Luke 2:6-7 ESV

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Luke 2:1-52

THE EARLY YEARS OF JESUS There is a preface to Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:1-4 ). While Matthew and Mark tell us of whom they write (Matthew 1:1 ; Mark 1:1 ), Luke and John tell us why they write (compare John 20:31 ). Luke wrote for the instruction of Theophilus (compare Acts 1-2) whose name indicates that he was a Greek, while “most excellent” suggests that he may have been of high rank. There were many records of our Lord (Luke 1:1 ), received from eyewitnesses (Luke 1:2 ), but Luke “had... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Luke 2:1-52

The World's Need Luk 2:11 This is just what the world wanted. This is just what the world always wants. The world wants this not the less that it is in some instances not aware of the necessity. What does a drowning man want? A lecture on natation? That would be exceedingly profitable to a man who was drowning! Tell him how to use his right arm, and his left, and his lower limbs; remark on the gracefulness of his action. All this would be exceedingly gratifying to a man who is struggling for... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Luke 2:1-7

(1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (2) (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) (3) And all went to be taxed, everyone 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 house and lineage of David:) (5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Luke 2:7

In a manger within a stable, or place where beasts were sheltered. And it is the common opinion that an ox and an ass were there at that time. See Baronius, Tillemont, &c. (Witham) --- O wonderful mystery! O astonishing condescension of a God-man! From his birth he takes upon himself poverty. Had such been his pleasure, Christ might, at his birth, have shaken the heavens by his power, and terrified all nature by his majesty. But these were not the attendants of his coming; for he came not... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:1-7

1-7 The fulness of time was now come, when God would send forth his Son, made of a woman, and made under the law. The circumstances of his birth were very mean. Christ was born at an inn; he came into the world to sojourn here for awhile, as at an inn, and to teach us to do likewise. We are become by sin like an outcast infant, helpless and forlorn; and such a one was Christ. He well knew how unwilling we are to be meanly lodged, clothed, or fed; how we desire to have our children decorated and... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Luke 2:1-99

Luke 2 THE OPENING VERSE of this chapter shows how God may use the great ones of the earth, all unconsciously to themselves, for the accomplishing of His designs. The case here is the more remarkable inasmuch as the decree of Augustus was not carried out immediately but delayed until Cyrenius was governor of Syria. Prophecy however had indicated Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, and the decree of the Emperor came just at the right time to send Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, though... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Luke 2:6-7

The birth of the Savior: v. 6 And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. v. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Himin swaddling-clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The infinite simplicity of Luke's account of the great miracle of the. incarnation is worthy of special notice, since it serves to sustain the fact of the inspiration of the story. If he had written as an... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Luke 2:1-7

SECOND SECTIONTHE HISTORY OF THE NATIVITYLuke 2:1-20A. The highest Gift of Heaven. Luke 2:1-7(Luke 2:1-14, the Gospel for Christmas.)1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree [or edict, δόγμα] from Cæsar Augustus, that all the [Roman] world should be taxed [registered, enrolled].1 2(And this taxing [enrolment, ἀπογραφή]2 was first [the first, πρώτη]3 made when Cyrenius 3[Quirinius]4 was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed [enrolled], every one into [to] his own... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Luke 2:1-14

the Savior of Mankind Is Born Luke 2:1-14 The manger bed and its precious occupant are among the most cherished memories of our childhood; but as we come there in later life, the wonder ever grows. “Great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh,” 1 Timothy 3:16 . What company we meet there! Shepherds with their naive wonder; angels from the realms of glory; wise men with their gifts; aged saints like Simeon and Anna, Surely the desire of all nations is here! Let us ask... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Luke 2:1-52

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, under the yoke of an oppressor. Moreover, by the exigency of the circumstances, He was born amid the homeless crowd. This was according to the divine arrangement and foretelling. The message of the angel and the chorus of the heavenly host are of especial interest as revealing heaven's outlook on the birth of Jesus. That may be stated by citing two brief sentences. 1. "Glory to God in the highest," 2. "Peace on earth among men in whom He is well pleased." ... read more