John Calvin Commentary Luke 2:32

"A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel." — Luke 2:32 (ASV)

A light for the revelation of the Gentiles. Simeon now points out the purpose for which Christ was to be exhibited by the Father before all nations: that He might enlighten the Gentiles, who had formerly been in darkness, and might be the glory of His people Israel.

There is propriety in the distinction made here between the people Israel and the Gentiles. For by the right of adoption, the children of Abraham were nigh (Ephesians 2:17) to God, while the Gentiles, with whom God had made no covenants of promise, were strangers to the Church (Ephesians 2:12).

For this reason, Israel is called in other passages not only the son of God but also His first-born (Jeremiah 31:9). Paul also informs us that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers (Romans 15:8).

The preference given to Israel above the Gentiles is so that all, without distinction, may obtain salvation in Christ.

A light for revelation¹⁹⁸ means for enlightening the Gentiles; therefore, we infer that men are by nature destitute of light until Christ, the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2), shines upon them. With regard to Israel, though God had bestowed distinguished honor upon him, yet all his glory rests on this single point: that a Redeemer had been promised to him.

¹⁹⁸ “Lumen ad revelationem.” — “.” — “La ou nous avons traduit, Pour l'esclaircissement, le mot Grec signifie quelque fois Revelation: mais Simeon vent dire ici, Pour esclairer ou illuminer les Gentils.” — “Where we have translated, .” — “Where we have translated, For the enlightening, the Greek word (ἀποχάλυψις) sometimes signifies the Greek word (ἀποχάλυψις) sometimes signifies Revelation: but Simeon means here, To enlighten or illuminate the Gentiles.”but Simeon means here, To enlighten or illuminate the Gentiles.”