the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Analysis & Commentary
Shepherds 'abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night' receive the first angelic announcement of Christ's birth. God's choice of shepherds—among society's lowest classes—to receive heaven's greatest news demonstrates divine inversion of worldly values. The phrase 'keeping watch' (Greek 'phylassontes phylakas,' φυλάσσοντες φυλακάς) means guarding vigilantly, suggesting spiritual alertness. These shepherds faithfully fulfill humble duties while remaining spiritually receptive, making them fitting first witnesses to the Good Shepherd's birth.
Historical Context
Shepherds ranked low in Jewish social hierarchy—ceremonially unclean due to constant contact with animals, unable to observe Sabbath and purity laws strictly, often suspected of theft and dishonesty. Their testimony was inadmissible in court. Yet David was a shepherd when anointed king, and God called Himself Israel's shepherd (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34). The fields near Bethlehem may have been where temple lambs were raised—sacrificial lambs for Jerusalem's temple possibly watched by these shepherds who first witnessed the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin.
Questions for Reflection
What does God's choice of shepherds as first witnesses to Christ's birth teach about the gospel's reach and heaven's values?
How does the shepherds' faithful watching in humble circumstances model spiritual receptivity to divine revelation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Shepherds 'abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night' receive the first angelic announcement of Christ's birth. God's choice of shepherds—among society's lowest classes—to receive heaven's greatest news demonstrates divine inversion of worldly values. The phrase 'keeping watch' (Greek 'phylassontes phylakas,' φυλάσσοντες φυλακάς) means guarding vigilantly, suggesting spiritual alertness. These shepherds faithfully fulfill humble duties while remaining spiritually receptive, making them fitting first witnesses to the Good Shepherd's birth.