PART IV

THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST AND OF JESUS

Probably B.C. 7 to A.D. 7

_Sects. 4-19. These sections include the annunciations, the birth, infancy, and childhood of both John and Jesus._

Sect. 4. THE ANNUNCIATION[a] OF THE BIRTH OF THE BAPTIST TO ZACHARIAS

Jerusalem, in the Temple. Probably B.C. 7

Luke 1:5-25[b]

5 There was in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and he had a wife of the 6 daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and 7 ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were _now_ [1]well stricken in years. 8 Now it came to pass, while he executed the priest's office before 9 God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the [2]temple of the 10 Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were 11 praying without at the hour of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar 12 of incense. And Zacharias was troubled when he saw _him_, and fear 13 fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: because thy supplication is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall 14 bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt 15 have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor [3]strong drink [_see Num. 6:3; Judg. 13:4-6; 1 Sam. 1:11_]; and he shall be filled with the [4]Holy Ghost, even from 16 his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he 17 turn unto the Lord their God. And he shall [5]go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children [_see Mal. 3:1; 4:5-6_], and the disobedient _to walk_ in the wisdom of the just; to make ready for 18 the Lord a people prepared _for him_. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife 19 [6]well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God [_see Dan. 8:16; 9:21_]; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these 20 good tidings. And behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their 21 season. And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and they 22 marvelled [7]while he tarried in the [2]temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the [2]temple: and he continued making signs unto 23 them, and remained dumb. And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house. 24 And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid 25 herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord done unto me in the days wherein he looked upon _me_, to take away my reproach among men.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _advanced in their days_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _sanctuary_.]

[Footnote 3: Gr. _sikera_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _Holy Spirit_: and so throughout all the Gospels.]

[Footnote 5: Some ancient authorities read _come nigh before his face_.]

[Footnote 6: Gr. _advanced in her days_.]

[Footnote 7: Or, _at his tarrying_.]

[Footnote a: There are three annunciations: (1) to Zacharias Sect. 4, (2) to Mary Sect. 5, (3) to Joseph Sect. 9. Luke gives the first two and Matthew the third. The Angel Gabriel is named by Luke (1:19, 26), but Matthew simply has "an angel of the Lord" (1:20).]

[Footnote b: It is certain that Luke tells the infancy stories from the standpoint of Mary while Matthew writes from the standpoint of Joseph. Matthew gives the public account while Luke tells the private story from Mary herself (Ramsay, _Was Christ Born at Bethlehem?_ p. 79). Luke could have seen Mary, if still alive, or could have obtained it from one of Mary's circle either orally or in manuscript form. Some scholars even suggest "Gospel of Mary" and even, "Gospel of the Baptist" as a written source for Luke in 1:5-2:52. Sanday (_The Life of Christ in Recent Research_, p. 166) says: "These two chapters--whatever the date at which they were first committed to writing--are essentially the most archaic thing in the whole New Testament." Certainly Luke reveals the use of Aramaic or Hebrew sources by the sudden changes in his style from 1:1-4. Luke, if familiar with the current account as seen in Matthew, apparently felt that he owed it to Mary to record her story of her great experience.]

Sect. 5. THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE VIRGIN MARY OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Nazareth. Probably B.C. 7 or 6

Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a 27 city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's 28 name was Mary. And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that 29 art [1]highly favoured, the Lord _is_ with thee.[2] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner 30 of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear 31 not, Mary: for thou hast found [3]favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt 32 call his name JESUS [_see Isa. 7:14_]. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David [_see 2 Sam. 33 7:12-17_]: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob [4]for ever; 34 and of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said unto the 35 angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also [5]that which [6]is to be born [7]shall be called holy [_see 36 Ex. 13:12_], the Son of God. And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age: and this is the 37 sixth month with her that [8]was called barren. For no word from 38 God shall be void of power [_see Gen. 18:14_]. And Mary said, Behold, the [9]handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

[Footnote 1: Or, _endued with grace_.]

