Luke 1:30
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 1:30
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Chapter Context
Luke 1 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-80: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 1:30
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Analysis
The angel's words 'Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God' address Mary's troubled response to the greeting. The phrase 'found favor' (Greek 'heurēs charin,' εὗρες χάριν) echoes Old Testament language (Noah, Moses, David) of God's electing grace. Mary did not earn this favor through merit—she found it by God's sovereign choice. The Greek 'charis' (χάρις, grace/favor) emphasizes unmerited divine kindness. This greeting establishes that the incarnation proceeds from grace, not human worthiness, making Mary's selection a pure act of divine election.
Historical Context
Mary was likely 12-14 years old, the typical age for betrothal in first-century Palestine. As a young virgin from obscure Nazareth, she represented the 'low estate' God habitually chooses to demonstrate His power through weakness (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). The phrase 'found favor' deliberately echoes Hannah's story (1 Samuel 1:18), another barren woman chosen for miraculous conception to birth a prophet (Samuel). Luke emphasizes parallels between the two accounts, showing continuity in God's methods.
Reflection
- How does Mary's 'finding favor' illustrate the doctrine of sovereign grace and divine election?
- What does God's choice of an unknown virgin from Nazareth teach about how He accomplishes His greatest purposes?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Isaiah 41:10, Acts 27:24, Romans 8:31
- Parallel theme: Luke 1:13, 12:32, Isaiah 41:14, 44:2, Matthew 14:27, 28:5