Luke 2:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

NIV: which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

NASB: Which You have prepared in the presence of all the peoples:

CSB: You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples --

NLT: which you have prepared for all people.

KJV: Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

NKJV: Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

Simeon is deeply influenced by the Holy Spirit. He has longed to see God's Messiah (Luke 2:25–27). When Jesus' family brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem, that desire was fulfilled. This statement is part of a short praise which Simeon delivers while holding the infant Christ (Luke 2:28–30).

The Old Testament predicted that the Promised One would rescue Israel and usher in unending peace and security (Isaiah 9:6–7). Prophecy also indicated Christ would be both visible to the entire world (Isaiah 52:10) and would offer salvation to all people of earth (Isaiah 49:6). That would include not only the people of Israel but those in "the nations" of the Gentile world.

Luke 2:22–38 contains several interesting events. The infant Jesus is brought to the temple for purification and dedication, as commanded in Mosaic law. There, a devout man speaks through the Holy Spirit to celebrate the arrival of Messiah. Luke also mentions a prophetess named Anna, who likewise praises God for fulfilling His promises.

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 5/4/2024 2:28:17 AM