The Historical Anchor: Luke 3:1-2
“1) Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2) in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.” Luke 3:1-2
Everything heaven does unfolds within an earthly context. God made it clear to Nebuchadnezzar that “Heaven rules.” (See Daniel 4:26) God is always Sovereign and in control!
So Luke proceeds in these verses by painting the political and religious landscape when John the Baptist stepped into his public ministry. He was about to announce that the Messiah was coming. The kingdom of heaven was about to shake up the kingdoms on earth.
I will leave the details of these political and religious leaders to the historians, but let me make a few crucial observations from Luke 3:1-2.
First, the whole ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ unfolded within a documented historical context. These verses anchor them in history. They were genuine historical figures with real ministries.
As a side note, the four gospels tell their story with more documentation than all the political and religious figures mentioned in these two verses combined. No secular or sacred history is more documented and validated than the life and ministry of Jesus Christ!
Second, the Kingdom of Rome was in power and Palestine was under its jurisdiction. Israel was not a sovereign state. Tiberius Caesar was in his fifteenth year as Emperor of Rome and Pontus Pilate was Governor over Judea. Herod and his brother Philip were both tetrarchs or mayors under his charge. Rome had a very organized system of government.
Third, Rome allowed religious freedom within its territories under the boundaries of Roman law. The second temple was in place and the Jewish religious system was in full swing in Judea. The priesthood was intact and the high priesthood was transitioning from Annas to Caiaphas. In these two verses, Luke provides some amazing historical facts. These verses might sound like useless trivia to you, but for an historian, they are a goldmine.
Fourth, the priesthood had become strong and powerful and tried to maintain good relationships with Rome. As the four gospels unfold, they tell the story of outward religious formality, but very weak inward spirituality. The religious leaders were guilty of terrible religious abuse and control over the Jewish people.
Finally, neither Rome nor the Priesthood were ready to welcome or relinquish control to a promised Messiah. The ministries of both John the Baptist and Jesus were destined to be met with resistance and stiff opposition. Both ended by becoming martyrs.
Yet the gospel seeds planted by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ changed the course of human history. Revival and awakening do not happen quickly. Reformation unfolds over time.
Surprisingly, we are in very similar times today. We are once again awaiting the return of the Messiah. Many segments of the body of Christ have become apostate. Human government needs serious help.
What exciting days to be walking with God and waiting for the trumpet blast. Nothing in biblical or human history compares to what is unfolding before our eyes in these days!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“1) Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2) in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.” Luke 3:1-2
Everything heaven does unfolds within an earthly context. God made it clear to Nebuchadnezzar that “Heaven rules.” (See Daniel 4:26) God is always Sovereign and in control!
So Luke proceeds in these verses by painting the political and religious landscape when John the Baptist stepped into his public ministry. He was about to announce that the Messiah was coming. The kingdom of heaven was about to shake up the kingdoms on earth.
I will leave the details of these political and religious leaders to the historians, but let me make a few crucial observations from Luke 3:1-2.
First, the whole ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ unfolded within a documented historical context. These verses anchor them in history. They were genuine historical figures with real ministries.
As a side note, the four gospels tell their story with more documentation than all the political and religious figures mentioned in these two verses combined. No secular or sacred history is more documented and validated than the life and ministry of Jesus Christ!
Second, the Kingdom of Rome was in power and Palestine was under its jurisdiction. Israel was not a sovereign state. Tiberius Caesar was in his fifteenth year as Emperor of Rome and Pontus Pilate was Governor over Judea. Herod and his brother Philip were both tetrarchs or mayors under his charge. Rome had a very organized system of government.
Third, Rome allowed religious freedom within its territories under the boundaries of Roman law. The second temple was in place and the Jewish religious system was in full swing in Judea. The priesthood was intact and the high priesthood was transitioning from Annas to Caiaphas. In these two verses, Luke provides some amazing historical facts. These verses might sound like useless trivia to you, but for an historian, they are a goldmine.
Fourth, the priesthood had become strong and powerful and tried to maintain good relationships with Rome. As the four gospels unfold, they tell the story of outward religious formality, but very weak inward spirituality. The religious leaders were guilty of terrible religious abuse and control over the Jewish people.
Finally, neither Rome nor the Priesthood were ready to welcome or relinquish control to a promised Messiah. The ministries of both John the Baptist and Jesus were destined to be met with resistance and stiff opposition. Both ended by becoming martyrs.
Yet the gospel seeds planted by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ changed the course of human history. Revival and awakening do not happen quickly. Reformation unfolds over time.
Surprisingly, we are in very similar times today. We are once again awaiting the return of the Messiah. Many segments of the body of Christ have become apostate. Human government needs serious help.
What exciting days to be walking with God and waiting for the trumpet blast. Nothing in biblical or human history compares to what is unfolding before our eyes in these days!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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