New Testament
Luke 2:17
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After seeing the child, they spread the word everywhere about what the angel had told them about him.
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And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
What Luke 2:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the shepherds who visited Jesus after his birth are described as sharing the news of what they had witnessed. After seeing the child, they felt compelled to tell others about the message they received from the angel regarding Jesus' significance. This act of spreading the word highlights the joy and excitement they felt, as well as their role in announcing the arrival of the Savior. The shepherds did not keep this miraculous event to themselves; instead, they went out and shared the good news with everyone they encountered. Their actions demonstrate the importance of sharing experiences of faith and the joy that comes from encountering God. This verse emphasizes the idea that witnessing something extraordinary should inspire us to share it with others, encouraging a community of faith and celebration around the message of Jesus.
How to apply Luke 2:17 to your life
We are encouraged to share our experiences of faith and the good news of Jesus with others. Just as the shepherds spread the word about Christ's birth, we should look for opportunities to share our testimonies and the hope we have in Him, fostering a community of encouragement and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Shepherds Visit (Luke 2:8–20)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 2:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 2:17 teach about sharing faith?
Luke 2:17 illustrates the importance of sharing our faith experiences with others. The shepherds, after witnessing the birth of Jesus, felt compelled to spread the news of what they had seen and heard from the angel. This act of sharing highlights that when we encounter something transformative, like the message of Christ, we should not keep it to ourselves but rather share it to inspire and encourage others in their faith.
Why did the shepherds spread the word about Jesus?
The shepherds spread the word about Jesus because they were filled with joy and excitement after witnessing the miraculous event of His birth. They had received a divine message from the angel, which compelled them to share the good news with everyone they encountered. Their actions demonstrate the natural response of believers to proclaim the significance of Jesus and the hope He brings to the world.
How can I apply Luke 2:17 in my life today?
To apply Luke 2:17 in your life, look for opportunities to share your personal experiences of faith and the hope you have in Jesus with others. This could be through conversations, social media, or community events. Just as the shepherds shared their joy and the message they received, you can encourage others by telling them about how God has worked in your life, fostering a sense of community and support in your faith journey.
What is the significance of the shepherds in Luke 2:17?
The shepherds in Luke 2:17 represent the humble and marginalized members of society who were among the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth. Their role emphasizes that God's message is for everyone, regardless of social status. By choosing shepherds to announce this significant event, the passage highlights the theme of divine revelation being accessible to all and encourages us to recognize the value of sharing the gospel with everyone.
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