Luke
Chapter 2
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar
Augustus that all the world should be taxed. Who was Caesar Augustus?
Augustus Caesar of Rome was born with the given name Gaius Octavius on September 3,
63 B.C. He took the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (Octavian) in 44 B.C. after the
murder of his great uncle, Julius Caesar. In his will Caesar had adopted Octavian and
made him his heir. Octavian was a shrewd, brilliant and astute politician. Through cold,
hard political calculation he was able to achieve ultimate power in Rome. At the time of
Caesar’s assassination, Octavian held no official position. Only after he marched on
Rome and forced the senate to name him consul, was he established as a power to be
reckoned with. In 43 B.C., Octavian, Marcus Antonius (Marc Antony was one of Julius
Caesar’s top lieutenants) and another Roman General, Marcus Lepidus, formed the
second Triumvirate (ruling body of three) to rule Rome. After taking power, the
Triumvirate proscribed and slaughtered thousands of political enemies, firmly
establishing their control of the Roman government. In 40 B.C., Antony married
Octavia, Octavian’s sister, and later deserted her for Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. When
Antony gave Roman provinces to his children by Cleopatra, Octavian declared war on
Antony. In 31 B.C. the Roman Navy under Agrippa defeated the combined fleets of
Antony and Cleopatra, and within a year both had committed suicide. In 27 B.C., the
Roman Senate granted Octavian the name Augustus, meaning “the exalted.” They also
gave him the legal power to rule Rome’s religious, civil and military affairs, with the
Senate as an advisory body, effectively making him Emperor. Rome achieved great
glory under Octavian/Augustus. He restored peace after 100 years of civil war;
maintained an honest government and a sound currency system; extended the highway
system connecting Rome with its far-flung empire; developed an efficient postal service;
fostered free trade among the provinces; and built many bridges, aqueducts and buildings
adorned with beautiful works of art created in the classical style. Literature flourished
with writers including Virgil, Horace, Ovid, and Livy all living under the emperor’s
patronage. The empire expanded under Augustus with his generals subduing Spain, Gaul
(now France), Panonia and Dalmatia (now parts of Hungary and Croatia). He annexed
Egypt and most of southwestern Europe up to the Danube River. After his death, the
people the Roman Empire worshipped Augustus as a god. He ruled Rome from 29 B.C.
to 14 A.D. This was the Caesar that Jesus used as an example what to do with money,
“give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.
The First Triumvirate was the political alliance of Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Licinius
Crassus, and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. Unlike the Second Triumvirate, the First
Triumvirate had no official status whatsoever; its overwhelming power in the Roman
Republic was strictly unofficial influence, and was in fact kept secret for some time as
part of the political machinations of the Triumvirs themselves. It was formed in 59 BC
and lasted until Crassus's death in 53 BC.
2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Controversy has raged over this verse, as many claim that Cyrenius (or Quirinus to
Rome) was not made governor of Syria until 10 or 12 years after the birth of Christ. He
was Roman consul in 12 B.C. and thus qualified to be governor. From 12 B.C. to 4 B.C.
the names of governors are recorded. From 4 B.C. to 4 A.D. the names are not given. It
was during this time that the census took place, and who can disprove the inspired
statement here that Quirinus, called by Luke Cyrenius, was governor during this time.
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea,
unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and
lineage of David:) Went up from Galilee literally means climbed, Jerusalem is 1,500
feet higher than Nazareth.
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she
should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. This is
proof that Jesus was Mary’s first son of many not the only child or only child born from
her.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. Shepherds never kept flocks in the open in the winter
from October or November to the next spring. It was the custom to send flocks out after
the Passover to stay until the first rain in October or November. There are many opinions
when Jesus was born, the honest fact is that we do not know when he was born but
through tradition Christians celebrate it in December.
9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of
great joy, which shall be to all people. This good tidings of great joy was not just for
the shepherds but for all people, Jews and Gentiles, but not for the fallen angels.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
Lord. What is this good tidings of joy? For all men was born this day a saviour. Man’s
fix to his/her brokenness and separation with God was being delivered.
12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger. Jesus begins in the lowest of lows and is exalted to the
highest of highs currently in heaven.
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying, At this time no man was in heaven so the heavenly host had to be
angels. All the old covenant saints were in Abraham’s Bosom or paradise waiting for the
Saviour. They too were included in the all people statement.
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Today
while man celebrates their journey on the highway to hell God is celebrating the lost
sheep who take His detour to Him providing them with good will, joy and peace.
