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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Luke 2:8-20

The meanest circumstances of Christ's humiliation were all along attended with some discoveries of his glory, to balance them, and take off the offence of them; for even when he humbled himself God did in some measure exalt him and give him earnests of his future exaltation. When we saw him wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, we were tempted to say, ?Surely this cannot be the Son of God.? But see his birth attended, as it is here, with a choir of angels, and we shall say,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Luke 2:8-20

2:8-20 In this country there were shepherds who were in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were much afraid. The angel said to them. "Do not be afraid; for--look you--I am bringing you good news of great joy, which will be to every people, for today a Saviour has been born for you, in David's town, who is Christ the Lord. You will recognize him by this sign. You will find the babe... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 2:17

And when they had seen it ,.... Or "him", as the Arabic version reads, the child Jesus, or "them", Joseph, Mary, and the child; or this whole affair, as had been related to them: they made known abroad; not only in the inn, and among all the people there but throughout the city of Bethlehem, the saying which was told them concerning this child : both what the angel had told them concerning his birth, and what he was, and where he lay; and what Mary had told them concerning the notice... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:17

They made known abroad the saying - These shepherds were the first preachers of the Gospel of Christ: and what was their text? Why, Glory to God in the highest heavens, and on earth peace and good will among men. This is the elegant and energetic saying which comprises the sum and substance of the Gospel of God. This, and this only, is the message which all Christ's true pastors or shepherds bring to men. He who, while he professes the religion of Christ, disturbs society by his preachings... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:17

Verse 17 17.They published concerning the word It is mentioned by Luke, in commendation of the faith of the shepherds, that they honestly delivered to others what they had received from the Lord; and it was advantageous to all of us that they should attest this, and should be a sort of secondary angels in confirming our faith. Luke shows also that, in publishing what they had heard, they were not without success. (168) Nor can it be doubted, that the Lord gave efficacy to what they said, that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:1-20

The Savior's birth and type angel's sermon. We now pass from the person of the forerunner to that of his greater Successor. The priest's son was great, but the Virgin's Son was greater. John was a great gift to the world, as every true reformer must be; but a Savior is God's supreme Gift to the children of men. Now, in this narrative before us we learn— I. HOW THE WILL OF EVEN HEATHEN MONARCHS IS MADE TO FULFIL THE WILL OF GOD . The Divine will, expressed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:8-20

The shepherds and the herald angels. From limestone cavern, we are taken by the evangelists to the long grassy slopes which stretch to the east of the Jewish city. Hidden in some nook of these slopes rest pious shepherds. Shepherds have always been a meditative class of men, accustomed to the sweet silences of nature, and, apart from the bustle and stir of cities, invited to quiet communion with their own hearts. It would seem that these shepherds were men of the spirit of Simeon. They... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 2:17

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child . Thus these men, at the bottom of the social scale in Israel, were chosen as the first preachers of the new-born King. Gradually the strange story got noised abroad in the city. The vision of Zacharias, the story of Mary, the two strange births, the marvellous experience of the shepherds. Following upon all this was the arrival of the Magi, and their inquiries after a new-born Messiah,... read more

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