Luke 3:1

KJV

¶ Now in the fifteenth 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} in {G1722} the fifteenth {G4003} year {G2094} of the reign {G2231} of Tiberius {G5086} Caesar {G2541}, Pontius {G4194} Pilate {G4091} being governor {G2230} of Judaea {G2449}, and {G2532} Herod {G2264} being tetrarch {G5075} of Galilee {G1056}, and {G1161} his {G846} brother {G80} Philip {G5376} tetrarch {G5075} of Ituraea {G2484} and {G2532} of the region {G5561} of Trachonitis {G5139}, and {G2532} Lysanias {G3078} the tetrarch {G5075} of Abilene {G9},

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,

Berean Standard Bible

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

American Standard Version

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:1 serves as a meticulously detailed historical anchor, characteristic of Luke's Gospel, which aims to provide an "orderly account" of the events surrounding Jesus Christ. This verse precisely dates the commencement of John the Baptist's public ministry by listing the key political rulers and their territories, thereby setting the stage for the advent of Jesus' own public ministry and firmly grounding the sacred narrative within verifiable secular history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a pivotal chronological marker within Luke's Gospel, transitioning from the infancy narratives and Jesus' silent years (Luke 1-2) to the public ministry of John the Baptist, which immediately precedes Jesus' own. It provides the precise historical setting for the "word of God" coming to John in the wilderness, as described in [the subsequent verse](/luke/3-2 "Luke 3:2 - The Word to John the Baptist"). Luke's meticulous dating contrasts with the more thematic introductions in Matthew and Mark, underscoring his intent to present a historically verifiable account. This detailed introduction prepares the reader for the dramatic fulfillment of prophetic expectations that will unfold in the lives of John and Jesus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Luke 3:1 places the commencement of John the Baptist's ministry around 28-29 AD, during a time when Judea and surrounding regions were under firm Roman occupation. Tiberius Caesar was the Roman Emperor, wielding ultimate authority. Below him, various local rulers, both Roman appointees like Pontius Pilate (governor of Judea) and client kings/tetrarchs from the Herodian dynasty (Herod Antipas, Philip, and Lysanias), governed specific territories. This political landscape was marked by Roman oversight, taxation, and a complex interplay of Jewish religious law with Roman civil law. The mention of these specific rulers emphasizes that the events of the Gospel are not mythical but occurred in a definite time and place, during a period of Roman dominance over Jewish lands, a context crucial for understanding the political and religious tensions that would define Jesus' ministry and eventual crucifixion.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 3:1 contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty in History**, demonstrating that divine intervention is not an abstract concept but unfolds within the concrete realities of human political and social structures. The precise dating underscores that the arrival of [John the Baptist](/john/1-6 "John 1:6 - John's Mission") and, subsequently, Jesus, was a divinely appointed moment, not a random occurrence. Secondly, it emphasizes **Authenticity and Verifiability**, lending credibility to the Gospel narrative by grounding it in known secular history. Luke's commitment to historical accuracy invites readers to understand the life of Christ as a historical fact, not merely a spiritual allegory. Lastly, the enumeration of various rulers underscores the **Political Climate** of the era, setting the stage for the inevitable clash between the spiritual kingdom Jesus proclaims and the worldly powers that govern. This detailed introduction foreshadows the trials and tribulations Jesus and his followers would face under Roman rule, as seen in passages like [Jesus' trial before Pilate](/luke/23-1-25 "Luke 23:1-25 - Jesus Before Pilate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reign (Greek, _hēgemonía'_):** This term refers to the period of official rule or government. Luke uses it here to specifically denote the duration of Tiberius Caesar's imperial authority, providing a precise temporal anchor for the events that follow. It signifies the established political order under which the divine drama of salvation began to unfold.
* **governor (Greek, _hēgemoneúō'_):** Derived from the same root as "reign," this verb means "to act as ruler" or "to be governor." It describes Pontius Pilate's specific administrative role in Judaea, indicating his direct authority and responsibility over the region where many of the Gospel events, including Jesus' crucifixion, would take place.
* **tetrarch (Greek, _tetrarchéō'_):** This term, meaning "to be a tetrarch," refers to a ruler of a quarter (or a significant portion) of a region. It highlights the fragmented political control within the broader Roman Empire, where various Herodian princes, like Herod Antipas and Philip, held localized power under Roman oversight. Luke's use of this term precisely defines the limited but significant authority of these regional leaders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,"**: This opening clause establishes the primary chronological marker for John the Baptist's ministry. Tiberius Caesar's reign began in 14 AD, placing the events around 28-29 AD, a crucial date for understanding the timeline of Jesus' public life.
* **"Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea,"**: This identifies the Roman prefect responsible for the central Jewish province, highlighting the direct Roman administrative presence and authority in the heartland of Israel, a figure who would later play a pivotal role in Jesus' trial.
* **"and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee,"**: This refers to Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, who ruled Galilee and Perea. Galilee was the primary region of Jesus' ministry, and Herod Antipas would be involved in the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist, as well as encountering Jesus.
* **"and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis,"**: This specifies another son of Herod the Great, Philip, who governed the northeastern territories. His rule was generally stable and less turbulent than Antipas', further demonstrating the diverse political landscape.
* **"and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,"**: The inclusion of Lysanias, a lesser-known ruler of a region northwest of Damascus, underscores Luke's commitment to exhaustive historical precision, ensuring that the sacred narrative is firmly rooted in the verifiable historical and geographical realities of the ancient world.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's opening to chapter 3 is a prime example of his **historical precision** and **meticulous cataloging**. He employs a **catalogue** or **list** of political figures and their respective territories, a technique that grounds the spiritual narrative in concrete, verifiable historical data. This serves to authenticate the events that follow, presenting them not as myth but as real occurrences in a specific time and place. Furthermore, the repeated use of "and" (Greek _kai_ or _de_) at the beginning of clauses introducing new rulers, while not a strict **anaphora**, creates a rhythmic, almost legalistic enumeration that reinforces the comprehensive nature of his historical survey. The overall effect is one of **verisimilitude**, convincing the reader of the factual basis of the Gospel message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:1 profoundly connects the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to the mundane realities of human history and political power. It asserts that the divine is not detached from the temporal but actively intervenes within it, using the established structures of the world to bring about its purposes. The precision of the dating and the listing of secular rulers underscore that the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus was not a random or mythical event, but a divinely orchestrated moment in time, meticulously prepared and executed within the historical framework of the Roman Empire. This grounding in history provides a powerful theological affirmation: God is sovereign over all, even over the most powerful empires and their leaders, and His plan of salvation unfolds according to His perfect timing.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines Times and Boundaries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 3:1, seemingly a dry list of names and dates, is in fact a profound statement about the nature of God's work in the world. It assures us that our faith is not built on fables but on historical events, meticulously recorded and verifiable. In a world often characterized by political instability, shifting powers, and uncertain futures, this verse reminds us that God's plan is sovereign and unfolds precisely as He intends, regardless of who sits on earthly thrones. It invites us to trust in a God who is actively engaged in human history, orchestrating events for His redemptive purposes. This should encourage us to look for God's hand at work in our own complex times, recognizing that even amidst political turmoil or social upheaval, His ultimate purposes for humanity and His church are being advanced. Our call is to participate faithfully in His ongoing work, knowing that He is the true ruler over all kingdoms and all times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Luke's emphasis on historical precision strengthen your faith in the Gospel narrative?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty over historical and political events impact your perspective on current world affairs?**
* **How can the historical grounding of the Gospel encourage you to live out your faith with greater confidence and purpose today?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke include such a detailed list of rulers and dates?**

