耶穌基督降生

就在那些日子裡,凱撒奧古斯都頒布諭令,要普天下的人都登記戶口[a] 這是頭一次戶口登記,在居里尼烏斯敘利亞總督的時候進行的。 於是眾人都各回自己的城鎮去登記。

約瑟也從加利利拿撒勒城上猶太去,到了那叫做伯利恆大衛之城,因為他是大衛一家一族的人。 他和已經許配給他[b]、懷有身孕的瑪麗亞一起去登記。 他們在伯利恆的時候,瑪麗亞的產期到了, 就生了她的頭胎兒子。她用布把他包起來放在馬槽裡,因為客店裡沒有地方給他們。

牧羊人與天使們

當時在同一個地區,有些牧人露宿在野地裡,夜間守更看守羊群。 這時候,主的一位天使站在他們旁邊[c],主的榮光四面照射他們,他們就大為驚恐。 10 那位天使對他們說:「不要怕!因為看哪,我傳給你們一個大喜的信息,是要給萬民的。 11 今天,在大衛的城裡,為你們誕生了一位救主,他就是主基督。 12 你們會看見一個嬰孩,用布包著,躺在馬槽裡;這就是給你們的標記。」

13 忽然有一大隊天軍出現,與那位天使一起讚美神,說:

14 「在至高之處,榮耀歸於神!
在地上,平安[d]臨到他所喜悅的人!」

15 天使們離開他們往天上去了,[e]牧人就彼此說:「來,我們到伯利恆去,看看這件已成就的事,就是主讓我們明白的事!」

16 於是他們急忙趕去,找到了瑪麗亞約瑟和那躺在馬槽裡的嬰孩。 17 他們看見以後,就把天使告訴他們有關這孩子的話傳開了。 18 所有聽見的人,對那些牧人告訴他們的事,都感到驚奇。 19 瑪麗亞卻把這一切事存在心裡,反覆思想。 20 那些牧人因為所見所聞的一切正如天使向他們所說的,就榮耀、讚美神,於是回去了。

耶穌受割禮

21 滿了八天,為孩子行割禮的時候,他們就給他起名叫耶穌。這名字是他在母腹[f]成胎以前天使所起的。 22 按照摩西的律法,潔淨的日子滿了以後,約瑟瑪麗亞領著孩子上耶路撒冷去,要把他獻給主。 23 正如主的律法上所記載的:「所有頭胎的男孩都將被稱為聖歸給主;」[g] 24 並按照主的律法上所說的,獻上了「一對斑鳩或兩隻雛鴿」[h]為祭物。

西面的頌讚

25 看哪,在耶路撒冷有一個名叫西面的人。這個人又公義又虔誠,一直期待著以色列得蒙安慰;聖靈也在他身上。 26 他得了聖靈的啟示:自己在經歷死亡[i]以前會看見主的基督。 27 他受了聖靈的感動,來到聖殿。這時候,耶穌的父母抱著孩子進來,要按照律法的規矩為他辦事。 28 西面把孩子抱在懷裡,頌讚神說:

29 「主啊,
現在可以照你的話,
讓你的奴僕平平安安地離去,
30 因為我的眼睛已經看見你的救恩,
31 就是你為萬民[j]所預備的:
32 他是啟示外邦人的光,
是你子民以色列的榮耀。」

33 他的父母[k]對這些關於孩子的話,感到驚奇。 34 西面祝福他們,並對孩子的母親瑪麗亞說:「看哪,這孩子註定要使以色列中許多人跌倒、許多人興起,並要成為一個遭受反對的標記[l] 35 這樣,許多人的心思意念將被顯露出來;你自己的靈魂也要被劍刺透。」

安娜的見證

36 有一個女先知安娜,是亞設支派法努埃的女兒。她已經上了年紀,是出嫁以後與丈夫生活了七年的, 37 後來守寡了,現在已經[m]八十四歲。她從不離開聖殿,禁食祈禱,日夜事奉神。 38 就在這時候,她也上前來讚頌神[n],向所有期待著耶路撒冷得救贖的人[o]講說這孩子的事。

