Bible Question: I have been reading the accounts of Jesus birth in Luke 2 and Matthew 2. Matthew 2 seems to be a continuation of Lukes account, but I am confused about the timeline of the two accounts. Luke says they went to Jerusalem and then straight to Nazereth; Matthew says they stayed in Bethlehem for about two years, went to Egypt and then went to Nazereth. How does this all fit together? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Klewisjr, I have always 'fit' Matthew 2 and Luke 2 in this way: Matthew 1:1-25, Luke 2:1-38, Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:40-52.. Matthew 1:1-25 speaks of the genealogy of Jesus, the Messiah (Matt. 1:1-17), and the conception and birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:18-25). However, in Matthew 2:1, it says "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king.." Therefore, Matthew 2 clearly takes place sometime after Luke 2:1-38, which closely chronicles the events of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and His presentation at the Temple. But what Matthew chapter 2 does mention, is the visit of the Magi, the danger from Herod, and the flight to and from Egypt (Matt. 2:1-23). Luke simply states, "When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth." (Luke 2:39) Therefore, we see that Matthew and Luke both focus on the early infant to adulthood life of Jesus, each focusing their attention on different aspects of the story, but together complimenting each other moreso than contradicting each other. Where Matthew provides generalization, Luke provides specialization. Where Luke provides generalization, Matthew provides specialization. With the presence of both, we gain a greater understanding of the life and times surrounding the first Advent of Christ. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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Questions and/or Subjects for NT general Archive 1 | Author | ||
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fran1946 | ||
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Mac81 | ||
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Angellove | ||
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klewisjr | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Tess | ||
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WilBo | ||
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Seeker Warrior | ||
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DanielSeven | ||
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Johnna | ||
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mastery |