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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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 2:18

And all they that heard it ,.... What the shepherds related of what they had heard from the angel, and from Joseph and Mary, and what they had seen themselves, wondered at those things that were told them by the shepherds : for though they expected the Messiah, and that he would be born at Bethlehem, yet they did not imagine that he would be born of such mean parents, and appear in such mean circumstances, and in so contemptible a place; and that shepherds, and not the princes of Israel,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things ,.... Which the shepherds had related to her: and pondered them in her heart ; or compared them in her mind, with what had been said to herself by the angel, and also by her husband, as well as what was said by Elisabeth at the time she made her a visit; but she said nothing of them to others, lest she should be thought an enthusiast, or a vain boaster; and therefore left things, till time should make a discovery of them in a proper way, and in the best... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:19

And pondered them in her heart - Συμβαλλουσα , Weighing them in her heart. Weighing is an English translation of our word pondering, from the Latin ponderare . Every circumstance relative to her son's birth, Mary treasured up in her memory; and every new circumstance she weighed, or compared with those which had already taken place, in order to acquire the fullest information concerning the nature and mission of her son. 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 2:19

Verse 19 19.Now Mary kept Mary’s diligence in contemplating the works of God is laid before us for two reasons; first, to inform us, that this treasure was laid up in her heart, for the purpose of being published to others at the proper time; and, secondly, to afford to all the godly an example for imitation. For, if we are wise, it will be the chief employment, and the great object of our life, to consider with attention those works of God which build up our faith. Mary kept all these things... read more

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