返回拿撒勒

39 約瑟瑪麗亞按照主的律法辦完了一切事以後,就返回加利利,到自己的城拿撒勒去了。 40 那孩子漸漸長大,剛強[p]起來,充滿智慧,並且有神的恩典在他身上。

耶穌在父家

41 每年逾越節,耶穌的父母都上耶路撒冷去。 42 當耶穌十二歲的時候,他們按照節日的規矩上去[q] 43 守完了節期,他們回去的時候,孩童耶穌仍然留在耶路撒冷,他的父母[r]卻不知道, 44 以為他在同行的人群中。他們走了一天的路,才開始在親戚和熟人中找他。 45 他們找不到他,就回到耶路撒冷去找。 46 到了第三天,他們發現耶穌在聖殿裡,坐在教師們當中,一邊聽,一邊問。 47 所有聽他講說的人,都對他的悟性和對答十分驚訝。 48 他的父母看見他,感到吃驚,他的母親就對他說:「孩子啊,為什麼對我們這樣做呢?你看,你父親和我一直在焦急地找你呢!」

49 耶穌對他們說:「你們為什麼找我呢?難道不知道我必須在我父的家裡[s]嗎?」 50 可是他們沒有領悟他對他們說的話。

神與人的喜愛

51 於是耶穌與他們一起下去,回到拿撒勒,一直服從他們。他的母親把這一切事都珍藏在心裡。 52 耶穌的智慧和身量,以及神和人對他的喜愛[t],都不斷增長。

Footnotes

  1. 路加福音 2:1 戶口——輔助詞語。
  2. 路加福音 2:5 有古抄本附「做妻子」。
  3. 路加福音 2:9 站在他們旁邊——或譯作「向他們顯現」。
  4. 路加福音 2:14 平安——或譯作「和平」。
  5. 路加福音 2:15 有古抄本附「而那些人——」
  6. 路加福音 2:21 母——輔助詞語。
  7. 路加福音 2:23 《出埃及記》13:2,12。
  8. 路加福音 2:24 《利未記》5:11;12:8。
  9. 路加福音 2:26 經歷死亡——原文直譯「見到死亡」。
  10. 路加福音 2:31 為萬民——原文直譯「在萬民面前」。
  11. 路加福音 2:33 他的父母——有古抄本作「約瑟和孩子的母親」。
  12. 路加福音 2:34 遭受反對的標記——或譯作「被攻擊的對象」。
  13. 路加福音 2:37 現在已經——有古抄本作「約」。
  14. 路加福音 2:38 神——有古抄本作「主」。
  15. 路加福音 2:38 期待著耶路撒冷得救贖的人——有古抄本作「在耶路撒冷期待救贖的人們」。
  16. 路加福音 2:40 剛強——有古抄本作「靈裡剛強」。
  17. 路加福音 2:42 上去——有古抄本作「上耶路撒冷去」。
  18. 路加福音 2:43 他的父母——有古抄本作「約瑟和孩子的母親」。
  19. 路加福音 2:49 在我父的家裡——或譯作「從事於我父的事」。
  20. 路加福音 2:52 神和人對他的喜愛——或譯作「在神和人面前的喜愛」。

耶稣降生

那时候,罗马皇帝凯撒奥古士都下令,整个罗马帝国的人们都必须办理户口登记注册 [a],以便对人口进行普查统计。 这是第一次人口普查登记。当时正值居里扭做叙利亚总督, 因此,所有的人都回到自己的家乡去登记。

所以约瑟也离开加利利的拿撒勒城,到了犹太地区的一个叫伯利恒的城镇,此城是大卫家族的城镇。因为他是大卫家族的人,所以他到了那里。 他和马利亚一起去登记,因为马利亚已经许聘给了他,此时她正怀着孕。 他们在那里时,马利亚的产期到了, 生下了第一个儿子。因为客店没有地方容纳他们,她便把孩子用布包裹起来,放在马槽里。

牧羊人听说耶稣降临

一些牧羊人夜间露宿在野地里,照看羊群。 主的一个天使出现在他们面前,主的荣光照耀在他们的周围,牧羊人都非常惊恐。 10 天使对他们说∶“不要害怕,我给你们带来了好消息。这个消息也将给普天下的人们带来极大的喜悦。 11 因为今天在大卫城里你们的救世主诞生了,他就是主基督。 12 你们在马槽里将发现有个用布包着的婴儿躺在那里,那就是给你们的记号。”

