¹ tn Grk “And an angel.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, δέ (de) has not been translated here.

² tn Or “the angel of the Lord.” Linguistically, “angel of the Lord” is the same in both testaments (and thus, he is either “an angel of the Lord” or “the angel of the Lord” in both testaments). For arguments and implications, see ExSyn 252; M. J. Davidson, “Angels,” DJG, 9; W. G. MacDonald argues for “an angel” in both testaments: “Christology and ‘The Angel of the Lord’,” Current Issues in Biblical and Patristic Interpretation, 324-35.

³ sn This term is often used to describe a supernatural appearance (24:34; Acts 2:3; 7:2, 30, 35; 9:17; 13:31; 16:9; 26:16).

⁴ tn Grk “And behold.”

⁵ tn Grk “you will conceive in your womb.”

⁶ tn Or “and bear.”

⁷ tn Grk “you will call his name.”

⁸ tn See v. 13 for a similar construction.

sn You will name him Jesus. This verse reflects the birth announcement of a major figure; see 1:13; Gen 16:7; Judg 13:5; Isa 7:14. The Greek form of the name Ihsous, which was translated into Latin as Jesus, is the same as the Hebrew Yeshua (Joshua), which means “Yahweh saves” (Yahweh is typically rendered as “Lord” in the OT). It was a fairly common name among Jews in 1st century Palestine, as references to a number of people by this name in the LXX and Josephus indicate.

⁹ tn Grk “And it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

¹⁰ sn They were following OT law (Lev 12:3) which prescribed that a male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day.

¹¹ tn This could be understood as a conative imperfect, expressing an unrealized desire (“they were trying to name him”). It has been given more of a voluntative nuance in the translation.

¹² tn The words “He went” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied to begin a new sentence in the translation. The Greek sentence is longer and more complex than normal contemporary English usage.

¹³ tn Traditionally, “Mary, his betrothed.” Although often rendered in contemporary English as “Mary, who was engaged to him,” this may give the modern reader a wrong impression, since Jewish marriages in this period were typically arranged marriages. The term ἐμνηστευμένῃ (emnhsteumenh) may suggest that the marriage is not yet consummated, not necessarily that they are not currently married. Some mss read “the betrothed to him wife”; others, simply “his wife.” These readings, though probably not original, may give the right sense.

¹⁴ tc Most mss (A Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 33 Ï) read πνεύματι (pneumati, “in spirit”) after “became strong,” but this looks like an assimilation to Luke 1:80. The better witnesses (א B D L N W pc lat co) lack the word.

¹⁵ sn With the description grew and became strong, filled with wisdom Luke emphasizes the humanity of Jesus and his growth toward maturity.

¹⁶ tn Or “grace.”

¹⁷ sn On the phrase the favor of God see Luke 1:66.

¹⁸ sn The tax collectors would bid to collect taxes for the Roman government and then add a surcharge, which they kept. Since tax collectors worked for Rome, they were viewed as traitors to their own people and were not well liked. Yet even they were moved by John’s call.

¹⁹ tn This is a first class condition: “If (and let’s assume that you are) the Son of God…”

²⁰ tn Grk “say to this stone that it should become bread.”

²¹ tn Grk “And Jesus.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

²² tn Grk “Jesus, answering, said to him.” This is redundant in English and has been simplified to “Jesus answered him.”

²³ sn A quotation from Deut 6:16 used by Jesus in reply to the devil. The point is that God’s faithfulness should not be put to the test, but is rather a given.

²⁴ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate a summary.

²⁵ tn Grk “he”; the referent (the devil) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

²⁶ tn Grk “until a favorable time.”

sn Until a more opportune time. Though some have argued that the devil disappears until Luke 22:3, this is unlikely since the cosmic battle with Satan and all the evil angels is consistently mentioned throughout Luke (8:26-39; 11:14-23).

²⁷ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

²⁸ sn Once again Jesus is directed by the Spirit. Luke makes a point about Jesus’ association with the Spirit early in his ministry (3:22, 4:1 [2x]; 4:18).

²⁹ tn Grk “went out.”

³⁰ tn Grk “all the surrounding region.”

³¹ sn An explanatory conjunction (For) makes it clear that Peter’s exclamation is the result of a surprising set of events. He speaks, but the others feel similarly.

