11. unto you is born--you shepherds, Israel, mankind
[BENGEL]. Compare
Isa 9:6,
"Unto us a Child is born." It is a birth--"The Word is made
flesh"
(Joh 1:14).
When? "This day." Where? "In the city of David"--in the
right line and at the right "spot"; where prophecy bade us look
for Him, and faith accordingly expected Him. How dear to us should be
these historic moorings of our faith! With the loss of them, all
substantial Christianity is lost. By means of them how many have been
kept from making shipwreck, and attained to a certain external
admiration of Him, ere yet they have fully "beheld His glory."
a Saviour--not One who shall be a Saviour, but
"born a Saviour."
Christ the Lord--"magnificent appellation!"
[BENGEL]. "This is the
only place where these words come together; and I see no way of
understanding this "Lord" but as corresponding to the Hebrew
JEHOVAH"
[ALFORD].
JFB.
Outline
The birth of Christ. (1-7)
It is made known to the shepherds. (8-20)
Christ presented in the temple. (21-24)
Simeon prophesies concerning Jesus. (25-35)
Anna prophesies concerning him. (36-40)
Christ with the learned men in the temple. (41-52)
Painted sketch of Bethlehem in the 19th Century
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of Bethlehem in Judea
(Click to Enlarge)
Ancient Customs
Ancient People
Simeon, Jesus, Anna
Geography
Bethlehem
Judaea
Quick Reference Maps
The New Testament