Preface: Luke 3 covers two distinct topics: the ministry of John the Herald; and the genealogy of Jesus, on his mother’s side.

Bible Summary: John came from the wilderness preaching repentance. Jesus was baptised. He was son of David, son of Abraham, son of Adam, son of God.

This should be the most extensive examination of Luke 3 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Outline of Chapter 3:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–22         John the Baptizer, Herald to the King

         vv.         1–2          Historical Preface

         vv.         3–6          John’s Mission; Isaiah’s Prophecy About John

         vv.         7–18        John’s Message to the people

         vv.        19–20        Herod the Tetrarch Places John in Prison

         vv.        21–22        The Baptism of Jesus

         vv.    23–38         The Genealogy of the Lord

         vv.        23–31d      Jesus back to Nathan (David’s son)

         vv.        31e–34c    David back to Abraham

         vv.        34d–38      Terah (Abraham’s father) back to Adam

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         An Introduction to Luke 3 (Dr. Dan Hill)

         Introduction         Outline of Luke 3A

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Luke 3 (by various commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Luke 3 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Luke 3

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel of Luke 3

         Introduction         The Principals of Luke 3

         Introduction         The Places of Luke 3

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Luke 3

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Luke 3 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Shmoop Summary of Luke 3

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Luke 3 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Luke 1–4)

         Introduction         Paragraph Divisions of Modern Translation for Luke 3

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

         v. 

         v.       1              Name Recognition, Celebrityship and the Christian Life

         v.       1              The 12 Cæsar’s

         v.       1              12 Caesar’s Graphic

         v.       1              The Line of Herod the Great (a chart)

         v.       1              Herod the Great’s Genealogy (a chart)

         v.       1              Herod the Great’s Kingdom (a map)

         v.       2              Annas

         v.       2              How exactly are there two High Priests at the same time?

         v.       2              Caiaphas

         v. 

         v.       6              Isaiah 40:1–14

         v.       6              John the Herald Quotes Isaiah (found in all 4 gospels)

         v.       7              John’s Message (an outline)

         v.       7              Is ET coming back? (a graphic)

         v.       7              Kids in 2055 (a graphic)

         v. 

         v.      11              Distinguishing between Socialism and Communism

         v.      11              Traditional Political Spectrum (a graphic)

         v.      11              The True Political Spectrum (a graphic)

         v.      11              Economic Continuum (a graphic)

         v.      11              (Alleged) Socialism in the Bible

         v.      11              So Jesus was a Socialist (a meme)

         v.      11              Jesus was a socialist (a meme)

         v.      11              Final Points on Socialism and the Bible

         v.      11              Some of the Chief Problems of Socialism

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      12              Some Lyrics to Taxman (by George Harrison)

         v. 

         v.      14              Just who are these soldiers? (various commentators)

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      19              V. 19 introduction

         v.      19              The Domain of Herod Antipas (a map)

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      22              Luke 3:21–22: Baptism Appendix

         v.      22              The Meaning of the Word Baptism (from Thieme notes)

         v.      22              The Seven Baptisms of Scripture (from Thieme notes)

         v.      22              John Baptizes Jesus (in all 4 gospels)

         v. 

         v.      23              A Bird’s Eye View of Luke 1–4

         v.      23              Greek and Hebrew Names in Genealogies

         v.      23              Reasons why Luke 3 the line of Jesus through Mary

         v.      23              The Two Genealogies and the Coniah Curse

         v.      23              Don’t Ever Go To 2020 (a meme)

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      33              The birth of Perez

         v.      33              How we got the book of Genesis (a theory)

         v.      33              The Line of Judah through David, Solomon and Rehoboam (a chart)

         v.      34              Why God chose Abraham (Part I)

         v.      34              The Longevity of Man (a chart)

         v.      34              Notes on Longevity of Man Chart (from Omniology.com)

         v.      34              Why God chose Abraham (Part II)

         v.      34              Why God Chose Abraham (a doctrine)

         v. 

         v.      36              Shem ⇒ Eber ⇒Terah (a genealogical chart)

         v. 

         v.      38              God ⇒ Adam ⇒ Seth ⇒ Noah (a genealogical chart)

         v.      38              Matching Names to Israel’s History (Luke 3:27–34)

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Luke 3 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Luke 3

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Luke 3

         Summary 

Summary

Summary

         Addendum          A Summary of Luke 3

         Addendum          Israel at the Time of Jesus (a map)

         Addendum          The House of David (a genealogical chart)

         Addendum          The Two Genealogies of Jesus (a chart)

         Addendum          Kenosis (from Theopedia)

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Luke 3

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Luke 3

         Addendum          Word Cloud from a Reasonably Literal Paraphrase of Luke 3

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Luke 3

——————————

An Introduction to Luke 3

I ntroduction: Jesus is age 12 at the end of Luke 2 and He will be about 30 years old when He makes His appearance in this chapter (v. 21). There is only one thing that we know about Jesus and his life during these unrecorded years: He continued to grow spiritually from age 12 to age 30 by taking in the Word of God (Luke 2:40, 52).

There are so many churches and teachers who try to get us out there and doing great things for God right after we are saved. Yet Jesus, the Son of God, prepares for over 25 years prior to His public ministry. That is a long time in preparation; but His ministry was the most significant 3 or 4 year period in human history (apart from the cross, which occurred nearly at the end of His ministry).

The cross—where Jesus took upon Himself the penalty for our sins—is the entire foundation for our relationship with God. The Lord’s very short 3–4 year ministry provided us with the bridge between the Age of Israel and the Church Age (His disciples founding the church in the book of Acts).

Whereas some chapter divisions make little sense; Luke 2 ended where it should have, and chapter 3 began where it should have.

John ben Zacharias has been known as, for 2000 years as John the Baptist; and, more accurately, John the baptizer. However, let me suggest to you that he is better labeled as John the Herald, or John, Herald to the King. It is his relationship to Jesus that is far more important than his having baptized a few thousand people.

——————————

John the Baptizer, Herald to the King

Historical Preface

It was my original intention to separate v. 2b from the vv. 1–2a. However, nearly every translation presented vv. 1–2 as a single sentence. Now, my thought was to emphasize and separate John’s ministry from everything else; perhaps I should recognize that Luke is setting the table for us, telling us all that is going on, adding to that, and the Word of God came to John out in the desert-wilderness. Perhaps the idea is to present more of an integrated approach to that great historical event.