³² tn Grk “he”; the referent (Peter) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

³³ sn In the Greek text, this term is in an emphatic position.

³⁴ tn Grk “And it happened that soon.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.

³⁵ tc Several variants to ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ (egeneto en tw) are found before the adverb ἑξῆς (Jexh"), all of them clarifying by the use of the feminine article that the next day is meant (τῇ [th] in D; ἐγένετο τῇ in W; ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ in א* C K 565 892 1424 pm). But these readings are decidedly secondary, for they are more specific than Luke usually is, and involve an unparalleled construction (viz., article + ἡμέρα [Jhmera] + ἑξῆς; elsewhere, when Luke uses this adverb, the noun it modifies is either implied or after the adverb [cf. Luke 9:37; Acts 21:1; 25:17; 27:18)]. The reading adopted for the translation is a more general time indicator; the article τῷ modifies an implied χρόνῳ (cronw), with the general sense of “soon afterward.”

³⁶ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

³⁷ tn The term πόλις (polis) can refer to a small town, which is what Nain was. It was about six miles southeast of Nazareth.

³⁸ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of Jesus’ command.

³⁹ tn Or “the deceased.”

⁴⁰ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁴¹ tn In the context, the verb δίδωμι (didwmi) has been translated “gave back” rather than simply “gave.”

⁴² tn Grk “And John’s.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. This is a reference to John the Baptist as the following context makes clear.

⁴³ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate that John’s action was a result of the report he had heard.

⁴⁴ tn Grk “And calling two of his disciples, John sent.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesameno") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

⁴⁵ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the connection with the preceding statement recording the Pharisee’s thoughts.

⁴⁶ tn Grk “answering, said to him.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “answered him.”

sn Jesus answered him. Note that as the Pharisee is denying to himself that Jesus is a prophet, Jesus is reading his thoughts.

⁴⁷ tn Grk “he said.”

⁴⁸ sn A creditor was a moneylender, whose business was to lend money to others at a fixed rate of interest.

⁴⁹ tn The word “him” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.

⁵⁰ tn Grk “five hundred denarii.”

sn The silver coins were denarii. The denarius was worth about a day’s wage for a laborer; this would be an amount worth not quite two years’ pay. The debts were significant: They represented two months’ pay and one and three quarter years’ pay (20 months) based on a six day work week.

⁵¹ tn The verb ἐχαρίσατο (ecarisato) could be translated as “forgave.” Of course this pictures the forgiveness of God’s grace, which is not earned but bestowed with faith (see v. 49).

⁵² tn Grk “answering, said.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified to “answered.”

⁵³ tn Grk “the one to whom he forgave more” (see v. 42).

⁵⁴ tn Grk “He”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

⁵⁵ tn Grk “answered.”

⁵⁶ tn Or “will be delivered”; Grk “will be saved.” This should not be understood as an expression for full salvation in the immediate context; it refers only to the girl’s healing.

⁵⁷ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁵⁸ tc Most mss, especially the later ones, have ἀγαπητός (agaphto", “the one I love”; A C* W ˹³ 33 Ï it), or ἀγαπητὸς ἐν ᾧ (ἠ)υδόκησα (agaphto" en |w (h)udokhsa, “the one I love, in whom I am well pleased”; C³ D Ψ pc) here, instead of ἐκλελεγμένος (eklelegmeno", “the Chosen One”), but these variants are probably assimilations to Matt 17:5 and Mark 9:7. The text behind the translation also enjoys excellent support from Ì^45,75 א B L Ξ (579) 892 1241 pc co.

tn The participle ὁ ἐκλελεγμένος (Jo eklelegmeno"), which could be translated “the One who has been chosen,” is best understood as a title rather than a descriptive phrase, probably deriving from Isa 42:1 (LXX) which uses the similar ὁ ἐκλεκτός (Jo eklekto") which also appears in Luke 23:35.

sn This divine endorsement is like Luke 3:22 at Jesus’ baptism. One difference here is the mention of the Chosen One, a reference to the unique and beloved role of the regal, messianic Son.

⁵⁹ sn The expression listen to him comes from Deut 18:15 and makes two points: 1) Jesus is a prophet like Moses, a leader-prophet, and 2) they have much yet to learn from him.

⁶⁰ tn Grk “Now it happened that on.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.

⁶¹ tn Grk “knowing the thoughts of their hearts” (an idiom).

