_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 2:1. ALL THE WORLD.—_I.e._ the Roman world (_orbis terrarum_). TAXED.—Rather, “enrolled,” something like a modern census, but with a view to taxation. Luke 2:2. THIS WAS THE FIRST ENROLMENT MADE WHEN QUIRINIUS WAS GOVERNOR OF SYRIA (R.V.).—As Quirinius was governor of Syria i... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 2:21. THE CHILD.—The best MSS. read “Him.” Luke 2:22. HER PURIFICATION.—The true reading is, “_their_ purification” (R.V.). The mother was ceremonially unclean by child-birth, the others of the household by daily contact. The law of purification is given in Leviticus 12. At th... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 2:40. WAXED STRONG.—The words “in spirit” are added from Luke 1:80; omitted in R.V. FILLED WITH WISDOM.—Lit. “becoming full of wisdom.” THE GRACE OF GOD.—The favour of God. The first point noted is healthy physical growth, the second a proportionate increase of knowledge, and... [ Continue Reading ]