Answer: Luke, often regarded as a careful historian, includes this meticulous list to firmly ground the sacred narrative within the verifiable secular history of the Roman Empire. This serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it establishes the **authenticity and verifiability** of the events of John the Baptist's and Jesus' ministries, presenting them not as mythical tales but as real occurrences in a specific time and place. This precision lends credibility to the Gospel message. Secondly, it underscores the theological truth that **God's redemptive plan unfolds within real human history**, not outside of it. The arrival of [John the Baptist](/luke/3-2-3 "Luke 3:2-3 - John's Ministry Begins") and, subsequently, Jesus, was not a random event but a divinely appointed moment in time, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. Finally, it sets the stage for the **political and social context** in which Jesus' ministry would unfold, highlighting the Roman occupation and the various levels of authority that would interact with the nascent Christian movement, foreshadowing events like [Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate](/john/18-28-19-16 "John 18:28-19:16 - Jesus' Trial and Condemnation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:1, with its meticulous historical dating, serves as a crucial prelude to the Christ-centered narrative that follows. By precisely situating John the Baptist's ministry within the reign of Tiberius Caesar and the specific jurisdictions of various tetrarchs, Luke establishes the concrete historical stage upon which God's ultimate redemptive act in Jesus Christ would unfold. This detailed historical grounding emphasizes that Jesus' coming was not an abstract spiritual concept but a real, tangible event in time and space, fulfilling ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new covenant. John the Baptist, whose ministry is introduced immediately after this verse, is presented as the divinely appointed forerunner, preparing the way for the Lord, as prophesied in [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness"). The political landscape described, with Roman governors and client kings, also foreshadows the ultimate clash between the kingdoms of this world and the eternal, spiritual Kingdom of God that Jesus would proclaim and establish through His life, death, and resurrection. It is within this very real, often turbulent, historical context that the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) entered human history, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all earthly powers to accomplish His redemptive purposes for humanity, culminating in the cross and the empty tomb.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 2:1

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

Matthew 27:2

And when they had bound him, they led [him] away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Acts 24:27

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

Matthew 14:1

¶ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Acts 26:30

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

Mark 6:17

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.