Luke 2:31 Study Bible: which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;

◄ Luke 2:31 ►

which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

which You have prepared
This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereignty of God in the unfolding of His salvation plan. The Greek word for "prepared" is "ἡτοίμασας" (hetoimasas), which conveys the idea of making ready or arranging beforehand. This preparation is not a last-minute decision but a meticulously planned act of God, showcasing His omniscience and omnipotence. In the broader biblical narrative, this preparation is seen throughout the Old Testament, where prophecies and covenants point towards the coming of the Messiah. The fulfillment of these prophecies in the New Testament underscores God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word.

in the sight of
The phrase "in the sight of" translates from the Greek "κατὰ πρόσωπον" (kata prosōpon), which literally means "before the face of." This expression indicates visibility and openness, suggesting that God's salvation is not hidden or exclusive but is meant to be seen and recognized by all. It reflects the transparency and universality of God's redemptive work. Historically, this openness contrasts with the secretive and exclusive nature of many ancient religious practices, highlighting the distinctiveness of the Christian message that is proclaimed openly to all humanity.

all people
The term "all people" is derived from the Greek "πάντων τῶν λαῶν" (pantōn tōn laōn), which encompasses every nation, tribe, and ethnicity. This phrase underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message. In the context of first-century Judaism, this was a radical concept, as the Jewish people were accustomed to being the chosen nation. However, the coming of Christ signifies a new covenant that extends beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that through his seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). This universality is a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to every person, regardless of their background or status.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Simeon
A devout and righteous man in Jerusalem who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. He is the speaker of this verse.

2. Jesus
The infant Jesus is being presented at the temple by Mary and Joseph, fulfilling the Jewish law of purification and dedication of the firstborn.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The setting of this event, where Jewish customs and laws were observed, and where Simeon encounters Jesus.

4. Mary and Joseph
The earthly parents of Jesus, obedient to the Law of Moses, bringing Jesus to the temple.

5. The Holy Spirit
The Spirit who revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah and who guided him to the temple at the right time.

Teaching Points

Universal Salvation
Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation, prepared for all people, not just Israel. This emphasizes the inclusivity of the Gospel.

God's Faithfulness
Simeon's encounter with Jesus is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust in God's timing and promises.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and revealing God's plans. Christians should seek the Spirit's guidance in their lives.

Obedience to God's Law
Mary and Joseph's adherence to the Law of Moses highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands as an act of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah challenge or affirm your understanding of God's promises?

2. In what ways can you see the Holy Spirit working in your life to reveal God's plans, similar to how He guided Simeon?

3. How does the universal nature of Jesus' mission impact your view of evangelism and sharing the Gospel with others?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's promise to be fulfilled. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can you apply the obedience demonstrated by Mary and Joseph in your own walk with God today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 52:10
This verse speaks of the Lord revealing His salvation to all nations, which connects to Simeon's declaration of Jesus being prepared in the sight of all people.

Psalm 98:2-3
These verses talk about the Lord making His salvation known and revealing His righteousness to the nations, echoing the universal scope of Jesus' mission.

Acts 13:47
Paul and Barnabas speak of being a light to the Gentiles, which aligns with Simeon's prophecy about Jesus being a light for revelation to the Gentiles.