[Footnote 2: Many ancient authorities add _blessed_ art _thou among women_. (See ver. 42.)]

[Footnote 3: Or, _grace_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _unto the ages_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _the holy thing which is to be born shall be called the son of God_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _is begotten_.]

[Footnote 7: Some ancient authorities insert _of thee_.]

[Footnote 8: Or, _is_.]

[Footnote 9: Gr. _bondmaid_.]

Sect. 6. THE SONG[a] OF ELISABETH TO MARY UPON HER VISIT

Hill Country of Judea

Luke 1:39-45

39 And Mary arose in these days and went into the hill country with 40 haste, into a city of Judah; and entered into the house of 41 Zacharias and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her 42 womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed _art_ thou among 43 women, and blessed _is_ the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this 44 to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe 45 leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed _is_ she that [1]believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.

[Footnote 1: Or, _believed that there shall be_.]

[Footnote a: This hymn or psalm springs from the omen to Elisabeth.]

Sect. 7. THE MAGNIFICAT OF MARY

Hill Country of Judea

Luke 1:46-56

46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord [_see 1 Sam. 2:1-10_], 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath looked upon the low estate of his [1]handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed [_see 1 Sam 1:11_]. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name [_see 1 Sam. 2:2_]. 50 And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him [_see Ps. 103:17_]. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; He hath scattered the proud [2]in the imagination of their heart [_see 1 Sam. 2:4; Ps. 89:10_]. 52 He hath put down princes from _their_ thrones, And hath exalted them of low degree [_see Job 5:11; 12:19_]. 53 The hungry he hath filled with good things; And the rich he hath sent empty away [_see Ps. 107:9_]. 54 He hath holpen Israel his servant, That he might remember mercy [_see Isa. 41:8-9_] 55 (As he spake unto our fathers) Toward Abraham and his seed for ever [_see Gen. 17:7; Mic. 7:20_]. 56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her house.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _bondmaiden_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _by_.]

Sect. 8. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF THE BAPTIST, AND HIS DESERT LIFE

Hill Country of Judea. B.C. 7 or 6

Luke 1:57-80

57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; 58 and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her; and they 59 rejoiced with her. And it came to pass on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him 60 Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered 61 and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto 62 her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And 63 they made signs to his father, what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, His name is John. 64 And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and 65 his tongue _loosed_, and he spake, blessing God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised 66 abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed _be_ the Lord, the God of Israel; For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people [_see Ps. 72:18; 111:9_], 69 And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of his servant David [_see 1 Sam. 2:10; Ps. 18:3_] 70 (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us [_see Ps. 106:10_]; 72 To shew mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father [_see Gen. 17:7; Lev. 26:42; Ps. 105:8; Mic. 7:20_], 74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways [_see Mal. 3:1_]; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people In the remission of their sins, 78 Because of the [1]tender mercy of our God, [2]Whereby the dayspring from on high [3]shall visit us [_see Mal. 4:2_], 79 To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; To guide our feet into the way of peace [_see Isa. 8:22; 9:2_]. 80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.[a]

[Footnote 1: Or, _heart of mercy_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Wherein_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _hath visited us_.]

[Footnote a: Dwell on this summary statement as to John's retired life in the wild regions of Judea, whence he will come forth thirty years later.]

Sect. 9. THE ANNUNCIATION TO JOSEPH OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Nazareth

Matt. 1:18-25

18 Now the [1]birth [2]of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came 19 together she was found with child of the [3]Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a 20 public example, was minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is [4]conceived in 21 her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his 22 people from their sins. Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son [_see Isa. 7:14_], And they shall call his name [5]Immanuel; 24 which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and 25 took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.

[Footnote 1: Or, _generation_: as in ver. 1 in Sect. 3.]