⁶² tn On this use of παρά (para), see BDF §239.1.1.

⁶³ tn Grk “And it happened that when.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.

⁶⁴ tn Grk “the days were being fulfilled.” There is literary design here. This starts what has been called in the Gospel of Luke the “Jerusalem Journey.” It is not a straight-line trip, but a journey to meet his fate (Luke 13:31-35).

⁶⁵ sn Taken up is a reference to Jesus’ upcoming return to heaven by crucifixion and resurrection (compare Luke 9:31). This term was used in the LXX of Elijah’s departure in 2 Kgs 2:9.

⁶⁶ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁶⁷ tn Grk “he set his face,” a Semitic idiom that speaks of a firm, unshakable resolve to do something (Gen 31:21; Isa 50:7).

⁶⁸ map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.

⁶⁹ tn Grk “And as.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

⁷⁰ tn Grk “going,” but “walking” is an accurate description of how they traveled about.

⁷¹ tc Most mss (A C W Θ Ψ Ë¹³ 33 Ï) add κύριε (kurie, “Lord”) here, but scribes were prone to add to the text, especially appellations for the Lord. The shorter reading also enjoys significant ms support (Ì^45,75 א B D L Ξ Ë¹ lat co).

sn The statement “I will follow you wherever you go” is an offer to follow Jesus as a disciple, no matter what the cost.

⁷² tn Here κατά (kata) has been translated “up to”; it could also be translated “upon.”

⁷³ tn The clause containing the aorist active participle ἐλθών (elqwn) suggests that the Levite came up to the place, took a look, and then moved on.

⁷⁴ tn Grk “has come to me from the road.”

⁷⁵ sn The background to the statement I have nothing to set before him is that in ancient Middle Eastern culture it was a matter of cultural honor to be a good host to visitors.

⁷⁶ tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).

⁷⁷ tc Most mss (א A C D L W Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 33 Ï lat sy^c,p,h bo) have “bread, does not give him a stone instead, or” before “a fish”; the longer reading, however, looks like a harmonization to Matt 7:9. The shorter reading is thus preferred, attested by Ì^45,75 B 1241 pc sy^s sa.

⁷⁸ sn The snake probably refers to a water snake.

⁷⁹ sn That is, an expert in the interpretation of the Mosaic law. They worked closely with the Pharisees.

⁸⁰ tn For this term, see Matt 22;6; Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; 1 Thess 2:2.

⁸¹ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁸² sn Tell my brother. In 1st century Jewish culture, a figure like a rabbi was often asked to mediate disputes, except that here mediation was not requested, but representation.

⁸³ tn The participle ἰδών (idwn) has been taken temporally. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

⁸⁴ tn The verb προσεφώνησεν (prosefwnhsen) has been translated as “called (her) to (him),” with the direct object (“her”) and the indirect object (“him”) both understood.

⁸⁵ sn Woman was a polite form of address (see BDAG 208-9 s.v. γυνή), similar to “Madam” or “Ma’am” used in English in different regions.

⁸⁶ tn Or “released.”

⁸⁷ tn Or “sickness.”

⁸⁸ tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

⁸⁹ tn Or “would gladly have eaten”; Grk “was longing to be filled with.”

⁹⁰ tn This term refers to the edible pods from a carob tree (BDAG 540 s.v. κεράτιον). They were bean-like in nature and were commonly used for fattening pigs, although they were also used for food by poor people (L&N 3.46).

⁹¹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

⁹² tn Grk “he”; the referent (the older son, v. 25) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁹³ tn The aorist verb ὠργίσθη (wrgisqh) has been translated as an ingressive aorist, reflecting entry into a state or condition.

⁹⁴ sn Ironically the attitude of the older son has left him outside and without joy.

⁹⁵ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events in the parable.

⁹⁶ tn Grk “he”; the referent (the father) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁹⁷ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

⁹⁸ tn The participle εἰσερχομένου (eisercomenou) is taken temporally.

⁹⁹ sn The ten men with leprosy would have been unable to approach Jesus (Lev 13:45-46; Num 5:2-3). The ancient term for leprosy covered a wider array of conditions than what is called leprosy today. A leper was totally ostracized from society until he was declared cured (Lev 13:45-46).

¹⁰⁰ tn Grk “leprosy, who.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun was replaced with a personal pronoun and a new sentence started at this point in the translation.

