Luke 1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

Preface to the Gospel. Observe— I. THE AUTHOR 'S APOLOGY . How conspicuous in it are the elements of candor, simplicity, and earnestness! The first authorities as to the things related were "the eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word." He is careful to intimate that he is not one of them; not an apostle; not even one of the seventy, as some have supposed he was. The position which he assumes is simply this: Many had taken in hand to draw up "a narrative concerning those matters... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

Certainties concerning Christ. There are many things in connection with the gospel of Christ about which there is difference of view and some measure of uncertainty. But it is "those things which are most surely believed" that constitute the rock on which we rest, on which we build our hopes. We cannot live spiritually on uncertainties; they may serve the purpose of speculation or discussion, but they do not bring peace to the soul; they do not minister to life. We may thank God most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

The absolute certainty of the Christian religion. In this prologue by Luke we have an insight into the conditions and purposes of his publication. In an age without the art of printing, it was useful to obtain the patronage of the wealthy, and thus secure the production of such a number of "copies" as would save the volume front oblivion. Hence in the classic world dedications to rich men were the rule with authors rather than the exception. Luke's Gospel, which is the "classic" Gospel in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-80

After the Ascension and the events of the first Pentecost, which quickly followed their Master's return to heaven, the twelve and a few others who had walked in the company which followed Jesus during the years of his public ministry no doubt often met together and talked over the teaching and the acts of their risen and now glorified Master. As time passed on, a certain number of these acts, a certain number of the public and private discourses in the apostolic company, became adopted as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:2

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and ministers of the Word . The general accuracy of the recitals contained in those early Gospels is here conceded, as the source of these primitive writings was the tradition delivered by the eye-witnesses of the acts of Jesus; among these eye-witnesses the apostles would, of course, hold the foremost place. The whole statement may be roughly paraphrased thus: "The narrative of the memorable events which have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:3

Having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first ; more accurately rendered, having followed up (or, investigated) step by step all things from their source. St. Luke, without depreciating the accounts of the life and work of Jesus then current in the Church, here sets out his reasons for undertaking a fresh compilation. His Gospel would differ from the early Gospels: Luke 2:5-52 THE GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY . The critical reader of the Gospel in the original... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5

There was in the days of Herod, the King of Judaea . The Herod here alluded to was the one surnamed "the Great." The event here related took place towards the end of his reign. His dominions, besides Judaea, included Samaria, Galilee, and a large district of Peraea. This prince played a conspicuous part in the politics of his day. He was no Hebrew by birth, but an Idumaean, and he owed his position entirely to the favor of Rome, whose vassal he really was during his whole reign. The Roman... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5-6

Life in its completeness. A very beautiful picture, though on a very small canvas, is here painted; it is a picture of domestic piety. As we think of Zacharias and Elisabeth spending their long life together in the service of Jehovah, attached to one another and held in honor by all their kindred and friends, we feel that we have before our eyes a view of human life which has in it all the elements of an excellent completeness. I. THE DOMESTIC BOND . Here we have conjugal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5-23

Zacharias and his vision. Notice some features in the sketch that is given of the priest and of that which happened at the altar of incense. I. IT IS A PICTURE OF THE SOUL WAITING FOR GOD . That waiting which is emphasized in the Old Testament Scriptures as one of the essentials of piety. How beautifully are the words—"More than they that watch for the morning, my soul waiteth for the Lord;" "It is good that a man should beth hope and quietly wait for the salvation of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5-25

The vision of Zacharias in the temple. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-80

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:5-25

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands