Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:35

Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also - Probably meaning, Thou also, as well as thy son, shall die a martyr for the truth. But as this is a metaphor used by the most respectable Greek writers to express the most pungent sorrow, it may here refer to the anguish Mary must have felt when standing beside the cross of her tortured son: John 19:25 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:36

Anna, a prophetess - It does not appear that this person was a prophetess in the strict sense of the word, i.e. one who could foretell future events; but rather a holy woman; who, from her extensive knowledge and deep experience in Divine things, was capable of instructing others; according to the use of the word προφητευω , 1 Corinthians 14:3 ; : He that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to edification, and to exhortation, and to comfort. So we find this holy widow proclaiming Jesus to all... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:37

Departed not from the temple - Attended constantly at the hours of prayer, which were nine in the morning and three in the afternoon. See Acts 2:15 ; Acts 3:1 . It does not appear that women had any other functions to perform in that holy place. With fastings - She accompanied her devotion with frequent fastings, probably not oftener than twice in the week; for this was the custom of the most rigid Pharisees: see Luke 18:12 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:38

Coming in that instant - Αυτῃ τῃ ὡρᾳ , at that very time - while Simeon held the blessed Redeemer in his arms, and was singing his departing and triumphal song. Gave thanks likewise - She, as well as Simeon, returned God public thanks, for having sent this Savior to Israel. Spake of him - Of the nature and design of his mission; and the glory that should take place in the land. To all them that looked for redemption - As Daniel's seventy weeks were known to be now... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:20

Verse 20 20.Glorifying and praising God This is another circumstance which is fitted to be generally useful in confirming our faith. The shepherds knew with certainty that this was a work of God. Their zeal in glorifying and praising God is an implied reproof of our indolence, or rather of our ingratitude. If the cradle of Christ (169) had such an effect upon them, as to make them rise from the stable and the manger to heaven, how much more powerful ought the death and resurrection of Christ to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:21

Verse 21 21.That the child might be circumcised As to circumcision in general, the reader may consult the Book of Genesis, (Genesis 17:10.) At present, it will be sufficient to state briefly what applies to the person of Christ. God appointed that his Son should be circumcised, in order to subject him to the law; for circumcision was a solemn rite, by which the Jews were initiated into the observance of the law. (171) Paul explains the design, (172) when he says, that Christ was “made under... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:22

Verse 22 22.And after that the days were fulfilled On the fortieth day after the birth, (Leviticus 12:2,) the rite of purification was necessary to be performed. But Mary and Joseph come to Jerusalem for another reason, to present Christ to the Lord, because he was the first-born. Let us now speak first of the purification. Luke makes it apply both to Mary and to Christ: for the pronoun αὐτῶν, of them, can have no reference whatever to Joseph. But it ought not to appear strange, that Christ,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:23

Verse 23 23.As it is written in the Law This was another exercise of piety which was discharged by Joseph and Mary. The Lord commanded, that all the males should be dedicated to him, in remembrance of their deliverance; because when the angel slew all the first-born of Egypt, (Exodus 12:29,) he had spared the first-born of Israel. “On the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:24

Verse 24 24.And that they might offer a sacrifice This sacrifice belonged to the ceremony of purification; lest any one should suppose that it was offered for the sake of redeeming the first-born. When the Evangelist mentions a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, he takes for granted that his readers will understand, that Joseph and Mary were in such deep poverty, as not to have it in their power to offer a lamb. For this exception is expressly mentioned: “If she be not able to bring a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:25

Verse 25 25.And, lo, there was a man in Jerusalem The design of this narrative is to inform us that, though nearly the whole nation was profane and irreligious, and despised God, yet that a few worshippers of God remained, and that Christ was known to such persons from his earliest infancy. These were “the remnant” of whom Paul says, that they were preserved “according to the election of grace,” (Romans 11:5.) Within this small band lay the Church of God; though the priests and scribes, with as... read more

Group of Brands