Only a handful of translations presented this passage as I would: to the New Century Version, the New Living Translation, the NT for Everyone and the Expanded Bible. The New Life Version begins v. 2b as a new paragraph, which I believe is the correct approach.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       Note: I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    In a year now, a fifteenth of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar: acting as governor Pontius Pilate of Judæa; and being a tetrarch of the Galilee, Herod; and Philip the brother of his, being a tetrarch of the Ituraea and of Trachonitis of a region; and Lysanias of the Abilene being a tetrarch; upon high priest, Annas and Caiaphas. Came to be speech of God to John, the son of Zacharias, in the desert-wilderness.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea, and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilina;

Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, in the presidency of Pontius Pilate in Judaea, while Herod was Tetrarch in Galilee, and Philip his brother Tetrarch in Ituraea and in the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and of Caiaphas; the word of God was upon John the son of Zachariah, in the wilderness.

Original Aramaic NT              But in the 15th year of the Kingdom of Tiberiaus Caesar in the government of Pontius Pilate in Judea, when Herodus was the Tetrarch* in Galilee and Philippus his brother was Tetrarch in Ituria and in the region of Trakona, and Lusania was Tetrarch of Abilina, During The High Priesthood of Khanan and of Qaiapha, the word of God came upon Yohannan, son of Zakharia, in the wilderness.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         IN the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, during the governorship of Pontius Pilate in Judaea, when Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanius tetrarch of Abilene, During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             .

Bible in Worldwide English     Tiberius Caesar had been king for fifteen years. Pontius Pilate was the ruler of Judea. Herod was the ruler of Galilee. Herods brother Philip was the ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was the ruler of Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were high priests. At that time God spoke to John in the desert. John was the son of Zechariah.

Easy English                          John the Baptist prepares people to welcome Jesus

This report about John, the son of Zechariah, began while Tiberius Caesar was ruling the Roman world. He had ruled for almost 15 years. Pontius Pilate was ruling the country called Judea. And Herod was ruling the land called Galilee. Philip was the brother of Herod. He was ruling the countries called Iturea and Traconitis. Lysanias was ruling Abilene. While these men were ruling, the most important priests were Annas and Caiaphas. At that time John, the son of Zechariah, was living in the desert. He heard God speak to him.

Tiberius Caesar was the second man to rule the whole Roman world. He began to rule in 11 AD after Caesar Augustus died. (See Luke 2:1.) Luke wants us to know when John the Baptist was teaching. So he tells us all these things about the rulers. This report about John began in 25-26 AD.

Galilee, Iturea, Traconitis and Abilene were the names of some of the different parts of Palestine (or Israel).

Easy-to-Read Version–2001  .

Easy-to-Read Version–2006  John Prepares the Way for Jesus

It was the 15th year of the rule of Tiberius Caesar. These men were under Cæsar:

Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea;

Herod, the ruler of Galilee;

Philip, Herod’s brother, the ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis;

Lysanias, the ruler of Abilene.

Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. During this time, John, the son of Zechariah, was living in the desert, and he received a message from God.

God’s Word™                         John Prepares the Way

It was the fifteenth year in the reign of the Emperor Tiberius. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. Herod ruled Galilee, and his brother Philip ruled Iturea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was the ruler of Abilene. It was at the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests that God spoke to John, son of Zechariah, in the desert.

Good News Bible (TEV)         .

The Message                         A Baptism of Life-Change

In the fifteenth year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the Chief-Priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God.

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    John the Baptist Makes the Way Ready for Jesus

Tiberius Caesar had been ruler for fifteen years. Pontius Pilate was ruler of the country of Judea. Herod was the ruler of the country of Galilee. His brother Philip was the ruler of the countries of Ituraea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was the ruler of the country of Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the head religious leaders.

The Word of God came to John the Baptist, the son of Zacharias. John was in the desert.

New Simplified Bible              It was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea. Herod served as tetrarch of Galilee. Herod’s brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis. Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene. This was in the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests. The word of God was delivered to John the son of Zechariah.

The Spoken English NT         John the Baptizer Preaches in the Wilderness (Mt. 3:1-12; Mk 1:2-8)
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,^a when Pontius Pilate^b was governor of Judea and Herod^c was tetrarch of the region of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea^d and Trachonitis,^e and Lysanias^f was tetrarch of Abilene,^g during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,^h God’s message came to John, Zechariah’s son, in the wilderness.

^a.Prn. tye-bee-ree-us see-zer.

^b.Prn. ponsh-us pye-lit. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea.

                                                   ^c.        Prn. herr-udd. This was Herod Antipas. Antipas and Philip were sons of Herod the Great, who appears in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 2.

^d.Prn. eye-too-ree-a.

^e.Prn. trak-a-nye-tis.

^f.Prn. lye-say-nee-us.

^g.Prn. abba-lee-nee.

^h.Prn. kay-af-us.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       For fifteen years Emperor Tiberius had ruled that part of the world. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was the ruler of Galilee. Herod's brother, Philip, was the ruler in the countries of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was the ruler of Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the Jewish high priests. At that time God spoke to Zechariah's son John, who was living in the desert.

The Living Bible                     In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, a message came from God to John (the son of Zacharias), as he was living out in the deserts. (Pilate was governor over Judea at that time; Herod, over Galilee; his brother Philip, over Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, over Abilene; and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests.) Note that John is not even mentioned yet.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Century Version             .

New Living Translation           John the Baptist Prepares the Way

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness.

The Passion Translation        John the Baptizer

A powerful message from God came to John, Zechariah’s son, when he was living out in the lonely wilderness.^[a] This prophetic commission came to John during the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, son of Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea at that time. Antipas, son of Herod, was governor over Galilee, Herod’s brother Philip was over the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was over Abilene.^[b] This happened during the days of two high priests, Annas and Caiaphas.^[c] TPT split this up as I originally did, placing v. 2a with the first paragraph and 2b with the second.

(a) Some believe that John may have been a member of the Qumran community of Jewish Essenes, who lived in the wilderness because they viewed the Jewish religious system as corrupt.

(b) A region west of Ituraea

(c) As the forerunner of Jesus Christ, the prophet John was a hinge of human history who forever changed the world. Luke carefully dates this event by giving us six markers. Historians have dated the reign of Tiberius Caesar as beginning in AD 14. The fifteenth year of his reign would be AD 28–29. Regarding Annas and Caiaphas, never in Jewish history had there been two high priests. The priesthood was corrupt. Even though Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law, was the high priest, Annas remained the real authoritative leader behind the scenes (John 18:13; Acts 4:6).

