Knowing The Word in Luke 3:1-3

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Comments

Luke sets his gospel within history, naming a series of men who had political control over Israel. First is Tiberias Caesar. His predecessor, Caesar Augustus died on 19 August AD 14, so the fifteenth year of Tiberius would be anywhere from August AD 28 to August AD 29. Next, he names Pontius Pilate, who oversaw the crucifixion of Jesus, and who was governor in Jerusalem from AD 26-36. The Herod he mentions was Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, who ruled Israel when Jesus was born. Herod the Great died in 4 BC, leaving Antipas as tetrarch of Galilee. He ruled over the area where Jesus spent most of his life from 4 BC to 39 AD. While his father oversaw all of Israel, Antipas ruled over a much smaller territory. His brother, Phillip, ruled over the area northeast of the Sea of Galilee that Luke calls the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis. The last ruler listed is Lysanias, who ruled in Abilene, which was north of these other regions. A “tetrarch” means ruler of a fourth, because Herod the Great’s kingdom was divided into four parts after his death. The fourth ruler was Herod Archelaus, who ruled over Judea, Idumea, and Samaria from 4 BC to AD 6.

Luke then mentions the priesthoods of Annas and Caiaphas. Annas was high priest during AD 6-15. Five of his sons also served as high priest, as well as his son-in-law, Caiaphas, who was serving as high priest at this time. However, the wording suggests that Annas was the power behind Caiaphas, recalling that when Jesus was arrested he was brought first to Annas.

Next the narrative turns to the word of God coming to John the Baptist in the wilderness, placing him in the true prophetic succession. John is in the Jordan Valley baptizing people who want their sins forgiven. Baptism is a sign that follows their repentance. Luke employs the noun “repentance” and the verb “to repent” more often than the other three Gospels combined. Baptism was a rite of cleansing in several religions. It seems certain that at this time the Jews used proselyte baptism, a ceremony to cleanse converts from the defilement they saw as characteristic of all Gentiles. The sting in John’s practice was that he applied to Jews what they required of Gentiles. He denounces those who expected that in the judgment God would deal harshly with Gentile sinners, but that the Jews, the descendants of Abraham, would be safe. His ministry removes this unfounded security.

Application

Have you ever thought of how Christianity is a religion of history? God acts in real time through real people for real change. Think of your history with God. You may want to write it down to see how and when he acts in your life.

Prayer

Father, you set your Son into human history for your good and glorious purposes. Help me to see your hand in the history of my life, that I may open my lips and sing your praises; that you would look at me, your child, and shower me through grace with your forgiveness and mercy. For Jesus’ sake I pray.