13 突然,一队天兵和天使一起出现,他们齐声称颂道:

14 “荣耀归于至高无上的上帝,
和平赐给在地上他所喜爱的人们。”

15 然后,天使离开他们,返回了天上。牧羊人互相说道∶“我们到伯利恒去看看主告诉我们已经发生的事情吧。”

16 于是,这些牧羊人就急急忙忙赶到了那里,找到了马利亚和约瑟,也看见了躺在马槽里的婴儿。 17 他们看到这个婴儿后,就把天使讲的关于这个婴儿的事情告诉了大家。 18 人们都为牧羊人告诉他们的事情感到惊讶。 19 但是,马利亚却把这些事情记在心上,反复地琢磨着。 20 牧羊人回去后,都为他们的所见所闻赞美上帝,因为他们耳闻目睹的事情正与天使所说的完全一致。

21 婴儿出生后的第八天,便受了割礼,取名叫耶稣,这个名字是天使在马利亚怀孕以前就为他取好了的。

在大殿里呈献耶稣

22 按照摩西律法,到了洁净的日子 [b]了。约瑟和马利亚带着孩子一起去耶路撒冷。他们要把他呈献在主的面前。 23 因为主的律法中写道∶“每家的长子应该呈献给主 [c]。” 24 主的律法还说,他们必须奉献祭物∶“必须为主献上一对鸽子 [d]或两只幼鸽 [e]。”

西面见到耶稣

25 耶路撒冷城里有一个名叫西面的人,他是一个公正、虔诚的人,一直期待着上帝帮助以色列。圣灵与他同在。 26 圣灵向他揭示:他死之前,将会看到主耶稣基督。 27 圣灵引导西面来到大殿院里,与此同时,约瑟和马利亚也把他们的孩子抱进了大殿院,正准备按照律法履行所规定的事项。 28 西面把孩子抱在怀里,赞美上帝道:

29 “主啊,就按您的许诺,
让您的仆人安然地死去吧!
30 因为我已经亲眼看见了您的拯救 [f]
31 那是您在万民面前准备的。
32 他是一盏明灯,
为外族人带来了启示,
为您的子民以色列带来荣誉。”

33 耶稣的父母听到关于耶稣的话,感到十分惊讶。 34 西面又为他们祝福,并对马利亚说∶“这个孩子命中注定要使许多以色列人兴衰,他也注定是一个被抛弃的迹象, 35 (他也是一把刺穿你们内心的利剑),揭露许多人的内心思想。”

亚拿见到耶稣

36 当时还有一个名叫亚拿的女先知,她是亚设族人法内力的女儿。亚拿已经很老了,她只与丈夫一起生活了七年,就寡居了, 37 她现在八十四岁。她从未离开过大殿,通过禁食 [g]和祈祷,日日夜夜崇拜上帝。

38 此刻,亚拿来到孩子和他父母那里,向上帝谢恩,并把关于耶稣的事情告诉给那些等待着耶路撒冷得到拯救的所有人们。

约瑟和马利亚回家

39 约瑟和马利亚按照主的律法,完成一切所规定的事,然后,返回了加利利,到了他们的家乡拿撒勒。 40 耶稣渐渐长大了,强壮而有智慧,上帝的恩典与他同在。

少年耶稣

41 耶稣的父母每年都到耶路撒冷去过逾越节。 42 在他十二岁那年,父母又像往常一样去过节。 43 节期结束后,约瑟和马利亚动身回家了。耶稣却留在了耶路撒冷,他父母并不知道这事, 44 还以为他走在同行的人群里。他们走了一整天后,才开始在亲戚、朋友群里找耶稣, 45 但没有找到他。因此,他们又返回了耶路撒冷去找耶稣。 46 三天后,他们在大殿院里找到了耶稣。当时,他正坐在老师们中间,边听边问。 47 所有在场的人都对耶稣的理解力和应对能力感到非常惊讶。 48 约瑟和马利亚在那里找到耶稣,十分吃惊。马利亚对耶稣说∶“儿子,你为什么要离开我们呢?你父亲和我都在非常焦急地寻找你。”