Unlocked Dynamic Bible        When Tiberius Caesar had been ruling the Roman Empire for about fifteen years, Pontius Pilate was the governor of the province of Judea, Herod Antipas was ruling the district of Galilee, his brother Philip was ruling the regions of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanius was ruling the region of Abilene. During that time, when Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests in Jerusalem, Yahweh spoke to Zechariah’s son John while he was living out in the wilderness.

Williams’ New Testament      .

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          It was in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea and Herod was district ruler of Galilee (but Philip his brother was district ruler of the countries of Ituraea and Trachonitis), and Lysanias was district ruler of Abilene, in the days of High Priests AnNas and CaiAphas, that God’s words came to John, the son of ZechariAh, [while he was] in the desert.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's leadership, as Pontius Pilate was the leader of Judea and Herod was the head of the one-fourth region of Galilee, as Philip (his brother) was the head of the one-fourth region of the Ituraea and Trachonitis rural area and Lysanias was the head of the one-fourth region of Abilene. On the head priesthood of Anna and Caiaphas, a statement of God came on John (Zacharias' son) in the backcountry.

Common English Bible           John the Baptist’s message

In the fifteenth year of the rule of the emperor Tiberius—when Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea and Herod was ruler [Or tetrarch] over Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler [Or tetrarch] over Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was ruler [Or tetrarch] over Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—God’s word came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

International Standard V        John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, and Annas and Caiaphas high priests, a message from God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

Len Gane Paraphrase           Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate [was] governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother, Philip, tetrarch of Ituraea and the area of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene. When Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, Pontius Pilate being procurator of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, Philip, his brother, tetrarch of Iturea, and the province of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene; in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       It was in the fifteenth year of the emperor Tiberius’ reign,^[1] when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, when Herod was prince in Galilee, his brother Philip in the Ituraean and Trachonitid region, and Lysanias in Abilina, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiphas,^[2] that the word of God came upon John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.

^[1] There is some uncertainty about the system on which the Romans computed the years of a given reign; probably the fifteenth year of Tiberius would be 28 or 29 a.d. by our reckoning.

^[2] Caiphas was the actual high priest; Annas, who had been deposed from that office, continued to exercise much influence.

NT for Everyone                     The Preaching of John the Baptist

It was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea; Herod was Tetrarch ["tetrarch" is an obscure term for the modern reader, governor captures the meaning better than king] of Galilee; his brother Philip was tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis; Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests.

At that time, the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

20^th Century New Testament In the fifteenth year of the reign of the Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judea, Herod Ruler of Galilee, his brother Philip Ruler of the territory comprising Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias Ruler of Abilene, And when Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests, a Command from God came to John, the son of Zechariah, while he was in the wilderness.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Christian Standard Bible        The Messiah’s Herald

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch [Or ruler] of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Conservapedia Translation    In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was the tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of Ituraea and the region known as Trachonitis. Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abilene. In the time when Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the Living Word of God inspired John, the son of Zacharias, in the desert.

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                The Mission of John the Baptizer

Now in the Gfteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar Pontius Pilate being chief governor of Judea, and Herod governor of Galilee, and his brother Philip governor of the territories of Iturzea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias governor ot Abilene, during the High-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—·-the message of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, while in the desert.

Free Bible Version                 By now Tiberias had been Caesar for fifteen years. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. Herod was ruler* of Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanius was ruler of Abiline. Annas and Caiphas were the current high priests. This was the time when the word of God came to John, Zechariah’s son, who was living in the desert.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius the Emperor, Pontius Pilate being leftenant of Jurie, (Jewry) and Herod being Tetrach of Galilee, and his brother Philip Tetrach in Jturea and in the region of Traconitis, and Lysaniah the Tetrach of Abilene, when Annas and Caiphas were the high priests the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Jubilee Bible 2000                  .

Montgomery NT                     .

NIV, ©2011                             John the Baptist Prepares the Way

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Riverside New Testament      IN the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was Governor of Judaea and Herod Prince of Galilee, and Philip his brother Prince of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias Prince of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wild lands.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      AND in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being procurator of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother tetrarch of Ituria and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanias being tetrarch of Abilene, under the chief priest Annas, and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zachariah, in the wilderness.

Unlocked Literal Bible            .

Urim-Thummim Version         Now in the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the Word of Elohim came to John the son of Zacharias in the uninhabited places.

Weymouth New Testament    .

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Enter John the Baptizer—26 AD
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, while his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas (also Caiaphas),¹ the word of God came upon² John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

⁽¹⁾ Annas was the real high priest, which office was for life. But in an effort to diminish the political influence of the high priest (presumably) the Roman government obliged the Jews to name a different high priest each year, and the governor dealt with him—so that particular year it was Caiaphas. Notice how Luke emphasizes historicity.

⁽²⁾ That’s what the Text says, ‘upon’ not ‘to’; I take it that that Word compelled him to action.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     .

The Heritage Bible                 And in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother, Philip, tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias, the tetrarch of Abilene, Upon Annas and Caiaphas being head priests, a spoken word of God was upon John, the son of Zacharias, in the wasteland.

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   The Preaching of John the Baptist.*

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,* when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,a and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,* the word of God came to Johnb the son of Zechariah in the desert.

* [3:1–20] Although Luke is indebted in this section to his sources, the Gospel of Mark and a collection of sayings of John the Baptist, he has clearly marked this introduction to the ministry of Jesus with his own individual style. Just as the gospel began with a long periodic sentence (Lk 1:1–4), so too this section (Lk 3:1–2). He casts the call of John the Baptist in the form of an Old Testament prophetic call (Lk 3:2) and extends the quotation from Isaiah found in Mk 1:3 (Is 40:3) by the addition of Is 40:4–5 in Lk 3:5–6. In doing so, he presents his theme of the universality of salvation, which he has announced earlier in the words of Simeon (Lk 2:30–32). Moreover, in describing the expectation of the people (Lk 3:15), Luke is characterizing the time of John’s preaching in the same way as he had earlier described the situation of other devout Israelites in the infancy narrative (Lk 2:25–26, 37–38). In Lk 3:7–18 Luke presents the preaching of John the Baptist who urges the crowds to reform in view of the coming wrath (Lk 3:7, 9: eschatological preaching), and who offers the crowds certain standards for reforming social conduct (Lk 3:10–14: ethical preaching), and who announces to the crowds the coming of one mightier than he (Lk 3:15–18: messianic preaching).

