustus in the government of the empire; but the thirteenth of his sole authority. ¶ Tiberius Cæsar. See note on Luke ii. 1. He was the |