[Footnote 2: Some ancient authorities read _of the Christ_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _Holy Spirit_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _begotten_.]

[Footnote 5: Gr. _Emmanuel_.]

Sect. 10. THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Bethlehem. Probably B.C. 6 or 5

Luke 2:1-7

1 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from 2 Caesar Augustus, that all the [1]world should be enrolled. This was 3 the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And 4 all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.[a] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, 5 because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself 6 with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled 7 that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _inhabited earth_.]

[Footnote a: Observe how the ruler of the civilized world is unconsciously bringing it about that the Messiah, the son of David, shall be born at Bethlehem, though his mother's home was Nazareth. All the previous history of Rome and of Israel gathers about this manger. As to Quirinius, and as to the probable time of the Saviour's birth, see note 6 at the end of the book. The vindication of Luke's historical statements in these verses is one of the triumphs of modern research, as is shown in that note.]

Sect. 11. THE PRAISE OF THE ANGELS AND THE HOMAGE OF THE SHEPHERDS

Near Bethlehem

Luke 2:8-20

8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the 9 field, and keeping [1]watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round 10 about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great 11 joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is [2]Christ the 12 Lord. And this _is_ the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly 13 there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising[a] God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth [3]peace among [4]men in whom he is well pleased. 15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this [5]thing that is come to pass, which the 16 Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found 17 both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was 18 spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at 19 the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary 20 kept all these [6]sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

[Footnote 1: Or, _night-watches_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Anointed Lord_.]

[Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _peace, good pleasure among men_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _men of good pleasure_.]

[Footnote 5: Or, _saying_.]

[Footnote 6: Or, _things_.]

[Footnote a: The Gloria in Excelsis.]

Sect. 12. THE CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS

Bethlehem

Luke 2:21

21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him [_see Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3_], his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Sect. 13. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE WITH THE HOMAGE OF SIMEON AND ANNA

Jerusalem

Luke 2:22-38

22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present 23 him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord) 24 [_see Ex. 13:2, 12, 15; Lev. 12:1-8_], and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of 25 turtledoves, or two young pigeons. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit 26 was upon him. And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the 27 Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do 28 concerning him after the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,[a] 29 Now lettest thou thy [1]servant depart, O [2]Lord, According to thy word, in peace; 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation [_see Isa. 52:10_], 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 A light for [3]revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel [_see Isa. 42:6; 49:6_]. 33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which 34 were spoken concerning him; and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this _child_ is set for the falling and rising up of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken 35 against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that 36 thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was [4]of a great age, having lived with a husband seven 37 years from her virginity, and she had been a widow even for fourscore and four years), which departed not from the temple, 38 worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _bondservant_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _Master_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _the unveiling of the Gentiles_.]

[Footnote 4: Gr. _advanced in many days_.]

[Footnote a: The four New Testament psalms, given by Luke, breathe the atmosphere of Old Testament piety, quite in contrast to the formalism of the Pharisees and yet thoroughly Jewish in background and Christian in sentiment. But it is primitive Christian feeling. Section 7 gives the Magnificat of Mary in response to the song of Elisabeth in Sect. 6. In Sect. 8 we have the _Benedictus_ of Zacharias and in Sect. 13 The _Nunc Dimittis_ of Simeon.]

Sect. 14. MAGI VISIT THE NEW-BORN KING OF THE JEWS

Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Matt. 2:1-12

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [1]wise men from the east [_see Num. 2 24:17_] came to Jerusalem, saying, [2]Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to 3 worship him. And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and 4 all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the 5 Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written [3]by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor [_see Mic. 5:1-2_], Which shall be shepherd of my people Israel. 7 Then Herod privily called the [1]wise men, and learned of them 8 carefully [4]what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out carefully concerning the young child; and when ye have found _him_, bring me word, that I 9 also may come and worship him. And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child 10 was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding 11 great joy. And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and 12 frankincense and myrrh. And being warned _of God_ in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _Magi_. Compare Esther 1:13; Dan. 2:12.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _Where is the King of the Jews that is born?_]

[Footnote 3: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote 4: Or, _the time of the star that appeared_.]