* [3:1] Tiberius Caesar: Tiberius succeeded Augustus as emperor in A.D. 14 and reigned until A.D. 37. The fifteenth year of his reign, depending on the method of calculating his first regnal year, would have fallen between A.D. 27 and 29. Pontius Pilate: prefect of Judea from A.D. 26 to 36. The Jewish historian Josephus describes him as a greedy and ruthless prefect who had little regard for the local Jewish population and their religious practices (see Lk 13:1). Herod: i.e., Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. He ruled over Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. His official title tetrarch means literally, “ruler of a quarter,” but came to designate any subordinate prince. Philip: also a son of Herod the Great, tetrarch of the territory to the north and east of the Sea of Galilee from 4 B.C. to A.D. 34. Only two small areas of this territory are mentioned by Luke. Lysanias: nothing is known about this Lysanias who is said here to have been tetrarch of Abilene, a territory northwest of Damascus.

* [3:2] During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas: after situating the call of John the Baptist in terms of the civil rulers of the period, Luke now mentions the religious leadership of Palestine (see note on Lk 1:5). Annas had been high priest A.D. 6–15. After being deposed by the Romans in A.D. 15 he was succeeded by various members of his family and eventually by his son-in-law, Caiaphas, who was high priest A.D. 18–36. Luke refers to Annas as high priest at this time (but see Jn 18:13, 19), possibly because of the continuing influence of Annas or because the title continued to be used for the ex-high priest. The word of God came to John: Luke is alone among the New Testament writers in associating the preaching of John with a call from God. Luke is thereby identifying John with the prophets whose ministries began with similar calls. In Lk 7:26 John will be described as “more than a prophet”; he is also the precursor of Jesus (Lk 7:27), a transitional figure inaugurating the period of the fulfillment of prophecy and promise.

New English Bible–1970        The Preaching of John the Baptist c.29ce[ Lk.3.1-20 → ] - Mt.3.1-12, Mk.1.1-8, Jn.1.19-28

IN THE FIFTEENTH YEAR of the Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, when Herod was prince of Galilee, his brother Philip prince of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias prince of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

New Jerusalem Bible             In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's reign, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the territories of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, and while the high-priesthood was held by Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah, in the desert.

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   John the Baptist and Jesus

IN the fifteenth year of the emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, when Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip prince of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias prince of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           In the fifteenth year of Emperor Tiberius’ rule; when Pontius Pilate was governor of Y’hudah, Herod ruler of the Galil, his brother Philip ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, with ‘Anan and Kayafa being the cohanim g’dolim; the word of God came to Yochanan Ben-Z’kharyah in the desert.

exeGeses companion Bible   YAHN THE BAPTIZER FULFILLS/SHALAMS PROPHECY

Now in the fifteenth year

of the governing of Kaisar Tiberius,

Pontius Pilatos being governor of Yah Hudah,

and Herod tetrarch of Galiyl,

and his brother Phillipos tetrarch of Yetur

and of the region of Trachonitis,

and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Hanan Yah and Caiaphas being the archpriests;

the rhema of Elohim

becomes to Yahn the son of Zechar Yah in the wilderness:...

Hebraic Roots Bible               And in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate governing Judea, and Herod ruling as tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruling as tetrarch of Iturea and the Trachonitis country, and Lysanias ruling as tetrarch of Abilene, upon the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of 0 came on John the son of Zachariah in the desert.

The Israel Bible (beta)            Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Yhudah, and Herod being tetrarch of Galil, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Anan and Kayafas being the high kohanim, the word of Elohim came unto Yochanan the son of Zkharyah in the wilderness.

The Scriptures 1998              And in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Yehuah, and Herodes district ruler of Galil, and his brother Philip district ruler of Yetur and the country of Trachonitis, and Lusanias district ruler of Ailene, Ḥanan and Qayapha being high priests, the word of Elohim came to Yoḥanan the son of Zearyah in the wilderness.

Tree of Life Version                John the Immerser at the Jordan

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of the Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene. During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came upon John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   Now it was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler of the regions of Ituraea and Trachonitus [Note: These two men were sons of Herod the Great (See Matt. 2:1) and ruled over provinces east of the Jordan River] and Lysanias was ruler of Abilene [Note: This was a province just north of the two previously mentioned ones]. [During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas’ son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God’s message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea].

The Expanded Bible              The Preaching of John

It was the fifteenth year of the rule of Tiberius Caesar [^C the Roman emperor, ad 14–37]. ·These men were under Caesar: Pontius Pilate, [^L …when Pontius Pilate was] the ·ruler [or governor; ^C his official title was “prefect”; Pilate governed from ad 26–36] of Judea; Herod [^C Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great], the ·ruler [^L tetrarch; C the title  meant “ruler of a fourth,” but came to be used of any minor ruler] of Galilee; Philip [^C another son of Herod the Great], the ·ruler [^L tetrarch] of Iturea and Traconitis; and Lysanias, the ·ruler [^L tetrarch] of Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests [^C Annas was the former high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas, the official high priest]. At this time, ·the word of [a message from] God came to John son of Zechariah in the ·desert [wilderness].

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Now in the fifteenth year of the governmental leadership (or: rule) of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate continued leading the government (performed as governor) of the Judean [district] and Herod filled the provincial office of 'tetrarch' (= ruler of a fourth part of a kingdom) of the Galilee [district] – yet Philip, his brother, continued ruling as 'tetrarch' of the province of Iturea and Trachonitis, as well as Lysanias continuing rule as 'tetrarch' of Abilene –

on the [occasion and term of the priesthood of] chief (or: ranking) priests, Annas and Caiaphas, a gush-effect which was God (or: the result of a flow from God; God’s spoken word; a declaration from God) came into existence (came to be; was birthed) upon John, son of Zechariah, within the midst of the wilderness (the uninhabited, desolate place).

NET Bible®                             The Ministry of John the Baptist

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,¹ when Pontius Pilate² was governor of Judea, and Herod³ was tetrarch4 of Galilee, and his brother Philip⁵ was tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias⁶ was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood⁷ of Annas and Caiaphas, the word⁸ of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.⁹

^1tn Or “Emperor Tiberius” (“Caesar” is a title for the Roman emperor).

