Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Simeon

◄ Holy Spirit: Inspiration of Simeon ►

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The account of Simeon, a devout and righteous man in Jerusalem, is a profound testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament narrative. Simeon's encounter with the infant Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:25-35. This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and revealing divine truth to individuals who are open to His leading.

Biblical Context

Simeon is introduced in Luke 2:25 as a man who was "righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him" . This description sets the stage for understanding the unique relationship Simeon had with the Holy Spirit. The phrase "the Holy Spirit was upon him" indicates a special anointing or presence of the Spirit, which was not commonly experienced by all individuals at that time.

Revelation and Guidance

The Holy Spirit's role in Simeon's life is further emphasized in Luke 2:26: "It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ" . This revelation is significant as it underscores the Spirit's function in imparting divine knowledge and promises to believers. The assurance given to Simeon that he would witness the Messiah before his death is a testament to the Spirit's intimate involvement in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

The Encounter with Jesus

Guided by the Spirit, Simeon enters the temple courts at the precise moment when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to perform the customary rites. Luke 2:27 states, "Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts" . This divine orchestration highlights the Spirit's role in directing Simeon's actions, ensuring that he fulfills the promise revealed to him.

Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon takes the child in his arms and praises God, declaring in Luke 2:29-32: "Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" . This prophetic declaration, inspired by the Holy Spirit, affirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and highlights the universal scope of His mission.

Prophetic Insight

Simeon's encounter with Jesus also includes a prophetic word to Mary, Jesus' mother. In Luke 2:34-35, Simeon blesses them and says to Mary, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul as well" . This prophecy, delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, foreshadows the opposition Jesus will face and the deep sorrow Mary will endure.

Theological Significance

The inspiration of Simeon by the Holy Spirit serves as a powerful example of the Spirit's work in revealing God's purposes and guiding His people. Simeon's experience underscores the Spirit's role in the fulfillment of prophecy and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Through the Holy Spirit, Simeon is granted insight into the nature and mission of Christ, affirming the Spirit's ongoing work in illuminating truth and guiding believers in their spiritual journey.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:25,26
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit [probably in a ... Spirit [moved by the
impulses of inspiration"Matthew 22 ... those who go in the Spirit"according to ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

Names and Titles of the Antichrist
... the New Testament an example is furnished in Simeon being re ... In Heb.7:1, 2 the Holy
Spirit calls attention to ... to the writer, the verbal inspiration of Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/names and titles of the.htm

Simeon's Swan-Song
... 'And the Holy Ghost was ... patiently sought through millenniums of providential dealing
and inspiration. ... the departing Israel, the Israel according to the Spirit. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/simeons swan-song.htm

Chapter xlviii
... Ephraim and Manasseh replace Reuben and Simeon, for the ... this we in no wise imply
mechanical inspiration). ... not specifically refer to the Holy Spirit, though in ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

Of the Union of Man's Will with God's in those Inspirations which ...
... that receives them: for though indeed the Holy Ghost is ... and the voice, that is, the
inspiration, of the ... On the contrary, the evil spirit is turbulent, rough ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the union.htm

The Phenomena at the Baptism, and their Import.
... betokened no rushing torrent of inspiration, no sudden ... a subjective revelation of
the Holy Spirit, intended exclusively ... the revelation of the Spirit, by his ...
/.../section 42 the phenomena at.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... of Christ at Antioch should be an inspiration to every ... prophets and teachers; as
Barnabas, and Simeon that was ... of Paul and Barnabas by the Holy Spirit to a ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

The Seven Assemblies as a Whole (I. 11).
... had been given to it by the Holy Spirit Himself ... loose with the "words which the Holy
Ghost speaketh ... contrary, strongly hold the canonicity and inspiration of the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seven assemblies as a.htm

The General Service to a Prophet.
... illuminations and gifts of the Divine Spirit " wast thou ... the faith those who under
God's inspiration glorify thee ... that hath shone forth from thy holy womb, O ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter vii the general service.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... The operations of the Holy Spirit. Hymn 2:134. ... Hymn 2:144. The effusion of the Spirit;
or, The success of the gospel. ... Prophesy and inspiration. Hymn 2:152. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/