Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 2:25-35

"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 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 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 concerning him after the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace; For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel. And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him; and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." — Luke 2:25-35 (ASV)

The same Spirit who provided for the support of Simeon's hope also provided for his joy. Those who want to see Christ must go to the temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Savior, salvation itself, the salvation appointed by God. He says farewell to this world.

How poor this world looks to one who has Christ in his arms and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, peace with death. Those who have welcomed Christ may welcome death.

Joseph and Mary marveled at the things that were spoken of this Child. Simeon also shows them what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and his people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of people's characters.

The secret good inclinations in the minds of some will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. People will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the closeness of her relationship and her affection.