49 可是,耶稣却对他们说∶“你们为什么要找我呢?难道你们不知道,我必须在我父亲的家里吗?” 50 约瑟和马利亚并不明白这话的含意。

51 耶稣与父母一起回到了拿撒勒。他很听话,事事顺从父母。马利亚把这一切都记在了心上。 52 耶稣身体和智慧随年龄增长着,并且深受上帝和人们的喜爱。

Footnotes

  1. 路 加 福 音 2:1 户口登记注册: 所有人和他们的财产的计算。
  2. 路 加 福 音 2:22 洁净的日子: 摩西律法说犹太人妇女生育后的四十天,她得在大殿里接受洁净仪式。见《利末记》12:2-8。
  3. 路 加 福 音 2:23 引自《出埃及记》13:2。
  4. 路 加 福 音 2:24 鸽子: 此处指和平鸽。
  5. 路 加 福 音 2:24 引自《利末记》12:8。
  6. 路 加 福 音 2:30 拯救: 耶稣的名字意为拯救。
  7. 路 加 福 音 2:37 禁食: 在一段特定的时间里,祈祷而不进饮食。

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

Now in those days a decree went out from [the emperor] [a]Caesar Augustus, that all the inhabited world (the Roman Empire) should be [b]registered [in a census]. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to register for the census, each to his own city. So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register with Mary, who was [c]betrothed to him, and was with child.(A) While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [[d]swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a [e]manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for [f]all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah).(B) 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.”(C) 13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying,

14 
“Glory to God in the highest [heaven],
And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”

15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, 18 and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple

21 At the end of eight days, when He was to be circumcised, He was named Jesus, the name given [to Him] by the angel [Gabriel] before He was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the time for their purification came [that is, the mother’s purification and the baby’s dedication] according to the Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord [set apart as the Firstborn](D) 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy [set apart and dedicated] to the Lord)(E) 24 and [they came also] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord [to be appropriate for a family of modest means], “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”(F)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout [carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the [g]Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 27 Prompted by the Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, [h]to do for Him the custom required by the Law, 28 Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed and praised and thanked God, and said,

29 
“Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace,
According to Your word;
30 
For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,(G)
31 
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 
A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was previously unknown],
And [to bring] the praise and honor and glory of Your people Israel.”(H)

33 And His [legal] father and His mother were amazed at what was said about Him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen carefully: this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for [i]a sign that is to be opposed—(I) 35 and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

36 There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage,(J) 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the [area of the] temple, but was serving and worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 She, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.

Return to Nazareth

39 And when they had done everything [in connection with Jesus’ birth] according to the Law of the Lord, they went back to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him.(K)

Visit to Jerusalem

41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover Feast.(L) 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning [to [j]Nazareth], after spending the required number of days [at the Feast], the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and traveled a day’s journey; and [then] they began searching [anxiously] for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for Him [everywhere]. 46 Three days later they found Him in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard Him were amazed by His intelligence and His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were overwhelmed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Listen, Your [k]father and I have been [greatly distressed and] anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be [l]in My Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what He had said to them. 51 He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.(M)

Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:1 Augustus, Rome’s first and possibly greatest emperor was born Gaius Octavius in 63 b.c. He was the great-nephew, adopted son and heir of the dictator, Julius Caesar. Under Augustus’ intelligent leadership (27 b.c.-a.d. 14) Rome entered the period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
  2. Luke 2:1 This was the first general census conducted outside Rome that included the people of the Roman provinces.
  3. Luke 2:5 See note 1:27.
  4. Luke 2:7 This was customary among the Jews, and quite comfortable and protective for the baby. Wrapping the baby in strips of cloth was intended to strengthen the back and bones for good growth.
  5. Luke 2:7 I.e. feeding trough for animals.
  6. Luke 2:10 I.e. Gentiles as well as Jews.
  7. Luke 2:25 A Messianic title.
  8. Luke 2:27 I.e. offer the turtledoves as a sacrifice.
  9. Luke 2:34 The rejecting of the Messiah, culminating in the crucifixion.
  10. Luke 2:43 Nazareth of Galilee was about 65 miles north of Jerusalem.
  11. Luke 2:48 Joseph was recognized as the legal father of Jesus.
  12. Luke 2:49 Or occupied with My Father’s business.