Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 2:36-40

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." — Luke 2:36-40 (ASV)

There was much evil then in the church, yet God did not leave himself without witness. Anna always dwelt in, or at least attended, the temple. She was always in a praying spirit; she gave herself to prayer, and in all things she served God. Those to whom Christ is made known have great reason to thank the Lord.

She taught others concerning him. Let the example of the venerable saints, Simeon and Anna, give courage to those whose gray heads are, like theirs, a crown of glory, when found in the way of righteousness. The lips soon to be silent in the grave should be proclaiming the praises of the Redeemer. In all things it was fitting for Christ to be made like his brethren; therefore, he passed through infancy and childhood as other children, yet without sin, and with manifest proofs of the divine nature in him.

By the Spirit of God all his faculties performed their functions in a manner not seen in anyone else. Other children have foolishness bound in their hearts, which appears in what they say or do, but he was filled with wisdom by the influence of the Holy Spirit; everything he said and did was wisely said and wisely done, beyond his years. Other children show the corruption of their nature; nothing but the grace of God was upon him.