Luke 3:1

¶ 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,

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},

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,

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,

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

Luke 3:1 serves as a meticulously detailed historical anchor, characteristic of Luke's Gospel, which aims to provide an "orderly account" (Luke 1:3) of the events surrounding Jesus Christ. This verse precisely dates the beginning of John the Baptist's public ministry, thereby setting the stage for the advent of Jesus' own public ministry.

Historical and Cultural Context

The evangelist Luke, often regarded as a careful historian, firmly grounds the sacred narrative within the verifiable secular history of the Roman Empire. By listing specific political rulers and their territories, Luke emphasizes that the events of the Gospel are not mythical but occurred in a definite time and place, during a period of Roman occupation over Jewish lands. This precision provides a robust framework for understanding the unfolding of God's plan in human history.

  • Tiberius Caesar: The Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD. The phrase "fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" places the commencement of John's ministry around 28-29 AD, offering a critical timestamp for the entire Gospel narrative and connecting it to known world history.
  • Pontius Pilate: The Roman governor (prefect) of Judaea from 26-36 AD. His presence highlights the direct Roman oversight of the Jewish homeland and foreshadows his later, infamous role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
  • Herod (Antipas): Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. He was a son of Herod the Great and ruled over the region where Jesus spent much of His ministry. Herod Antipas is notably involved in the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist.
  • Philip: Another son of Herod the Great, ruling the northeastern territories of Ituraea and Trachonitis. His rule was generally stable and lasted longer than his brother Antipas'.
  • Lysanias: Tetrarch of Abilene, a region northwest of Damascus. While less prominent in the Gospel narratives, his inclusion further underscores Luke's commitment to exhaustive historical precision.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intervention in History: This detailed dating underscores the theological truth that God's redemptive plan unfolds within real human history, not outside of it. The arrival of John the Baptist, and subsequently Jesus, was not a random event but a divinely appointed moment in time.
  • Authenticity and Verifiability: Luke's precise historical references lend credibility and authenticity to the Gospel message. It invites readers to understand the life of Christ as a historical fact, not merely a spiritual allegory or myth.
  • The Political Climate: The mention of various rulers highlights the complex political landscape of Judea under Roman authority, setting the stage for the interaction between spiritual truth and worldly power.

Significance and Application

Luke 3:1 is more than just a dry list of names; it serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian faith is deeply rooted in verifiable historical events. It assures us that the ministry of John the Baptist, which immediately follows this verse (Luke 3:2-3), and the subsequent ministry of Jesus Christ, were not fictional tales but real occurrences within a specific, verifiable context. This historical grounding provides a firm foundation for faith, affirming that God acts decisively in human history to bring about His redemptive purposes. It encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand at work in our own times, even amidst complex political and social circumstances, knowing that His ultimate plan will unfold precisely as He intends.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 4:27 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 26:30 (4 votes)

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

  • Mark 6:17 (4 votes)

    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.