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Luke 3:23

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Luke 3:23

Verse 23 of 38

Scripture focus

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was [the son] of Heli,

Luke 3:23 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 3:23

Theological / Devotional

Jesus began His ministry about thirty years of age. The Greek verb archomenos can mean either beginning of His 30th year or beginning of His ministry. Many conclude it refers to the start of His ministry. The age “about thirty” indicates maturity and eligibility for public responsibility.

If Jesus was born in autumn 5 B.C., His 30th year would begin autumn A.D. 25 and end autumn A.D. 26, consistent with Luke’s statement and known chronology.

Jesus was “supposed” to be the son of Joseph, legally and popularly considered so. Official records registered Jesus as first-born of Mary and Joseph. The genealogy given by Luke differs significantly from Matthew’s, presenting challenges for modern readers.

Differences include:

1. Luke lists 41 generations from David; Matthew lists 26.

2. Except for Salathiel, Zerubbabel, and Joseph, the ancestors differ.

3. The lists converge briefly at Salathiel and Zerubbabel but differ on Salathiel’s father.

4. Matthew names Joseph son of Jacob; Luke names Joseph son of Heli.

These differences may be explained by Jewish customs, adoption, levirate marriage, or Luke tracing Mary’s lineage.

By SdaBc