¹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.

² sn Some argue that shepherds were among the culturally despised, but the evidence for this view of shepherds is late, coming from 5th century Jewish materials. December 25 as the celebrated date of Jesus’ birth arose around the time of Constantine (ca. a.d. 306-337), though it is mentioned in material from Hippolytus (a.d. 165-235). Some think that the reason for celebration on this date was that it coincided with the pagan Roman festival of Saturnalia, and Christians could celebrate their own festival at this time without fear of persecution. On the basis of the statement that the shepherds were living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night it is often suggested that Jesus’ birth took place in early spring, since it was only at lambing time that shepherds stood guard over their flocks in the field. This is not absolutely certain, however.

³ tn Grk “in that region.”

⁴ tn Grk “living in the field (see BDAG 15 s.v. ἀγραυλέω) and guarding their flock.”

⁵ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

⁶ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁷ tn An aorist participle preceding an aorist main verb may indicate either contemporaneous (simultaneous) action (“When he called… he gave”) or antecedent (prior) action (“After he called… he gave”). The participle συγκαλεσάμενος (sunkalesameno") has been translated here as indicating antecedent action.

⁸ tc Some mss add ἀποστόλους (apostolou", “apostles”; א C* L Θ Ψ 070 0291 ˹³ 33 579 892 1241 1424 2542 pc lat) or μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ (maqhta" autou, “his disciples”; C³ al it) here, but such clarifying notes are clearly secondary.

⁹ sn Note how Luke distinguishes between exorcisms (authority over all demons) and diseases here.

¹⁰ sn There was more than enough for everybody, as indicated by the gathering of what was left over.

¹¹ sn The passive voice verb be handed over does not indicate by whom, but other passages note the Jewish leadership and betrayal (9:22, 44).

¹² sn See Luke 22:63; 23:11, 36.

¹³ tn Or “and insulted.” L&N 33.390 and 88.130 note ὑβρίζω (Jubrizw) can mean either “insult” or “mistreat with insolence.”

¹⁴ sn And spat on. Later Luke does not note this detail in the passion narrative in chaps. 22-23, but see Mark 14:65; 15:19; Matt 26:67; 27:30 where Jesus’ prediction is fulfilled.

¹⁵ tn Or “happened.”

¹⁶ tn Though the term μείζων (meizwn) here is comparative in form, it is superlative in sense (BDF §244).

¹⁷ tn Grk “And it was.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.

¹⁸ tn Grk “the sixth hour.”

¹⁹ tn Grk “until the ninth hour.”

²⁰ sn Handed him over is another summary of the passion like Luke 9:22.

²¹ sn See the note on crucify in 23:21.