Understanding Luke 2:17
Verse: "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child."
Summary of Meaning
In Luke 2:17, the shepherds, after encountering the angels and witnessing the birth of Jesus, become messengers themselves. They share the good news of Christ’s birth, demonstrating the joy and urgency that accompanies this divine event. This verse illustrates the beginning of the spread of the Gospel and the role of ordinary people in God’s great plan of salvation.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry emphasizes the shepherds' response post-visit. Their immediate action to spread the news reflects not only their amazement but also the pivotal role of humble individuals in God's narrative. They proclaim the divinely revealed truth about Jesus, highlighting how God chooses the least expected to fulfill His purposes.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Albert Barnes points out the significance of the phrase "made known abroad." It indicates a movement from personal experience to public proclamation. The shepherds fulfill their role as God's messengers, showcasing the natural response to grace and revelation; that is, to share with others. This act reinforces the necessity of evangelism in the Christian life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke adds that this verse emphasizes the importance of testimony in Christian belief. The shepherds, marginalized figures in society, provide a powerful testament to God's outreach. Clarke underlines the joy that accompanies witnessing the fulfillment of God's promise, demonstrating that the birth of Christ is not just a personal blessing but a community celebration.
Bible Verse Cross-References
Luke 2:17 connects with various other Scriptures, enhancing our understanding of its significance. Here are some notable cross-references:
- Isaiah 9:6: Prophecy of the coming Messiah, emphasizing the divine nature of Jesus as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God."
- Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission, where believers are instructed to share the Gospel with all nations, mirroring the shepherds' actions.
- John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh," reinforcing the incarnation of Christ celebrated in Luke 2.
- Acts 1:8: The call to be witnesses, correlating the shepherds' testimony with the broader mission of the Church.
- Romans 10:15: Acknowledging the beauty of those who bring the good news, tying back to the shepherds’ proclamation.
- 1 Peter 2:9: The believer’s identity as a chosen people, suggesting that all Christians share the role of telling others about Christ.
- Luke 4:18: Jesus speaks about proclaiming good news to the poor, aligning His mission with that of the shepherds.
- Revelation 12:10: The proclamation of salvation through Jesus is echoed throughout Scripture, showing continuity in God’s plan.
- Luke 10:1-2: Jesus sends out disciples to share the good news, paralleling the shepherds' mission.
- Mark 16:15: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel," which resonates with the shepherds’ joy in sharing the message of Christ's birth.
Thematic Connections
Luke 2:17 is part of a larger narrative that establishes themes of evangelism, humility, and divine revelation. The ways in which this verse connects with others highlight:
- The necessity of witness and testimony in Christianity.
- The divine preference for the humble and lowly in the unfolding of salvation history.
- The universality of the Gospel message being accessible to all, beginning with the shepherds.
- The joy and celebration integral to knowing Christ and sharing that knowledge with others.
- The progression from personal faith to communal proclamation and the exploration of its implications in communal faith journeys.
Comprehensive Bible Cross-Reference Guide
For those looking to explore more about the depth found in Luke 2:17, several tools and resources can aid in understanding cross-references:
- Bible concordance: A tool to find keywords and their appearances throughout Scripture.
- Bible reference resources: Books that help identify and categorize biblical texts that connect thematically.
- Bible cross-reference system: Utilizing systems such as the Thompson Chain Reference Bible for thematic exploration.
- Cross-reference Bible study: Techniques to examine and connect different biblical texts for deeper understanding.
- Cross-referencing Bible study methods: Practical ways to analyze Scripture linearly and contextually.
Conclusion
Luke 2:17 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Christ's birth. Through the shepherds' proclamation, we see a model for Christian living: the importance of sharing our experiences with Christ and engaging in the broader mission of evangelism. The connections drawn through scripture not only enhance our understanding of this verse but also invite us into a deeper relationship with God’s revealed truth.
