²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.^(A)

⁶ Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.^(A)

³⁸ At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child^[a] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.^(A)

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all,^{[a](A) 12} training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,^{(B) 13} while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior,^[b] Jesus Christ.^{(C) 14} He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.^(D)

⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.^(A)

⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit

²¹ because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.^[a](A)

⁵¹ had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.^(A)

God’s People Are Comforted