FocusGood tidings and witness
Connection to the wholeThe birth and shepherds' response bring the promised child's arrival into the narrative and spread the announcement of His significance.
interpretation Luke 2:6
KJVAnd so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Read it in context
Jesus is born
Start reading at Luke 2:1 (Luke 2:1 to Luke 2:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The birth and shepherds' response bring the promised child's arrival into the narrative and spread the announcement of His significance.
- 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.
- 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- 2:4 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:)
- 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- 2:7 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.
- 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- 2:9 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.
- 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- 2:15 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.
- 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
- 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
- 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
- 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 2:1–2:52): Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and later temple teachers appear in successive birth, presentation, and childhood scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus is born. Read Luke 2:1 through Luke 2:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The birth and shepherds' response bring the promised child's arrival into the narrative and spread the announcement of His significance. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus is born (Luke 2:1 to Luke 2:20). Start reading at Luke 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 2:1, Luke 2:20, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- A. M. 4000. B.C. 4. so Ps 33:11 Prov 19:21 Mic 5:2
- the days Luke 1:57 Rev 12:1-5
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 2
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
Presentation in the temple
Luke 2:21–40FocusRecognition and hope
Connection to the wholeSimeon and Anna recognize the child within Israel's hope, while the family fulfils what the law requires.
interpretation Jesus at twelve years old
Luke 2:41–52FocusHis Father's business
Connection to the wholeThe temple episode closes the childhood material with Jesus' response to His parents and the account of His continued growth.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.