^sn Tiberius Caesar was the Roman emperor Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus, who ruled from a.d. 14-37.

^2sn The rule of Pontius Pilate is also described by Josephus, J. W. 2.9.2-4 (2.169-177) and Ant. 18.3.1 (18.55-59).

^3sn Herod refers here to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. He ruled from 4 b.c.-a.d. 39, sharing the rule of his father’s realm with his two brothers. One brother, Archelaus (Matt 2:22) was banished in a.d. 6 and died in a.d. 18; the other brother, Herod Philip (mentioned next) died in a.d. 34.

^4sn A tetrarch was a ruler with rank and authority lower than a king, who ruled only with the approval of the Roman authorities. This was roughly equivalent to being governor of a region. Several times in the NT, Herod tetrarch of Galilee is called a king (Matt 14:9, Mark 6:14-29), reflecting popular usage.

^5sn Philip refers to Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great and brother of Herod Antipas. Philip ruled as tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis from 4 b.c.-a.d. 34.

^6sn Nothing else is known about Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene.

^7sn Use of the singular high priesthood to mention two figures is unusual but accurate, since Annas was the key priest from a.d. 6-15 and then his relatives were chosen for many of the next several years. After two brief tenures by others, his son-in-law Caiaphas came to power and stayed there until a.d. 36.

^8tn The term translated “word” here is not λόγος (logos) but ῥ μα (rJhma), and thus could refer to the call of the Lord to John to begin ministry.

^9tn Or “desert.”

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     When the Emperor Tiberius had been ruling the Roman Empire for fifteen years, and while Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea district, and Herod Antipas was ruling Galilee district, and his brother Philip was ruling Iturea and Trachonitis districts, and Lysanius was ruling Abilene district, and while Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests in Jerusalem, God gave messages to Zechariah's son John while he was living in the desolate region.

The Voice                               Our story continues 15 years after Tiberius Caesar had begun his reign over the empire. Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod ruled Galilee, his brother Philip ruled Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruled Abilene.

In Jerusalem Annas and Caiaphas were high priests in the temple. And in those days, out in the wilderness, John (son of Zacharias) received a message from God.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       in year but fifteenth [of] the reign [of] tiberius caesar governing pontius pilate the judea and having (tetrarchy) [of] the galilee herod philip but the brother [of] him having (tetrarchy) [of] the [of] ituraea and [of] trachonitis land and lysanias [of] the abilene having (tetrarch) on priest (chief) annas and caiaphas becomes Word [of] god to john the [of] zechariah son in the [one] deserted.

Awful Scroll Bible                   But from-within the five and tenth year, of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, (Pontius Pilate governing Judaea, and Herod ruling-the-fourth of Galilee, and Philip, he of the same-womb, ruling-the-fourth of Ituraea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruling-the-fourth of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas over against high-priests,) the spoken Word of God itself came to be upon John, the son of Zacharias, from-within the wilderness.

Concordant Literal Version    Now in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, yet Philip, his brother, being tetrarch of the province of Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias being tetrarch of Abilene,

under Hannas and Caiaphas, the chief priests, came a declaration of God to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness."

The Disciple's Bible                .

Orthodox Jewish Bible           In the shenat chamesh esreh (15th year) of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governing Yehudah, when Herod [Antipas] was tetrarch of the Galil, and when Philip the brother of Herod Antipas was tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis, and at the same time Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,

And when, during the same historical period, Anan and Caiapha were Kohanim Gedolim, then it was that the dvar Hashem came to [the kohen-navi] Yochanan Ben Zecharyah bamidbar (in the wilderness).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. Now, in the fifteenth year of the supremacy of Tiberius Caesar,—Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and, Philip his brother, tetrarch of Ituraea and the country of Trachonitis, and Lysanius, tetrarch of Abylene,— in the High-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, came a word of God unto John the son, of Zechariah, in rue desert;...

Third Millennium Bible            .

Webster’s Translation           .

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  Now in [the] fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate governing Judea, and Herod being ruler of the quadrant [or, the tetrarch] of Galilee, but Philip his brother being ruler of the quadrant of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias being ruler of the quadrant of Abilene, in the time of [the] high priest Annas and [the high priest] Caiaphas, [the] word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

Charles Thompson NT           Now in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea; and Herod, tetrarch of Galilee; and his brother Philip, tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis; and Lysanias, being tetrarch of Abilene in the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas, a word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness,...

Context Group Version          .

Disciples’ Literal New T.        In The Fifteenth Year of Tiberius, John Is Sent Out By God

Now in the fifteenth^[a] year of the government of Tiberius^[b] Caesar— Pontius Pilate^[c] being-governor of Judea, and Herod^[d] being-tetrarch^[e] of Galilee, and Philip^[f] his brother being tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias being tetrarch of Abilene, in-the-time-of the high priest Annas and Caiaphas— the word of God came to^[g] John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

^[a] Luke 3:1 This points to a year between a.d. 26 and 29.

^[b] Luke 3:1 He was the Roman emperor from a.d. 14 to 37.

^[c] Luke 3:1 He was the fifth Roman prefect (a military officer put in charge of a district to maintain order) of Judea, serving from a.d. 26 to 36.

^[d] Luke 3:1 That is, Herod Antipas. See Mt 14:1.

^[e] Luke 3:1 That is, being-governor, appointed by Rome.

^[f] Luke 3:1 This Philip II was a half-brother of Herod Antipas. His capital was Philip’s Caesarea (seen in Mt 16:13). He reigned from 4 b.c. to a.d. 34.

^[g] Luke 3:2 Or, upon.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       Now in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother was tetrarch of Ituraea, and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, at the time when Annas and Caiaphas were high priest, the word of God came to John the son of Zecharias in the desert,...

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal New Testament           IN YEAR NOW [THE] FIFTEENTH OF THE GOVERNMENT OF TIBERIUS CAESAR, BEING GOVERNOR PONTIUS PILATE OF JUDEA, AND BEING TETRARCH OF GALILEE HEROD, AND PHILIP HIS BROTHER BEING TETRARCH OF ITURAEA AND OF TRACHONITIS [THE] REGION, AND LYSANIAS OF ABILENE BEING TETRARCH, IN [THE] HIGH PRIESTHOOD OF ANNAS AND CAIAPHAS, CAME [THE] WORD OF GOD UPON JOHN THE OF ZACHARIAS SON IN THE WILDERNESS.

