What does Luke 23:45 mean?
ESV: while the sun 's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
NIV: for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
NASB: because the sun stopped shining; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
CSB: because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle.
NLT: The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.
KJV: And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
NKJV: Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
Verse Commentary:
Three hours after Jesus is placed on a cross, the whole land goes dark (Luke 23:44). There have been many attempts to give a physical reason for the darkness, but none really fit. Eclipses only last a few minutes. A sandstorm would have been mentioned with the earthquake (Matthew 27:51).
In Deuteronomy 28, God uses a suzerain-vassal form of covenant, outlining the requirements of Himself and the Israelites. If they obey Him and worship only Him, He will bless them. If they betray Him, He gives a long list of what may happen depending on the seriousness of their actions: everything from mildew to cannibalism and exile.
The list includes: "The LORD will strike you with madness and blindness and confusion of mind, and you shall grope at noonday, as the blind grope in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways" (Deuteronomy 28:28–29). The darkness is literal, here, but for many it's also figurative. They thought Jesus was a criminal who blasphemed God. They thought He was a pretender who claimed to be the Messiah. Their understanding was darkened.
The temple veil rips from top to bottom. This is probably the one between the temple and the Holy of Holies. According to Josephus' Wars of the Jews 5.219, that curtain is fifty-five cubits high: around the size of a five-story building. This curtain is thick, but it tears. The verb here is passive; this was something done "to" the curtain. This corresponds to a Jewish sign of mourning: tearing one's clothes. Notably, the barrier is ripped from top to bottom, meaning only God could have done it. God, of course, isn't mourning, and certainly not as a human being would. But the layered symbols here are useful.
This also sends a powerful message: God is no longer cut off from His followers. We have unfettered access to our God. No priest or sacrificial system separates us. Jesus is the great High Priest and His death is the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:23–28). Hebrews 10:19–22 exhorts, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." The veil is torn and we are invited into the presence of God!
Matthew and Mark place this event at Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:37–38). It's possible that Luke wanted to group the supernatural events together and then concentrate on the people's reaction at Jesus' death.
Verse Context:
Luke 23:44–49 reports how the land turned dark and the temple veil was torn as Jesus gave His spirit to God and died. The centurion recognizes that Jesus is righteous, and the people go home, mourning. Jesus' acquaintances, including many of the women who support Him, look on from a distance. Matthew 27:45–56, Mark 15:33–41, and John 19:28–30 also record the death of Jesus.
Chapter Summary:
Luke 23 records the remaining trials, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. He is examined by the Roman governor and the local appointed King, neither of whom are interested in passing a death sentence. Local religious leaders incite the crowd, pressuring the governor, Pilate, to authorize crucifixion. Jesus accepts the faith of another condemned man and dies. Joseph of Arimathea asks for Jesus body and buries it in a tomb cut from rock.
Chapter Context:
Luke 23 records Jesus' civil trials, crucifixion, and burial. The members of the Sanhedrin have put Jesus through three trials in their attempt to convince Pilate He's a threat (Luke 22:47–71). Their case is weak, but their political influence is powerful enough to force Pilate's hand. Jesus is executed. Three days after Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus, Jesus reappears on the road to Emmaus where He explains Messianic prophecies in Jewish Scriptures. After spending time with His followers, Jesus ascends into heaven (Luke 24) and the disciples build the church (Acts).
Book Summary:
Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.
Accessed 11/23/2024 3:00:05 AM
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