Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The angelic announcement highlights a crucial distinction: while glory is directed up to God in the highest heavens, peace is proclaimed down to humanity on earth, specifically "among those with whom He is pleased." This isn't just a general wish for global harmony, but a peace rooted in God's delight and favor toward a particular people.
This majestic proclamation bursts forth from a heavenly host of angels, announcing the birth of Jesus to a group of startled shepherds. Following the divine message, the shepherds rush to Bethlehem to witness the promised Savior, and afterward, they spread the news of what they've seen and heard, marveling at this incredible event.
Understand the original words
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible radiance, majesty, and manifested presence of God’s character; the outward expression of His inward divine nature.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
Holistic well-being, reconciliation, and harmony; includes the state of being restored to a right relationship with God, resulting in inner tranquility and order.
The angelic announcement of 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace' occurs amidst the 'Pax Romana,' a period of enforced imperial peace. However, the angels' proclamation points to a deeper, divine peace—reconciliation with God—that transcends political stability and will ultimately transform the world.
c. 30-28 BC
Pax Romana established
Following decades of civil war, Octavian (Augustus) consolidates power, establishing the Roman Empire and initiating a period of relative peace and stability across its vast territories. This 'Pax Romana' would set the stage for the empire-wide census mentioned in Luke's narrative.
c. 2 BC - 1 BC— this verse
Augustus' Census decreed
Emperor Augustus orders a census throughout the Roman Empire, likely to assess population and property for taxation and administrative purposes. This decree necessitates Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David.
c. 1 BC - AD 1
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Augustus and the governorship of Quirinius in Syria. This event is the central focus of the angelic announcement.
c. AD 6
Quirinius' Census in Judea
This verse directly prophesies the coming of the Messiah as the 'Prince of Peace,' echoing the angelic announcement of peace on earth.
Luke 19:38This passage shows a similar acclamation during Jesus' triumphal entry, repeating the 'Glory to God in the highest' phrase, highlighting its significance as a prophetic cry.
John 3:16This verse reveals the immense 'good will' God has for humanity through the gift of His Son, which is the ultimate source of the peace announced by the angels.
Ephesians 2:14Paul calls Jesus 'our peace,' directly linking the peace proclaimed by the angels to the reconciliation Christ brings between God and humanity.
Philippians 4:7This verse describes the 'peace of God' that surpasses understanding, a direct result of having Christ and His reconciled status, which aligns with the angelic message.
barnesLuke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Glory to God - Praise be to God, or honor be to God. That is, the praise of redeeming man is due to God. The plan of redemption will bring glory to God, and is designed to express his glory. This it does by evincing his love to people, his mercy, his condescension, and his regard to the honor of his law and the stability of his own government. It is the highest expression of his love and mercy. Nowhere, so far a…
bengelLuke 2:14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:14 . [13] Λεγόντων , saying ) This whole hymn consists of two members, and has a doxology, or thanksgiving which in its turn consists of two members, and an Ætiology [or an assigning of the reason (See Append.)] for the doxology, as the particle καὶ , and [between δόξα — Θεῷ and ἐπὶ γ . εἰρήνη ], implies, it not being likely that it is so placed without design. The whole may be thus paraphrased: Glory (be…
The angelic announcement highlights a crucial distinction: while glory is directed up to God in the highest heavens, peace is proclaimed down to humanity on earth, specifically "among those with whom He is pleased." This isn't just a general wish for global harmony, but a peace rooted in God's delight and favor toward a particular people.
This majestic proclamation bursts forth from a heavenly host of angels, announcing the birth of Jesus to a group of startled shepherds. Following the divine message, the shepherds rush to Bethlehem to witness the promised Savior, and afterward, they spread the news of what they've seen and heard, marveling at this incredible event.
This majestic proclamation bursts forth from a heavenly host of angels, announcing the birth of Jesus to a group of startled shepherds. Following the divine message, the shepherds rush to Bethlehem to witness the promised Savior, and afterward, they spread the news of what they've seen and heard, marveling at this incredible event.
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A major census is conducted in Judea under Quirinius, the legate of Syria. While Luke places Jesus' birth before this, some scholars debate the exact timing and nature of the census mentioned in chapter 2, potentially conflating it with this later event or suggesting a broader, earlier census.
"“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”" — The angelic announcement highlights a crucial distinction: while glory is directed up to God in the highest heavens, peace is proclaimed down to humanity on earth, specifically "among those with…