Modern English Version         The Preaching of John the Baptist

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius, Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip was tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Traconitis, and Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. This is vv. 1–2.

Modern Literal Version           {Mk 1:1-8 & Mt 3:1-12 & Lk 3:1-18. Judea near Jordan River 25 or 26 AD.}

Now in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being Tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip, Tetrarch of the region made up of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias being Tetrarch of Abilene, in the time of Annas and Caiaphas, the high-priests, the declaration of God came* to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard B.    John the Baptist Preaches

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

New European Version          .

New King James Version       John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, [a]while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

NT (Variant Readings)           Now 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, °in the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

°TR-Annas and Caiaphas being high priests, the word.. Most of the time you see a variant reading, you may think to yourself, big deal; I don’t even know why that is a variant reading. Variant readings occur anytime the text of one manuscript differs from the text of another manuscript. The amount that they differ is not really the issue.

Niobi Study Bible                   .

Restored Holy Bible 6.0         [The testimony of John the Baptist].
Now 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 Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis,
and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Annas and Caiaphas being the High Priests,
the Word of GOD came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   And in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar -- Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother, tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene —Annas and Caiaphas being chief priests —there came a word of God unto John the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness,...

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

World English Bible                .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

Two things are being done in vv. 1–2: (1) Luke is setting the historical stage for all that is about to happen (as he did at the beginning of chapters 1 & 2); and (2) Luke is setting up a dramatic contrast between what people think is important and what God thinks is important.

We should add to this that the doctor/historian Luke spends more time giving us a secular historical context than any of the other gospel writers. This is exactly what we should expect, being that Luke focuses upon the humanity of Jesus more than any of the other biographers.

Bill O’Reilly wrote a book, Killing Jesus; and he was criticized by some because it concentrated on what we know about the man, Jesus. It has been several years since I read this excellent book, but the divine aspect of our Lord was either downplayed or non-existent in O’Reilly’s book. Similarly, Jesus’ humanity is also very much the emphasis of Luke’s book. We will know Jesus the Divine, the Son of God, in the book of Luke; but primarily, we come to know Jesus, the man, often called the Son of Man by Himself and by Luke (that is, Luke took note of this and recorded it).

Luke gives us some historical context of this period of time and place, which includes some of the important people of that day (just as he did at the beginning of Luke 1 & 2). But most of his text in the first half of this chapter will center on John the baptizer. We have had many examples throughout the Old Testament of such a contrast, where the importance of God’s man is far and above the importance of any political leader of that day and time.

From the Voice (a Bible translation with some commentary): More than any other Gospel writer, Luke wants to situate the story of Jesus in secular history. In particular, he gives details of the emperor, governor, and other client rulers. With a toxic mixture of cruelty and might, these authorities lord their power over the common people. Yet these high and mighty are—as Mary’s poem describes—destined to be brought down in the presence of a new kind of king and a new kind of kingdom. Jesus will exercise His authority in a radically different way—not through domination and violence, but through love, healing, compassion, and service.

Most of us know who Abraham is and perhaps we also know a few things about him. Perhaps minimally, most people correctly associate him with the founding of the Hebrew race. Or, as the father of the Jewish people. He lived around 2100 b.c. Can you name a single king or prince from that same era, give or take a few hundred years? Most people have heard Abraham’s name and many know, to some degree or another, who he is. These same people could not name a single political leader of that era. Yet Abraham is just a shepherd who moved from one place to another. There is no reason for us to know anything about the historical Abraham and, at the same time, not know the Pharaoh of Egypt at this time, or any of the leaders of city-states in Canaan, or any leader in Assyria. We know Abraham because God has shown His light on him; we do not know these other people because God has not shown a light on any of them (with the exception of the few who found their way into the pages of Scripture).

As an aside, many critical of Scripture have disputed Abraham’s history and said, “Well, you can’t find Abraham in any other historical book.” And that is true, despite there not being a surfeit of history books from 3000 years ago. But, let’s say that we had all of the history books from that era, do you really think that there would be a chapter on a shepherd who moved from point A to point B? Don’t be ridiculous! Abraham is a VIP in the plan of God; but in the cosmic system, he is a nobody. No historian would have known about Abraham and thought, “I ought to devote a few paragraphs or a chapter to this man.”

It is like you—it is highly unlikely that any historian is going to be aware of your life and think, “I really need to put Charley Brown in my New History of the United States.” But, if you execute the Protocol Plan of God for your life—and God has a plan for every believer—then you will find your name (and the divine good that you produced) recorded in the permanent annals of history.

With man, it is always the short game; with God, it is the long game. How many politicians are willing to do whatever is necessary in order to be elected? How many of them will have unsavory political partners in the background? All of them? 99% of them? How many politicians expound on this or that problem, but when they get into power, that problem—sometimes a centerpiece of their campaign—ends up getting put on the back burner?

Many people are worked up about the coming American election in 2020 (or whatever year this happens to be for you), and there is the incumbent (or incumbent party) and there is the challenger and most people you know have a passionate opinion about one or both candidates. One candidate is often portrayed as the worst person ever to walk the earth (which may not be too far from the truth); and the other is seen as the savior of America (in most cases, this is far from the truth). Yet, the people who make the difference for the United States and God’s dealings with the United States are those who are growing spiritually, day by day, year by year (or the one who should be, but they are not). The great blessings enjoyed by the United States is not based upon who the president of the United States is, but upon the spiritual state of this country’s citizens—99.99% of whom would never be thought to be historically important by the secular historian.

At most, a president will reflect the spiritual state of the United States; but he is far less important than you might think.

There were a number of caesars to rule from Rome, and their power and influence at the time seemed overwhelming. So many of them could arbitrarily order the death of any person that they chose; and often exercised that power. But, even when the secular historian looks back at this period of time, it is clear that Jesus has far more of an effect on human history than all of the caesars put together.

We know some of the people in these next two verses primarily because of their interactions with John the baptizer or with Jesus or with some other saint in the Bible. For instance, many people know about Pontius Pilate and his interactions with Jesus before our Lord was crucified. But do you know anything about Pilate except for that which is found in Scripture? Do you even know how long he reigned over Palestine? Most of us do not.

Luke names the most important people of that time period—and in that day and age, most people thought that these men were pretty big deals. They were feared and obeyed. In that day, you might live or die based on the whim of one of these men. Furthermore, these political leaders risked all for their power. We know them, because they emerged on top. How many other such potential leaders fell by the wayside? But, do you know who is far more important than any of these world leaders? John the baptizer.

