Topical Bible: Praise: Anna

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Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the New Testament, is a notable figure for her devout life and her role in the early recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Her account is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:36-38. Anna is a model of praise and devotion, embodying a life dedicated to worship and service to God.

Biblical Account

Anna is introduced in the Gospel of Luke as the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She is described as being "very old," having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage and then as a widow until the age of eighty-four. Her life is marked by her constant presence in the temple, where she "never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37).

Her encounter with the infant Jesus occurs during the presentation of Jesus at the temple, a Jewish custom observed by Mary and Joseph. At this moment, Anna comes forward and begins to give thanks to God. Luke 2:38 states, "Coming forward at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."

Significance of Praise

Anna's praise is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights her role as a prophetess, a woman who speaks forth the truth of God. Her recognition of Jesus as the Redeemer of Jerusalem underscores her spiritual insight and the fulfillment of God's promises. Her praise is not just a personal expression but a public declaration, as she speaks to all who were awaiting the Messiah.

Secondly, Anna's life of worship and fasting exemplifies a deep commitment to God. Her constant presence in the temple and her dedication to prayer and fasting reflect a life wholly devoted to the service and praise of God. This devotion is a testament to her faith and her anticipation of God's salvation.

Theological Implications

Anna's account is a powerful reminder of the importance of praise in the life of a believer. Her example encourages Christians to live lives of continuous worship and to remain steadfast in faith, even in the face of personal loss and long periods of waiting. Her recognition of Jesus as the Messiah serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the joy that comes from witnessing His salvation.

Anna's praise also serves as a prophetic voice, affirming the identity of Jesus and the hope of redemption. Her testimony is a precursor to the broader proclamation of the Gospel, highlighting the role of women in the early recognition and announcement of Jesus' mission.

In summary, Anna's life and her act of praise at the temple are a profound example of faithfulness, devotion, and the joy of recognizing God's work in the world. Her account encourages believers to live lives of worship and to be attentive to the fulfillment of God's promises in their own lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:38
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

By the Example of Anna St. ...
... thereto; for Anna shows what widows ought to be, who, left destitute by the early
death of her husband, yet obtained the reward of full praise, being intent ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv by the example.htm

Praise to God, Immortal Praise
... [1617]Dix: Conrad Kocher, 1838; William Henry Monk, 1861. Anna Laetitia Barbauld,
1772. Praise to God, immortal praise,. For the love that crowns our days; ...
/.../thanksgiving day 420 praise to.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... and that pair of just ones elected of God"Simeon, I mean, and Anna, bearing in ... had
not seen it; they closed their eyes, and in respect of praise were supine. ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Letter cxxvii. To Principia.
... I will praise her for nothing but the virtue which is her own and which is ... according
to Luke we read the following passage: "there was one Anna, a prophetess ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxvii to principia.htm

And Joseph Having Come to a Feast with his Sons...
... sister Mary of Cleophas, whom the Lord God had given to her father Cleophas and
her mother Anna, because they ... To whom be all praise and glory for ever and ever ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 42 and joseph having.htm

Laudo.
... 4 Lord, for these our souls shall raise Grateful vows and solemn praise; And when
ev'ry blessing's flown, Love thee for thyself alone. Mrs. Anna L. Barbauld ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/546 laudo 7s.htm

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... arms. Anna sang His praise when He was still a wailing infant; Marcella
proclaims His glory now that He has won His triumph. Anna ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... They shed tears of joy. They all joined in a hymn of praise, and Anna
lifted her child up on high as though making an offering. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... of praise which he had uttered at the circumcision of John. 2. ST. ANNE RETURNS
WITH ELIUD. [December 26 ^th:] Today Zechariah went away again, but Anna came ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

The Blessed virgin Mary May have Lived Without Sin. None of the ...
... Anna the mother of Samuel, Judith, Esther, the other Anna, daughter of ... has already
determined, and rightly determined, "not to place the praise of humility on ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 42 xxxvi the blessed virgin.htm