Luke 3 1

Luke 3:1 kjv

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,

Luke 3:1 nkjv

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

Luke 3:1 niv

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar?when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene?

Luke 3:1 esv

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

Luke 3:1 nlt

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene.

Luke 3 verses

Luke 3 1 Meaning

Luke 3:1 provides a precise historical synchronization, firmly anchoring the commencement of John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry—the precursor to Jesus Christ's public ministry—within a specific, identifiable period of Roman and local rule. This meticulous dating establishes the foundational events of Christian faith not as vague myths, but as actual occurrences within the known political and geographical landscape of the ancient world. It underscores the reliability and truthfulness of God's work unfolding in human history.

Luke 3 1 Context

Luke 3:1 opens the historical setting for the pivotal transition from the era of the Law and Prophets to the ministry of John the Baptist, which immediately precedes and ushers in the public ministry of Jesus Christ. Following chapters focusing on the births of John and Jesus, this verse meticulously situates John's emergence in time, providing specific civil and religious markers (v. 1-2). This attention to detail grounds the unfolding divine drama in verifiable human history, emphasizing its reality rather than a mythical narrative. It paints a picture of a world under various political powers – the vast Roman Empire and its local client rulers – setting the stage for the Kingdom of God to break forth within and yet transcend these earthly authorities.

Luke 3 1 Word analysis

• In the fifteenth year: This phrase provides a precise chronological anchor. This dating, specifically the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's reign, equates to AD 28/29. This detail highlights Luke's intent to write an "orderly account" (Luke 1:3), emphasizing historical accuracy and presenting the events of salvation as undeniable historical facts, not legends.
• of the reign of Tiberius Caesar:
  • Tiberius (Τιβερίου - Tiberiou) Caesar (Καίσαρος - Kaisaros): Tiberius was the second Roman Emperor, step-son and successor of Augustus. His reign began effectively in AD 14. His name signifies the global reach of the Roman Empire and underscores that the saving work of God unfolded not in an obscure corner of the world, but under the watch of the reigning world power. Luke often links significant events to Roman emperors (cf. Luke 2:1-2 with Augustus).
• Pontius Pilate (Ποντίου Πιλάτου - Pontiou Pilatou): Governor of Judea from AD 26 to 36, best known for his role in Jesus's trial and crucifixion. His inclusion establishes the immediate local political context in Judea where John preached, connecting John's ministry directly to the authority under which Jesus would eventually be condemned. The office of "governor" (ἡγεμονεύοντος - hegemonouontos), specifically "prefect," held significant administrative, military, and judicial power.
• Judea (Ἰουδαίας - Ioudaias): The primary Jewish region where John primarily preached, contrasting with the tetrarchies.
• Herod (Ἡρώδου - Herodou): Refers to Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great. He was a "tetrarch" (τετρααρχοῦντος - tetrarchountos), meaning he ruled a "fourth part" of a region, a client king under Roman authority. He governed Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His role is significant as he would eventually imprison and execute John the Baptist (Luke 3:19-20) and later interact with Jesus (Luke 23:7-12). His presence illustrates the fragmentation of the Herodian kingdom after Herod the Great's death.
• Galilee (Γαλιλαίας - Galilaias): A region in northern Israel, significant as Jesus's primary base of ministry.
• his brother Philip (Φιλίππου δὲ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ - Philippou de tou adelphou autou): Philip the Tetrarch, another son of Herod the Great, ruling Batanea, Trachonitis, and Ituraea, as well as Auranitis, and some parts of Zenodorus’s domain. He ruled from 4 BC to AD 34. This area was northeast of the Sea of Galilee, a less Jewish region.
• Ituraea and Trachonitis (Ἰτουραίας καὶ Τραχωνίτιδος - Itouraias kai Trachonitidos): Regions ruled by Philip, known for their rough terrain and diverse populations, east and northeast of Galilee.
• Lysanias (Λυσανίου - Lysaniou): Tetrarch of Abilene. Less is known about this Lysanias, but some ancient texts mention a ruler of this name. His inclusion reinforces Luke's detailed historical perspective and possibly points to the precise, wide-ranging political divisions impacting the region.
• Abilene (Ἀβιληνῆς - Abilēnēs): A region northwest of Damascus. The reference to Lysanias and Abilene, a non-Jewish territory further from the main Jewish centers, showcases Luke's encyclopedic knowledge of the contemporary political divisions within the broader Levant.

Words-group analysis

• Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias: This list of five prominent rulers from the global emperor down to lesser-known local tetrarchs (who were effectively Roman appointees) collectively forms a "synchronism"—a precise dating mechanism that anchors divine action in historical time. It underscores Luke's meticulousness in historical detail (a characteristic often associated with his medical background) and validates the eyewitness testimonies he relies on (Luke 1:2-3). This level of detail elevates the narrative beyond myth to verifiable history, setting the stage for John’s truly historical, not mythical, prophetic activity. The various rulers also represent the fragmented political landscape under which the unified Kingdom of God would soon be proclaimed.
• reign... governor... tetrarch: These titles signify different levels and forms of authority, all subservient to Roman imperial power. Despite their power and influence, these rulers unknowingly served as a backdrop for God's redemptive plan. The divine initiative was not waiting for an ideal political climate but erupted into a world firmly under human, sometimes oppressive, rule. This also sets up an implicit contrast between temporal earthly power and the eternal spiritual authority that John the Baptist and Jesus would soon manifest.

Luke 3 1 Bonus section

• Luke's practice of synchronizing events with both Roman and Jewish calendars/leaders is unique among the Gospel writers, particularly in Luke 2:1-2 and here. This showcases his writing for a broader, potentially Gentile, audience who would be familiar with Roman dating systems, as well as Jews. It highlights the universality of the message of Christ.
• The detail of various rulers in different territories sets the scene for a time of fragmented power among Jewish people under Roman overlordship, and significant social unrest. Within this environment of human politics and power struggles, God chose to break in, demonstrating His ultimate authority transcends human empires.
• The absence of the "High Priests" (v. 2) in this precise secular dating might subtly contrast human political power with the spiritual authority of the Temple, and signify how God's divine action transcends human religious institutions. However, they are listed immediately after as having divine communication.

Luke 3 1 Commentary

Luke's opening of Chapter 3 is a testament to his scholarly diligence, serving as a critical chronological marker for the commencement of John the Baptist's prophetic ministry. By naming specific rulers—the Roman Emperor Tiberius, the Judean governor Pilate, and the Herodian tetrarchs—Luke anchors the dawn of the Christian narrative firmly within verifiable world history. This precise dating establishes the ministry of John (and subsequently Jesus) as a tangible, factual event, contrasting with the vague chronologies of many ancient religious traditions. It declares that God’s redemptive work is not a mere theological concept but a concrete intervention in the real political and social landscape of humanity, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers and preparing the world for the arrival of the Christ. This historical specificity lends immense credibility to Luke’s account, confirming that the spiritual truth he conveys is deeply rooted in actual events accessible to historical inquiry.