Luke Chapter 2 describes events around the birth of Jesus Christ, placing these events in the context of the Roman Empire during the reign of Caesar Augustus. This period, known as the Pax Romana, was marked by relative peace and stability across the empire.
- Roman Rule: The Roman Empire was the dominant political force, with a well-organized system of provinces governed by Roman officials. Judea, where the events of Luke 2 are set, was a part of this empire.
- Census: The chapter mentions a census ordered by Caesar Augustus, a common practice in the Roman Empire for tax and administrative purposes. This census was a significant event, as it required people to travel to their ancestral homes to be counted.
- Cultural Diversity: The Roman Empire was culturally diverse, encompassing a variety of religions, languages, and customs. While Roman culture and Latin language were dominant, local customs and languages, like Aramaic and Hebrew in Judea, were still prevalent.
- Religious Context: Judaism was the primary religion in Judea. The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah, a belief that is central to the narrative of Jesus’ birth in Luke. The Second Temple in Jerusalem was the focal point of Jewish worship.
- Socio-Economic Conditions: There were significant disparities in wealth and social status. While there were affluent classes in urban centers, many people, particularly in rural areas like Bethlehem, lived in modest conditions.
- Travel and Communication: Roads and sea routes facilitated relatively efficient travel and communication across the empire, although travel was still slow and arduous by modern standards.
Outline of Luke 2:1-7:
1.Introduction of the Roman Census (Verses 1-2)
- Caesar Augustus decrees a census of the entire Roman world.
- This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
2.Journey to Bethlehem (Verse 3)
- Everyone went to their own town to register for the census.
3.Joseph and Mary’s Travel (Verses 4-5)
- Joseph travels from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
- He goes there with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
4.Birth of Jesus (Verses 6-7)
- While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for the baby to be born.
- Mary gives birth to her firstborn, a son.
- She wraps him in cloths and places him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.
The Message
Luke 2:8-11 NIV
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Because of His Love
- John 3:16-17 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
- 1 John 4:8 NIV Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
The Gift is freely given to all
Ephesians 1:11-14 NIV
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Be sure to tell everyone!