Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the New Testament, is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the Gospel of Luke. Her account is found in Luke 2:36-38, where she is described as a devout woman who played a pivotal role in the early recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

Biblical Account

Anna is introduced in the Gospel of Luke shortly after the birth of Jesus. The passage reads: "There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:36-37).

Anna's presence in the temple at the time of Jesus' presentation is significant. Her life of devotion and her role as a prophetess underscore her spiritual insight and dedication to God. The text continues: "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" (Luke 2:38). This indicates that Anna recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and shared this revelation with others.

Historical and Cultural Context

Anna's identification as a prophetess places her within a long tradition of female prophets in Israel, such as Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah. Her lineage from the tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes of Israel, is noteworthy, as it highlights the inclusivity of God's plan for salvation, reaching beyond the more prominent tribes of Judah and Levi.

Her advanced age and status as a widow reflect a life marked by both personal loss and profound spiritual commitment. In the Jewish culture of the time, widows often faced significant hardships, yet Anna's life is portrayed as one of continuous worship and service to God. Her constant presence in the temple signifies her deep piety and dedication.

Theological Significance

Anna's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is a testament to her prophetic gift and spiritual discernment. Her proclamation to those awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem aligns with the messianic expectations of the Jewish people. Her role in the temple at the time of Jesus' presentation emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the dawning of a new covenant through Christ.

Anna's account also highlights the theme of faithful waiting and the reward of spiritual vigilance. Her life serves as an example of unwavering faith and the importance of prayer and fasting in maintaining a close relationship with God. Her testimony about Jesus contributes to the early acknowledgment of His divine mission and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Legacy

Though her appearance in the Bible is brief, Anna's impact is profound. She stands as a model of devotion and prophetic insight, reminding believers of the power of a life dedicated to God. Her recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and her proclamation to others underscore the role of women in the early Christian narrative and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.Luke 2:36
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nor, Because I Called Ruth Blessed, Anna More Blessed...
... Nor, because I called Ruth blessed, Anna more blessed, in that the former married ...
Forsooth different in the times of the Prophets was the dispensation of holy ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 10 nor because i.htm

Of the Prophets, who Either were the Last among the Jews, or whom ...
... Haggai, and Zechariah, who then prophesied, and Ezra, they had no prophets down
to the ... at hand; and when He was already born, Simeon the aged, and Anna a widow ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 24 of the prophets who.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... of God!" [3011] It became indeed the Lord of the law and the prophets to do ... and that
pair of just ones elected of God"Simeon, I mean, and Anna, bearing in ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ...
... forth and proclaimed in diverse images and discourses of the prophets through the ...
Joachim then [2448] took to wife that revered and praiseworthy woman, Anna. ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiv concerning our lords genealogy.htm

The Law, and the Prophecy.
... Anna, in Lazarus and his pious sisters, in the apostles and the first disciples,
who embraced Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfiller of the law and the prophets, ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 10 the law and.htm

The Promises to the Seven Assemblies.
... made with them from the days of the Exodus to the days of the Minor Prophets. ... of
Zacharias and Elisabeth (Luke 1:5,6), Simeon (Luke 2:25), and Anna (Luke 2:36 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the promises to the seven.htm

Proofs of the Foregoing, Drawn from the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
... of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." [3421] And "Anna" [3422] also ...
of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x proofs of the foregoing.htm

"The Kingdom of God is at Hand"
... In the temple Simeon and Anna had testified to His divinity. ... After His resurrection
He explained to the disciples in "all the prophets" "the things concerning ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 23 the kingdom of.htm

A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... on the left-hand side; and on the right side, the prophets, and the ancestors of
our Lord, as also his near relations, such as Joachim, Anna, Joseph, Zacharias ...
/.../chapter lix a detached account.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... Joachim was no longer alive and Anna had by God's command married again ... home, but
that youth betook himself to Mount Carmel, to the sons of the prophets who had ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org

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What is a prophet in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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