The passage Luke 2:8-11 is part of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible. From an evangelical Christian perspective, the Gospel of Luke is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul.
### Author: Luke
1. **Background**: Luke is believed to be a Gentile, which might explain his emphasis on the universal nature of Jesus’ message. He is often described as a physician, a detail that reflects his education and attention to detail, which is evident in the way he writes.
2. **Companion of Paul**: Luke is often mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of Paul during his missionary journeys. This connection provides him with a unique perspective on the early church and the life of Jesus.
3. **Intended Audience**: The Gospel of Luke is thought to be written for a Gentile audience and emphasizes themes such as compassion, joy, and the inclusivity of the Gospel. This perspective is reflected in various parts of the narrative, including the shepherds’ visit in Luke 2:8-11, which highlights God’s announcement of Jesus’s birth to humble, marginalized individuals.
4. **Literary Style**: Luke’s writing is characterized by its eloquence and sophistication. He pays special attention to historical context and often includes details that other Gospel writers do not, suggesting both a meticulous approach to research and a desire to provide a comprehensive account.
### Luke 2:8-11
In this passage, we see the announcement of Jesus’ birth made to the shepherds. The verses read:
> “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
### Key Themes
– **Divine Revelation**: The shepherds receive the news of Jesus’ birth directly from angels, showcasing God’s active communication with humanity.
– **Joy and Inclusivity**: The “good tidings of great joy” signify that the Gospel message is for everyone, transcending social and economic barriers.
– **Messianic Fulfillment**: The identification of Jesus as “Saviour” and “Christ the Lord” underlines his significance as the long-awaited Messiah.
In summary, from an evangelical perspective, the Gospel of Luke, attributed to Luke the physician, emphasizes both the significance of Jesus’s birth and the inclusive nature of his mission, as highlighted in the beautiful narrative of the shepherds in Luke 2:8-11.