¹⁰¹ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

¹⁰² tn Grk “he fell on his face” (an idiom for complete prostration).

¹⁰³ sn And thanked him. This action recognized God’s healing work through Jesus.

¹⁰⁴ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the introduction of a parenthetical comment.

¹⁰⁵ sn This is a parenthetical note by the author. The comment that the man was a Samaritan means that to most Jews of Jesus’ day he would have been despised as a half-breed and a heretic. The note adds a touch of irony to the account (v. 18).

¹⁰⁶ tn Grk “And Jesus.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

¹⁰⁷ sn Jesus’ response, Why do you call me good?, was designed to cause the ruler to stop and think for a moment about who Jesus really was. The following statement No one is good except God alone seems to point the man in the direction of Jesus’ essential nature and the demands which logically follow on the man for having said it.

¹⁰⁸ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative

¹⁰⁹ sn This is one of the few uses of the specific term salvation in Luke (1:69, 71, 77), though the concept runs throughout the Gospel.

¹¹⁰ sn The household is not a reference to the building, but to the people who lived within it (L&N 10.8).

¹¹¹ sn Zacchaeus was personally affirmed by Jesus as a descendant (son) of Abraham and a member of God’s family.

¹¹² tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the royal summons.

¹¹³ tn Or “Lord”; or “Master.” (and so throughout this paragraph).

¹¹⁴ tn See the note on the word “minas” in v. 13.

¹¹⁵ tn Grk “to those standing by,” but in this context involving an audience before the king to give an accounting, these would not be casual bystanders but courtiers or attendants.

¹¹⁶ tn Grk “the ten minas.”

¹¹⁷ sn He is not God of the dead but of the living. Jesus’ point was that if God could identify himself as God of the three old patriarchs, then they must still be alive when God spoke to Moses; and so they must be raised.

¹¹⁸ tn On this syntax, see BDF §192. The point is that all live “to” God or “before” God.

¹¹⁹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.

¹²⁰ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹²¹ tn Grk “reclined at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.

¹²² tn Grk “the apostles with him.”

¹²³ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

¹²⁴ tn The direct question using “if” in Greek is not unusual (BDF §440.3).

¹²⁵ sn “Should we use our swords?” The disciples’ effort to defend Jesus recalls Luke 22:35-38. One individual did not wait for the answer.

¹²⁶ tn Grk “But answering, Jesus said.” This is redundant in contemporary English and has been simplified in the translation.

¹²⁷ tn Grk “his”; the referent (the slave of the high priest mentioned in the previous verse) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹²⁸ sn When Jesus healed the man’s ear he showed grace even to those who hated him, following his own teaching (Luke 6:27-36).

¹²⁹ tn Grk “insisted, saying.” The participle λέγων (legwn) is redundant in English and has not been translated here.

¹³⁰ sn According to Mark 14:70 it was Peter’s accent that gave him away as a Galilean.

¹³¹ sn With the statement “he has done nothing,” Pilate makes another claim that Jesus is innocent of any crime worthy of death.

¹³² tn Grk “nothing deserving death has been done by him.” The passive construction has been translated as an active one in keeping with contemporary English style.

¹³³ tn Grk “he.”

¹³⁴ tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

¹³⁵ sn Jesus gives more than the criminal asked for, because the blessing will come today, not in the future. He will be among the righteous. See the note on today in 2:11.

¹³⁶ sn In the NT, paradise is mentioned three times. Here it refers to the abode of the righteous dead. In Rev 2:7 it refers to the restoration of Edenic paradise predicted in Isa 51:3 and Ezek 36:35. In 2 Cor 12:4 it probably refers to the “third heaven” (2 Cor 12:2) as the place where God dwells.

¹³⁷ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “At this point” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. “Then,” which is normally used to indicate this, would be redundant with the following clause.

¹³⁸ sn They recognized him. Other than this cryptic remark, it is not told how the two disciples were now able to recognize Jesus.

¹³⁹ tn This pronoun is somewhat emphatic.

¹⁴⁰ tn This translates a καί (kai, “and”) that has clear sequential force.

¹⁴¹ sn Now with the recounting of what had happened on the road two sets of witnesses corroborate the women’s report.

¹⁴² tn Grk “how he was made known to them”; or “how he was recognized by them.” Here the passive construction has been converted to an active one in the translation in keeping with contemporary English style.