Sect. 15. THE CHILD JESUS CARRIED TO EGYPT, AND THE CHILDREN AT BETHLEHEM SLAIN

Probably B.C. 5

Matt. 2:13-18

13 Now when they were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and 15 departed into Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son [_see Hos. 11:1_]. 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the [1]wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had carefully 17 learned of the [1]wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken [2]by Jeremiah the prophet, saying [_see Jer. 31:15_], 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not.

[Footnote 1: Gr. _Magi_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _through_.]

Sect. 16. THE CHILD BROUGHT FROM EGYPT TO NAZARETH

Probably B.C. 4

Matt. 2:19-23 |Luke 2:39 | 19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel| of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph | 20 in Egypt, saying, Arise and take the young |39 And when they child and his mother, and go into the land | had accomplished of Israel: for they are dead that sought | all things that were 21 the young child's life. And he arose and | according to the law took the young child and his mother, and | of the Lord, they 22 came into the land of Israel. But when he | returned into heard that Archelaus was reigning over | Galilee, to their Judea in the room of his father Herod, he | own city Nazareth. was afraid to go thither; and being warned | _of God_ in a dream, he withdrew into the | 23 parts of Galilee, and came and dwelt in a | city called Nazareth: that it might be | fulfilled which was spoken [1]by the | prophets,[a] that he should be called a | Nazarene. |

[Footnote 1: Or, _through_.]

[Footnote a: _Cf._ Isa. 11:1 where the Messiah is called _Netzer_, a Branch, though Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament.]

Sect. 17. THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS AT NAZARETH

Probably B.C. 4 to A.D. 7

Luke 2:40

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong, [1]filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.[a]

[Footnote 1: Gr. _becoming full of wisdom_.]

[Footnote a: This simple statement of Luke tells more in one sentence than all the apocryphal Gospels of the Infancy, with their silly legends about the miraculous prowess of the child Jesus.]

Sect. 18. THE VISIT OF THE BOY JESUS TO JERUSALEM WHEN TWELVE YEARS OLD

Probably A.D. 7 or 8

Luke 2:41-50

41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the 42 passover [_see Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:1-8_]. And when he was 43 twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; 45 and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for 46 him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the [1]doctors, both hearing them, 47 and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at 48 his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him, they were astonished: and his mother said unto him, [2]Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee 49 sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? 50 wist ye not that I must be [3]in my Father's house? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

[Footnote 1: Or, _teachers_.]

[Footnote 2: Gr. _Child_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _about my Father's business_.]

Sect. 19. THE EIGHTEEN YEARS[a] AT NAZARETH

Probably A.D. 7 to A.D. 26 (or 6 to 25)

Luke 2:51-52

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all _these_ [1]sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and [2]stature, and in [3]favour with God and men [_see 1 Sam. 2:26_].

[Footnote 1: Or, _things_.]

[Footnote 2: Or, _age_.]

[Footnote 3: Or, _grace_.]

[Footnote a: After the return to Nazareth, we know nothing of Jesus' life at that place beyond the general statements of Luke 2:52, with the knowledge and dispositions indicated in the narrative of Sect. 18 and the fact that he was a carpenter, until he comes forth to be baptized by John, his forerunner. The social and political conditions of this period in Galilee are described by Edersheim, D. Smith, and other writers on the Life of Jesus, and briefly stated in Broadus's Commentary on Matthew, p. 30 f. Dwell on the general statement of Luke 2:52. Other passages throw light on the life in Nazareth as to habits of worship (Luke 4:16), the family group of brothers and sisters (Mark 6:3 = Matt. 13:55 f.), work as carpenter (_ibid._). A helpful book on this obscure period is Ramsay's _The Education of Christ_.]