Sermons

The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus	R.M. Edgar	Luke 2:21-40
A Representative Man	J. Parker, D. D.	Luke 2:25-35
Aged Evangelists	C. Stanford, D. D.	Luke 2:25-35
Christ Our Consolation	H. Alford, M. A.	Luke 2:25-35
It is Hard to Wait, and Few Can Do it Well	Stopford A. Brooke.	Luke 2:25-35
Patient Waiting	Bishop Wm. Alexander.	Luke 2:25-35
Readiness for God's Will	New Cyclopaedia of Anecdote	Luke 2:25-35
Scripture Biography of Simeon	C. H. Spurgeon.	Luke 2:25-35
Simeon and Anna	A. Whyte, D. D.	Luke 2:25-35
Simeon and the Child Jesus	E. D. Rogers, D. D.	Luke 2:25-35
Simeon: a Sermon for Christmas	E. Bersier, D. D.	Luke 2:25-35
Simeon: Saint, Singer, and Seer	F. Hastings.	Luke 2:25-35
Simeon's Blessed Hope	C. H. Spurgeon.	Luke 2:25-35
The Consolation of Israel	G. Swinnock.	Luke 2:25-35
The Consolation of Israel	J. Jowett, M. A.	Luke 2:25-35
The Expectant Simeon	Canon Hoare.	Luke 2:25-35
The Same Man was Just and Devout	Stopford A. Brooke.	Luke 2:25-35
The Waiting Church	C. H. Spurgeon.	Luke 2:25-35
Waiting for the Chariot		Luke 2:25-35
Waiting for the Lord	Augustus Hare.	Luke 2:25-35
Waiting is Good But Hard Service	H. C. Trumbull.	Luke 2:25-35
Waiting is Harder than Doing	Sunday School Times	Luke 2:25-35
A Martyr's Death-Song	A. C. Thompson, D. D.	Luke 2:29-31
Character and Privilege of Simeon	Caleb Morris.	Luke 2:29-31
Christ Embraced	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
Christ Immediately Known and Embraced	H. Smith.	Luke 2:29-31
Coincidences	G. D. Boardman.	Luke 2:29-31
Death Better than Degeneration	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
Death is Release	Helen Hunt., Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
Death Tests	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Luke 2:29-31
Death Viewed Without Terror	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Luke 2:29-31
Death Welcome with Jesus Near		Luke 2:29-31
Desiring Death	H. Smith.	Luke 2:29-31
Excessive Spiritual Joy	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
God's Salvation	J. Irons.	Luke 2:29-31
James Hervey		Luke 2:29-31
Light in Death		Luke 2:29-31
Men Generally Unready to Die	J. Jortin.	Luke 2:29-31
Nunc Dimittis	C. H. Spurgeon.	Luke 2:29-31
Nunc Dimittis	E. G. Charlesworth.	Luke 2:29-31
Old Age	E. H. Hall.	Luke 2:29-31
Our Last Days Should be Our Best Days	Udall.	Luke 2:29-31
Peace of a Dying Christian		Luke 2:29-31
Prepared	H. Smith.	Luke 2:29-31
Ready to Start		Luke 2:29-31
Release from School		Luke 2:29-31
Satisfied	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
Seeing the Invisible	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
Servant of God	Bishop Hacker., Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's Canticle	Bp. Wm. Alexander.	Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's Canticle	W. Burkitt, M. A.	Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's Song	W. Gurnall.	Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's Song	S. Cox, D. D.	Luke 2:29-31
Spiritual Intimations	G. D. Boardman.	Luke 2:29-31
Sweet When Fading	Scriver.	Luke 2:29-31
The Best Sight	Bishop Hacker.	Luke 2:29-31
The Glory and Work of Old Age	Stopford A, Brooke., A. Whyte, D. D.	Luke 2:29-31
The Hunt Dimittis	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Luke 2:29-31
The Last Scene	G. Swinnock.	Luke 2:29-31
The Song of Simeon	C. Bradley, M. A., J. Parsons.	Luke 2:29-31
The Waiting of Simeon	H. Smith.	Luke 2:29-31
Thy Salvation	C. H. Spurgeon.	Luke 2:29-31

People

Anna, Aser, Asher, Augustus, Cyrenius, David, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Phanuel, Simeon

Places

Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth, Rome, Syria

Topics

Face, Hast, Nations, Peoples, Prepare, Prepared, Presence, Ready, Sight

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Luke 2:1-40

5652 babies

Luke 2:22-35

2520 Christ, childhood

Luke 2:25-32

6704 peace, divine NT
8352 thankfulness

Luke 2:26-32

2206 Jesus, the Christ

Luke 2:28-32

2039 Christ, joy of

Luke 2:29-32

7927 hymn

Luke 2:30-32

1403 God, revelation

Library

December 25. "I Bring You Glad Tidings" (Luke ii. 10).
"I bring you glad tidings" (Luke ii. 10). A Christmas spirit should be a spirit of humanity. Beside that beautiful object lesson on the Manger, the Cradle, and the lowly little child, what Christian heart can ever wish to be proud? It is a spirit of joy. It is right that these should be glad tidings, for, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." It is a spirit of love. It should be the joy that comes from giving joy to others. The central fact of Christmas is …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Was, Is, is to Come
'... The babe lying in a manger...'--LUKE ii. 16. '... While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven...'--LUKE xxiv. 51. 'This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go...'--ACTS I. 11. These three fragments, which I have ventured to isolate and bring together, are all found in one author's writings. Luke's biography of Jesus stretches from the cradle in Bethlehem to the Ascension from Olivet. He narrates the Ascension twice, because it has two …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Boy in the Temple
'And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me! wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?' --LUKE ii. 49. A number of spurious gospels have come down to us, which are full of stories, most of them absurd and some of them worse, about the infancy of Jesus Christ. Their puerilities bring out more distinctly the simplicity, the nobleness, the worthiness of this one solitary incident of His early days, which has been preserved for us. How has it been preserved? If you will look over …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Simeon's Swan-Song
'Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.'--LUKE ii. 29,30. That scene, when the old man took the Infant in his withered arms, is one of the most picturesque and striking in the Gospel narrative. Simeon's whole life appears, in its later years, to have been under the immediate direction of the Spirit of God. It is very remarkable to notice how, in the course of three consecutive verses, the operation of that divine Spirit …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Shepherds and Angels
'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