John the baptizer, at least for a time, was living a rather isolated and eccentric life out in the desert-wilderness. People should not even know that this man exists; yet people went out to him the desert-wilderness to hear him and to be baptized by him.

Translation: Now [it is] the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar:...

At this point, we begin the narrative of the public ministries of John the baptizer and Jesus the Christ. John the baptizer is the herald of the King; so we will study him first in this chapter. The first half of this chapter will focus upon John; the rest of this chapter of Luke will focus upon the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

We have a great contrast here between the rulers of that day—both secular and religious—and John and Jesus. We tend to get caught up in a world of politics and voting and hoping for one candidate, and fearing the damage wrought by his opposing candidate.

In this first verse, we hear about the most important political figures of that day; and at the beginning of v. 2, the most important religious figures of that day. But, who is more important than them? John the baptizer, the Herald of the King. And Who is more important than John? The King, Jesus Christ.

Most people who know a little history know the name Cæsar; but far fewer know who Tiberius Cæsar is.

Luke 3:1a In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,... ESV (capitalized)

This being the 15^th year of Tiberius places the date somewhere between a.d. 26 and 29 (someone else suggests a.d. 27–29, as Tiberius was the Roman emperor between a.d. 14 and 37 (there apparently is some wiggle room in these numbers). The Easy English Bible presents some slightly different dates: Tiberius is the second man to rule over all of Rome, beginning in a.d. 11, indicating that John began proclaiming the Kingdom and the Messiah in a.d. 25–26 (these dates are approximate).

Tiberius succeeded Augustus, who is mentioned in Luke 2:1.

According to Wikipedia, there is a very ancient history of the first 12 Caesars. This is a good list, as it covers the time that the Apostles and the first followers of Jesus began to teach Jesus. Apparently, this book was published part way through the reign of Hadrian (a.d. 76–138; emperor a.d. 117 to 138).
The 12 Cæsar’s
1.      Julius Cæsar (46–44 b.c.) 2.      Augustus (27 b.c.–a.d. 14) 3.      Tiberius (a.d. 14–37) 4.      Caligula (a.d. 37–41) 5.      Claudius (a.d. 41–54) 6.      Nero (a.d. 54–68) 7.      Galba (a.d. 68–69) 8.      Otho (a.d. 69—3 months) 9.      Vitellius (a.d. 69—8 months) 10.    Vespasian (a.d. 69–79) 11.    Titus (a.d. 79–81) 12.    Domitian (a.d. 81–96)	There is apparently a history of the 12 Cæsar’s published in a.d. 121. This picture is from an ancient manuscript dated a.d. 1477. Apparently the material is not necessarily accurate history, but includes some gossip and overly-dramatized histories. Take note of the short amount of time that these men reigned. How fleeting is human fame and power. 12 Caesar’s Graphic from Wikipedia; accessed November 4, 2018.

For the 3^rd and last time, Luke presents to us the political leadership of that day. Since the public ministry of Jesus is relatively short, these are the men in charge (politically speaking) during His public ministry.

Luke 3:1a In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,... ESV (capitalized)

We have already discussed Tiberius Cæsar.

Translation: ...Pontius Pilate is acting as governor of Judæa;...

Pontius Pilate is named next. He ruled over Judæa as their governor.

According to the Disciples’ Literal New Testament, Pilate was a military officer put in charge of keeping order in Judæa. His servitude in this position was relatively short, from a.d. 26–36.

Of the people named in this verse, the one best known today is Pontius Pilate; but we know Pilate only because of his interactions with Jesus at the end of our Lord’s life on this earth. Many of us know 3 things about him: (1) he warns Jesus, “Don’t You know I have the power over Your life?” (2) Pilate went to the Jews and asked them, “Should I release Jesus or the heinous criminal Barabas to you today?” (The Jews called for Barrabas) (3) In the end, Pontius ceremonially washed his hands of what was happening. Many people know these things about Pilate. But to name a 4^th item about this man, separate from Jesus—most people would be hard-pressed to do that.

Translation: ...Herod is the tetrarch of Galilee;...

This ruler named here is not Herod the Great, who has died by this time (about 30 years previous), but this is Herod Jr., one of his sons. He is often referred to as Herod Antipas.

We will briefly study these sons of Herod; primarily when their lives intersection with God’s men of this era.

You just cannot know or appreciate the men here without knowing something about their father, Herod the Great and who was descended from him (and how).

The Line of Herod the Great (a chart); from WordPress; accessed November 4, 2018.

We associate Herod the Great with the birth of our Lord, Herod Antipas with John the herald and later with Jesus. Herod Agrippa I and Herod Agrippa II interact with the disciples of Jesus as they participate in the growing of the church in the book of Acts.

Herod the Great’s Genealogy (a chart); from The Bible Journey; accessed November 4, 2018.

Herod the Great is an Idumæan whom we studied briefly in Luke 1. He has 4 sons (of Biblical note); and one of them has a son and daughter of Biblical note.

We will refer back to this chart as we move further along in v. 1.

As an aside, Herod’s genealogy is much more complex than this. We are simply concentrating on those related to Herod who are spoken of in Scripture. This chart does not take into account all of his wives or other children or grandchildren.

Herod ruled over a land which he apparently split into 4 districts, and his sons ruled over each of those districts (the reading I have done seems to suggest that Herod divided up this land himself).

We do not know exactly how this division of Herod’s kingdom was set up, but for these men to have assumed rulership at the time that their father died suggests that Herod the Great was a very organized and determined man. He split up his kingdom into 4 parts for 4 sons to rule.

However, before you nominate Herod for father of the year, Herod the Great executed 3 of his sons. Augustus remarked "It is better to be Herod's pig than his son." (I am assuming that Herod did not eat pork as per his adherence to the Jewish faith, so that his pigs were relative safe.) Also, to be fair, it was not unusual for a ruler’s sons to plot the death of their father, thus giving them access to the throne (I believe that Wikipedia lists 15 such instances from history; and how many such plots by sons were frustrated by their fathers?).

Herod Tetrarch is Herod Antipas, sometimes known simply as Antipas. He is the 1^st son listed in the genealogy chart, born to Malthace, Herod’s Samaritan wife. He reigned over Galilee and Peraea from 4 b.c. to a.d. 39. Galilee is the region where Jesus primarily presented Himself as the Messiah (although He revealed this fact only a very few times) and as the Savior of mankind.

