Topical Bible: Shepherd: Angels Appeared To

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In the biblical narrative, shepherds hold a significant place, particularly in the context of the nativity of Jesus Christ. The account of angels appearing to shepherds is found in the Gospel of Luke, which provides a vivid depiction of this divine encounter.

Biblical Account:

The event is recorded in Luke 2:8-14. On the night of Jesus' birth, shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. These shepherds were likely engaged in their routine duties, unaware of the monumental event that had just occurred in their vicinity. The text states:

"And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'" (Luke 2:8-14).

Significance:

The appearance of angels to shepherds is rich in theological and symbolic meaning. Shepherds, often considered lowly and humble in society, were chosen by God to be the first recipients of the announcement of the Messiah's birth. This choice underscores the theme of God's favor and revelation to the humble and meek, a recurring motif throughout Scripture.

The angelic proclamation to the shepherds emphasizes the universal nature of the gospel message—"good news of great joy that will be for all the people." The shepherds, representing the common people, are the first to hear of the Savior's birth, highlighting the inclusivity of Christ's mission.

Theological Implications:

The shepherds' encounter with the angels also reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. The reference to "the city of David" connects Jesus' birth to the Davidic lineage, fulfilling the promise of a Savior from the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Furthermore, the angelic message of "peace on earth" aligns with the messianic prophecies of peace and reconciliation brought by the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7). The shepherds' response, as they hurried to Bethlehem to witness the event, exemplifies the appropriate human reaction to divine revelation—faith and obedience.

Cultural Context:

In the cultural context of first-century Judea, shepherds were often marginalized and viewed with suspicion. Their work required them to live outside the bounds of regular society, and they were frequently considered untrustworthy. Despite this, God chose them as the first witnesses to the birth of Christ, illustrating the reversal of worldly values and the elevation of the humble.

Conclusion:

The appearance of angels to shepherds is a profound moment in the biblical narrative, encapsulating themes of divine revelation, humility, and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. It serves as a reminder of God's grace and the inclusivity of the gospel message, extending to all people regardless of social status.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:8-20
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
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Argument. Saturus, in a vision, and Perpetua Being Carried by ...
... there in the pleasure-garden four other angels appeared, brighter than ... we were speaking
with them, the angels said unto ... The imitations of the Shepherd of Hermas ...
/.../chapter iv argument saturus in a.htm

How Christ Appeared to Brother John of Alvernia
... of tears, Jesus Christ, the blessed one, appeared to him ... the wine which rejoices
the hearts of angels and of saints; enlighten me, O pitying Shepherd, for I ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xlix how christ appeared.htm

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
... countries of the East where our Lord appeared, the office of ... as being a shadow of
the good Shepherd who was ... And who were they to whom the Angels first brought ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvi the shepherd of.htm

Six Cities
... gone astray on the dark mountains; but the great and gracious Shepherd had gone ... It
must have been outside its walls that the angels appeared to Abraham, when ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

Jesus in the Garden of Olives.
... urges to seek his friends, but like also to a good shepherd, who, when ... to the earth
beneath this awful weight of suffering, the angels appeared filled with ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter i jesus in the.htm

Additional Note. A New Installment Has Now Appeared of the ...
... A new installment has now appeared of the Patrologia ... 2 he quotes, as "Scripture,"
the Shepherd of Hermas ... identified the Seven Heavens with angels of varying ...
/.../additional note a new installment.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 14, "I am the Good Shepherd ...
... I speak with the tongues of men, and angels, but have ... With good reason then to This
Shepherd of shepherds ... beauty nor comeliness." [4137] Such He appeared on the ...
/.../sermon lxxxviii on the words.htm

The Lord of Glory.
... In the fulness of time He appeared on earth "God manifested in ... be "revealed from
heaven with His mighty angels" (2 Thess ... And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the lord of glory.htm

Christ's Birth
... The angels also appeared to a third party of shepherds near a spring three
hours from Bethlehem and to the east of the shepherd's tower. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
... What must the holy angels think of the baseness ... His followers were considered as
sheep without a shepherd. ... Jesus, whom he ignorantly persecuted, appeared to him ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiv opposition to messiah.htm