15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, 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 known unto us. Not only
was Jesus made of a woman but he was also made under the law. This was necessary so
all men who are adopted into the new covenant could be completely changed. All men in
sin are born of a woman and God’s chosen people are subject to the law until the law is
no longer needed. Jesus needed to be like us to save us. He was human because he was
born of a human. He was subject to the law in order to fulfill it. And he was made sin to
destroy it through righteousness. “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent
forth his Son, made of woman, made under the law.” Galatians 4:4. If anyone says you
are not God so stop acting like Him, only have half the quote right. God became man so
we could become like God. There will always only be one God but there will be many of
His creations that will mirror Him and there will be many of His creations that won’t for
eternity. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to
everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2
16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a
manger.
17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told
them concerning this child.
18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds.
19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his
name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived
in the womb. This was to fulfill the law. “This is my (God) covenant, which ye shall
keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be
circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of
the covenant betwixt (between) me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be
circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house,
or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy
house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my
covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man
child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his
people; he hath broken my covenant.” Genesis 17:10-14 Jesus means Saviour or God
who is salvation.
22. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were
accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 40 days
after the birth of a son and 80 days after the birth of a daughter. “And the Lord spake
unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived
seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of
the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And the eight day the flesh of his
foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying
three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary,
until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. But if she bear a maid child (girl), then she
shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of
her purifying threescore (60 days) and six days. And when the days of her purifying are
fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt
offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: Who shall offer it before the Lord, and
make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is
the law for her that hath born a male or a female.” Leviticus 12:1-7
23. (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb
shall be called holy to the Lord;) There are many that compare this with not treating a
woman with respect to a male. Some even go as far as stating this is a Christian moral
obligation toward the treatment of women. Point 1: The Hebrews were the chosen people
of God but they were not Christians, Christ was not given unto man at this time so
Christianity was not adopted yet. Point 2: The Hebrews were just as dirty and immoral
as the rest of the world but for some reason God chose them to make peace between God
and man. Point 3: God began human life with a male and continued it with a woman.
God was following the same pattern with Israel. Today the human male and female are
of equal value to God, priceless and He proved it 2000 years ago.
24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A
pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the
same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy
Ghost was upon him.
26. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death,
before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the
child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. A Jewish
prophet first announced that Jesus would be a light unto the Gentiles providing proof that
Jesus provided salvation for both the Jews and Gentiles.
33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of
him.
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
spoken against;
35. (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many
hearts may be revealed. This would happen when she witnessed the crucifixion of her
son.
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 an husband seven years from her
virginity;
37. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not
from the temple, 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 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.
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 day's journey;
and they sought 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.
47. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. As
Jesus’ body grew and his mental faculties developed he was being taught by the Holy
Spirit to the utmost extent. Christ also had earthly teachers but he was always far ahead
of them.
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. Notice that Mary and Joseph are amazed what they are witnessing of Jesus.
They were experiencing something that they have not before. Mary’s motherly attributes
interrupts Jesus and asks him why did he do this to them.
49. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be
about my Father's business? Mary talked with Gabriel and Joseph had a dream that
revealed the reason for the coming of Jesus. Jesus knew this and asked them did you
forget my purpose here on earth. Mary and Joseph are just like us, we may be told
something but have a hard time understanding or believing what we heard. Jesus was
sent to fulfill His Father will. Mary and Joseph were slow to comprehend that truth since
they were his parents in their understanding.
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 mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Jesus is the Word of God that was made flesh. The difference between Jesus 2000 years
ago and now is that the Word left the Godly attributes in heaven. Jesus was just as Adam
and Eve were created. The difference between Adam, Eve and Jesus is that Jesus of his
own doing did the Father’s will and never gave into the lies or enticements of Satan or
man as Adam and Eve did. Jesus was no different than the rest of mankind except he did
not sin. His power came by the Holy Spirit, his teaching came by the Holy Spirit and his
comforting came by the Holy Spirit. He gave us the Holy Spirit so we could continue
where he left off. Jesus did nothing in the flesh as God but as man, thus providing proof
man has no excuse not to be like him. If Jesus did all things as God then how can he
expect his followers to be like himself? We are not and never will be God as he was and
is. But if he succeeded as a man then so can we. Just as Jesus proved, we may not be
God but we can be Godly. Is that possible? Satan and the 1/3 fallen angels found out it
is. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 “That
he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will
of God.” 1 Peter 4:2.