Luke 2:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

NIV: and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

NASB: And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds.

CSB: and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

NLT: All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,

KJV: And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

NKJV: And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Even though Jesus was born in humble circumstances, His arrival did not pass without announcement. Rather than taking the news to rich, powerful, or famous people, God informed common shepherds. Shortly after Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem, Jesus was born and put into a feeding trough while Mary recovered (Luke 2:1–7). Angels appeared to local herdsmen, explaining where to find the newborn Christ and singing praises to God (Luke 2:8–14). The shepherds quickly came into the town and found Jesus and His family (Luke 2:15–17).

According to this verse, the shepherds' story generates amazement. It also seems more people are hearing the story beyond just Mary and Joseph. The reference to "all who heard" suggests there are other people with Joseph and Mary. It may also mean the herdsmen told other people—perhaps everyone they met—about what had just happened.

Luke 2:8–21 describes shepherds who are visited by numerous angels. These beings proclaim the birth of Christ and explain where He can be found. The men follow the angels' directions and find Jesus, Joseph, and Mary just as predicted. Jesus' family celebrates these events, as God continues to use simple people to proclaim His most important truths. When Jesus is eight days old, in accordance with Jewish tradition, he is circumcised and officially given His prophesied name.

The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.

Luke began his well-organized account by explaining the conceptions of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist, in chapter 1. In chapter 2, he briefly summarizes Jesus' birth and the arrival of shepherds directed by angels. Prophecies and prayers celebrate His dedication at the temple. After briefly losing track of a twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, Jesus' parents take Him home to Nazareth. There, He grows up relatively normally. Chapter 3 leaps forward many years to the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching. This is followed by Jesus' genealogy. Chapter 4 relates Jesus' temptations by Satan and the start of His public ministry.

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 5/6/2024 2:13:55 AM