Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 2

Luke clearly intends to secure the historical and chronological moorings of Jesus’ birth (approximately 4 B. C.). Ironically, it is precisely this that has led some to question Luke’s accuracy. The mention of Caesar Augustus may not only be for historical background but also to contrast the human with the divine decrees. A mere Galilean peasant travels to Bethlehem ostensibly at the decree of the Roman emperor. Actually, it is in fulfillment of the divine King’s plan, which, as noted passim, is reflected in Luke’s frequent reference to what “must” be done. The first census (i.e., enrollment prior to taxation) known to have occurred under the governorship of Quirinius took place later (i.e., A. D. 6) than usually reckoned as the time of Jesus’ birth (cf. Acts 5:37). Many have supposed that Luke confused this census of A. D. 6 with one he thinks was taken earlier, but which lacks historical support. The most satisfactory solutions that have been proposed follow.

Luke clearly intends to secure the historical and chronological moorings of Jesus’ birth (approximately 4 B. C.). Ironically, it is precisely this that has led some to question Luke’s accuracy. The mention of Caesar Augustus may not only be for historical background but also to contrast the human with the divine decrees. A mere Galilean peasant travels to Bethlehem ostensibly at the decree of the Roman emperor. Actually, it is in fulfillment of the divine King’s plan, which, as noted passim, is reflected in Luke’s frequent reference to what “must” be done. The first census (i.e., enrollment prior to taxation) known to have occurred under the governorship of Quirinius took place later (i.e., A. D. 6) than usually reckoned as the time of Jesus’ birth (cf. Acts 5:37). Many have supposed that Luke confused this census of A. D. 6 with one he thinks was taken earlier, but which lacks historical support. The most satisfactory solutions that have been proposed follow.

Luke clearly intends to secure the historical and chronological moorings of Jesus’ birth (approximately 4 B. C.). Ironically, it is precisely this that has led some to question Luke’s accuracy. The mention of Caesar Augustus may not only be for historical background but also to contrast the human with the divine decrees. A mere Galilean peasant travels to Bethlehem ostensibly at the decree of the Roman emperor. Actually, it is in fulfillment of the divine King’s plan, which, as noted passim, is reflected in Luke’s frequent reference to what “must” be done. The first census (i.e., enrollment prior to taxation) known to have occurred under the governorship of Quirinius took place later (i.e., A. D. 6) than usually reckoned as the time of Jesus’ birth (cf. Acts 5:37). Many have supposed that Luke confused this census of A. D. 6 with one he thinks was taken earlier, but which lacks historical support. The most satisfactory solutions that have been proposed follow.

Luke does not say how long in advance of Jesus’ birth Joseph left for Bethlehem nor why he took Mary with him. It is possible that he used the emperor’s order as a means of removing Mary from possible gossip and emotional stress in her own village. He had already accepted her as his wife (Matthew 1:24), but apparently they continued in betrothal till after the birth. The text neither affirms nor denies the popular image of the couple arriving in Bethlehem just as the baby was about to be born. Luke simply states that the birth took place “while they were there” (v.6).

The word usually translated “inn” (GK 2906) may mean a room (e.g., the “guest room” used for the Last Supper as in 22:11), a billet for soldiers, or any place for lodging, which would include inns. It is not, however, the usual Greek word for an inn.

Luke states the simple fact that when Mary’s time came, the only available place for the little family was one usually occupied by animals. It may have been a cave, as tradition suggests, or some part of a house or inn. Even today in many places around the world farm animals and their fodder are often kept in the same building as the family quarters. The eating trough, or “manger,” was ideal for use as a crib. Luke does not seem to be portraying a dismal situation with an unfeeling innkeeper as villain. Rather, he is establishing a contrast between the proper rights of the Messiah in his own “town of David” and the very ordinary and humble circumstances of his birth. For “cloths,” see comment on v.12.

Luke does not say how long in advance of Jesus’ birth Joseph left for Bethlehem nor why he took Mary with him. It is possible that he used the emperor’s order as a means of removing Mary from possible gossip and emotional stress in her own village. He had already accepted her as his wife (Matthew 1:24), but apparently they continued in betrothal till after the birth. The text neither affirms nor denies the popular image of the couple arriving in Bethlehem just as the baby was about to be born. Luke simply states that the birth took place “while they were there” (v.6).

The word usually translated “inn” (GK 2906) may mean a room (e.g., the “guest room” used for the Last Supper as in 22:11), a billet for soldiers, or any place for lodging, which would include inns. It is not, however, the usual Greek word for an inn.

Luke states the simple fact that when Mary’s time came, the only available place for the little family was one usually occupied by animals. It may have been a cave, as tradition suggests, or some part of a house or inn. Even today in many places around the world farm animals and their fodder are often kept in the same building as the family quarters. The eating trough, or “manger,” was ideal for use as a crib. Luke does not seem to be portraying a dismal situation with an unfeeling innkeeper as villain. Rather, he is establishing a contrast between the proper rights of the Messiah in his own “town of David” and the very ordinary and humble circumstances of his birth. For “cloths,” see comment on v.12.