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Luke 2:8
There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
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Interpretation

Jesus teaches a shepherds field that is worked out in limits and longings in Luke 2:8—look for "were" and "lord". Choose shepherds field in conversations that test patience—anchor courage in promise.

Context

Luke speaks here as gospel narrative writing, developing shepherds field. Read in Luke 2, its force becomes clearer. Listen for “were” alongside “lord”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits Luke to Luke the physician (companion of Paul). A common scholarly view of Luke: Anonymous; author also wrote Acts; polished Greek historian‑theologian.. Scholars commonly date Luke AD 80–90. Readers in view for Luke include Broader Greco‑Roman audience.. A careful narrative for a wide audience. A careful historian-theologian frames a universal horizon.

More details
Traditional:Luke the physician (companion of Paul)
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; author also wrote Acts; polished Greek historian‑theologian.
Date:AD 80–90
Audience:Broader Greco‑Roman audience.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not alter the main meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46