December the Nineteenth the Sun of Righteousness
"A light to lighten the Gentiles." --LUKE ii. 25-40. That was the wonder of wonders. Hitherto the light had been supposed to be for Israel alone; and now a heavenly splendour was to fall upon the Gentiles. Hitherto the light had been thought of as a lamp, illuming a single place; now it was to be a sun, shedding its glory upon a world. The "people that sat in darkness" are now to see "a great light." New regions are to be occupied; there is to be daybreak everywhere! "The Sun of Righteousness …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

December the Twenty-Fifth Christmas Cheer
"Good will toward men!" --LUKE ii. 8-20. The heavens are not filled with hostility. The sky does not express a frown. When I look up I do not contemplate a face of brass, but the face of infinite good will. Yet when I was a child, many a picture has made me think of God as suspicious, inhumanly watchful, always looking round the corner to catch me at the fall. That "eye," placed in the sky of many a picture, and placed there to represent God, filled my heart with a chilling fear. That God was …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Religious Joy.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."--Luke ii. 10, 11. There are two principal lessons which we are taught on the great Festival which we this day celebrate, lowliness and joy. This surely is a day, of all others, in which is set before us the heavenly excellence and the acceptableness in God's sight of that state which …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Joy Born at Bethlehem
In our text we have before us the sermon of the first evangelist under the gospel dispensation. The preacher was an angel, and it was meet it should be so, for the grandest and last of all evangels will be proclaimed by an angel when he shall sound the trumpet of the resurrection, and the children of the regeneration shall rise into the fullness of their joy. The key-note of this angelic gospel is joy--"I bring unto you good tidings of great joy." Nature fears in the presence of God--the shepherds …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Nunc Dimittis"
We shall note, this morning, first, that every believer may be assured of departing in peace; but that, secondly, some believers feel a special readiness to depart now: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace;" and, thirdly, that there are words of encouragement to produce in us the like readiness: "according to thy word." There are words of Holy Writ which afford richest consolation in prospect of departure. I. First, then, let us start with the great general principle, which is full of comfort; …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ About his Father's Business
But now I shall invite your attention, first, to the spirit of the Saviour, as breathed in these words, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" and then, secondly, I shall exhort the children of God, with all the earnestness which I can command, with all the intensity of power which I can summon to the point, to labour after the same spirit, that they too may unfeignedly say, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? " I. First, then note THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST. It was …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The First Christmas Carol
Let us turn aside, having just thought of angels for a moment, to think rather of this song, than of the angels themselves. Their song was brief, but as Kitto excellently remarks, it was "well worthy of angels expressing the greatest and most blessed truths, in words so few, that they become to an acute apprehension, almost oppressive by the pregnant fulness of their meaning"--"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." We shall, hoping to be assisted by the Holy Spirit, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Christ's Boyhood
LUKE ii. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour both with God and man. I do not pretend to understand these words. I preach on them because the Church has appointed them for this day. And most fitly. At Christmas we think of our Lord's birth. What more reasonable, than that we should go on to think of our Lord's boyhood? To think of this aright, even if we do not altogether understand it, ought to help us to understand rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ; …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Christ Child (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapt him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Mother and child.--Think of it, my friends, on Christmas day. What more beautiful sight is there in the world? What more beautiful sight, and what more wonderful sight? What more beautiful? That man must be very far from the kingdom of God--he is not worthy to be called a man at all--whose heart has not been touched by the sight of his first child in its mother's bosom. The greatest …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Music (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 13, 14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. You have been just singing Christmas hymns; and my text speaks of the first Christmas hymn. Now what the words of that hymn meant; what Peace on earth and good-will towards man meant, I have often told you. To-day I want you, for once, to think of this--that it was a hymn; that these angels were singing, even as …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us
"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that thou sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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