Luke 3:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’"

NIV: And all people will see God’s salvation.’ "

NASB: AND ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF God!’?'

CSB: and everyone will see the salvation of God.

NLT: And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’'

KJV: And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

NKJV: And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

John the Baptist began to preach shortly before Jesus started His public ministry. John called on people to repent of their sin (Luke 3:3). This fulfilled Old Testament prophecies which said a herald would precede the arrival of the Messiah (Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6). In this passage, Luke is quoting from Isaiah 40:3–5. The role of this "voice of one," calling out from the desert (Luke 1:80) is to prepare the people to meet their Savior. John's preaching ministry was very direct (Luke 3:7), and it was also clear. He did not claim to be the Promised One, instead indicating people should follow Jesus when He arrived (John 1:26–34; 3:30).

In this context, "the salvation of God" is a reference to the Messiah, the Promised One, who is Christ. The prediction is that all people will be made aware of this Savior (Romans 1:18–20), not that all people will be saved by Him (John 3:36). The gospel is universal in its availability: any who want to repent and express faith can be saved by doing so (John 6:37; 2 Peter 3:9). Not all will choose that path (John 3:18).

Luke 3:1–6 continues a pattern establishing Luke's account as genuine history. Once again, he ties these events to other historical markers. This also creates contrast: while powerful men are in powerful positions, the "the word of God" comes to a strange hermit living in the desert. Luke's account also provides a connection between John's ministry and the prophecies which predicted it.

The early part of Luke's gospel shifts back and forth between the histories of Jesus and John the Baptist. Chapter 3 starts with historical and prophetic context about John. It then depicts some of John's interactions with local religious leaders. Luke gives only a brief description of Jesus' baptism. He also touches on John's criticism of Herod the Tetrarch, which would eventually result in John's execution (Matthew 14:10–12). The chapter ends with a genealogy of Christ.

Chapters 1 and 2 provided early history for both John the Baptist and Jesus. Chapter 3 establishes John's preaching ministry and its connection to Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with a genealogy which some believe runs through Mary's side of the family. Chapter 4 transitions from Jesus' baptism into His public ministry, by describing His fasting in the wilderness and temptation by Satan.

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 11:21:52 PM