Herod Antipas will see to the beheading of John the Herald (Matt. 14:1–12). He will be referred to as a fox by our Lord, which is an insult. Whereas we think of a fox as sly and cunning, in the ancient world, sometimes a ruler was understood to be a lion (a strong ruler) or, by way of contrast, a fox. There are several quotations from ancient history contrasting these two animals. “The lion you mentioned turns out to be a [mere] fox.” (Babylonian Talmud, Bava Kamma 117a). Most of the quotations from ancient history concerning lions and foxes are references to scholarship; but we take from it the contrast of the two animals. Herod Antipas would be one of the men who presides over one of the illegal trials of Jesus (Luke 23:7).

We have an interest in Herod Antipas, as he ruled over the land where Jesus primarily taught the Word of God.

Throughout, we may have mostly negative views about these rulers. Bear in mind that, without them, there is no Christianity, despite these people being negative toward the Word of God and behaving viciously towards the disciples of Jesus. On the positive side, these rulers provided law and order. They made it possible for Jesus to walk from point A to point B in Galilee in relative safety; where the people could follow Him and listen to Him as well. On the other hand, Herod and his sons many times exceeded their earthly authority as rulers.

Translation: ...his brother Philip is the tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region Trachonitis;...

Another of Herod the Great’s sons is Philip. He is also referred to as Herod Philip II.

Whereas, you might have some idea about where Galilee is and where Jesus lived; you may not be able to figure out Ituraea or Trachonitis. The Galilee region is mostly west of the Sea of Galilee (and the northern river feeding into the sea); Ituraea and Trachonitis are east.

According to the Disciples’ Literal Translation, this Philip II was a half-brother of Herod Antipas. His capital was Philip’s Caesarea (mentioned in Matt. 16:13). He reigned from 4 b.c. to a.d. 34, making him almost an exact contemporary of Jesus. He is also called Herod Philip II and Philip the Tetrarch.

Herod the Great’s Kingdom (a map); from God’s Word First; accessed November 4, 2018. All of these specified areas were once ruled by Herod the Great.

Herod divided his kingdom into 4 parts, hence the words tetrarchy (a fourth of a kingdom) and tetrarch (a ruler over a fourth).

In grey, you see Galilee and Perea, regions ruled by Herod Antipas. Philip rules over the regions northeast of the Sea of Galilee called Ituraea and Trachonitis. When Jesus sailed across the Sea of Galilee, this would have placed Him in Philip’s territory (or in Decapolis).

Prior to the public ministry of Jesus, Archelaus, another son of Herod, ruled a region known to us as Judæa, Samaria and Idumea. However, he only reigned between 4 b.c. and a.d. 6. However, during his relatively short reign, we find this comment in Matthew: But when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. (Matt. 2:22; ESV) This circumspection on the part of Joseph fulfills Old Testament prophecy. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matt. 2:23; ESV) Interestingly enough, we do not have an Old Testament passage to correlate with this.

According to the NET Bible, Archelaus was banished in a.d. 6 and died in a.d. 18.

This region, first ruled over by Herod the Great and then by his son Herod Archelaus; was the region that Pontius Pilate ruled over during the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Translation: ...and Lysanias is tetrarch of Abilene.

This guy is somewhat interesting because he is mentioned here and nowhere else in the Bible. Furthermore, we do not have historical confirmation on him as we have on the other rulers in this chapter. There was another ruler by this name, but he was put to death by Mark Anthony in 36 b.c. (Obviously not the same person)

Given Luke’s accuracy on all other historical matters, it is unlikely, from a human perspective, that he is wrong here, even though we do not have the proper confirmation either of this man or this territory. Furthermore, we do not know when (or if) this confirmation will come. Throughout man’s history, this and that Biblical name, region or event is confirmed by secular history, through documents and artifacts which are unearthed.

As an aside, just because there is no confirmation from history of this person or that person; that does not in any way disprove the Bible. It is simply an indication that, our historical knowledge of that era is spotty (there are limited documents from that time which survive today). The most well-preserved set of documents from that era is, unsurprisingly, the New Testament (and the Old also continued to be preserved).

Luke 3:1 Now [it is] the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar: Pontius Pilate is acting as governor of Judæa; Herod is the tetrarch of Galilee; his brother Philip is the tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region Trachonitis; and Lysanias is tetrarch of Abilene.

Luke, more than the other gospel writers, sets the historical stage for us. No other gospel writer includes all of this historical information, which places these events into an historical context.

Translation: [In the] position of high priest, Annas and Caiaphas.

As Luke has already done at the beginning of Luke 1 and Luke 2, he places these events into a very careful historical context.

Luke strikes me as being a very organized writer; and even if there were no chapter divisions in that era, he likely saw these divisions as being there, each defined by its historical preface. These will not be found throughout the book of Luke, but they do begin each of the first 3 chapters.

You may recall that there were two high priests during the time of King David. At this point, we do not have two official high priests, but a high priest, Annas; and his successor, Caiaphas, his son-in-law. We do not know exactly the reason for this, but given the passages in the gospels featuring both men, it is clear that Annas continues to exercise great influence in this religious/political domain.

According to the NET Bible, Annas was the chief priest from a.d. 6-15, apparently removed from power by the Romans. Although relatives were brought in, Annas appears to have continued with the power and authority of a high priest,. At some point in time, his son-in-law Caiaphas came to power in a.d. 18 and remained there until a.d. 36, which is a remarkably long time.

Wilbur Pickering presents a point of view different from the opinions of most commentators. He believes that the Romans required a new high priest each year in order to reduce the power and influence of the high priest. He writes, in this particular year, it was Caiaphas. This puts him at odds with other historians. The fact that some assign a period of time to his reign as high priest goes against Pickering’s view. Whatever the exact circumstances, there were two high priests at the time that Luke focuses upon. Recall that there was to only be one High Priest; as his was the highest religious authority; and he represented the Lord.

Annas is found 4 times in Scripture; always in conjunction with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2 John 18:13, 24 Acts 4:6). Caiaphas—and perhaps this indicates greater power or more independence from Annas—is found by himself in Matt. 26:3, 57 John 11:49 18:14, 28.

John Knox claims that Caiaphas is the actual high priest, but that Annas continues to wield considerable influence regarding religious and civil matters.