Topical Bible: Ministers: Faithful: Simeon

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Simeon, a devout and righteous man, is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for his faithfulness and dedication to God. His account is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, where he is depicted as a man who eagerly awaited the consolation of Israel and was guided by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Account

Simeon's encounter with the infant Jesus is recorded in Luke 2:25-35. The passage describes him as a man in Jerusalem who was "righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him" (Luke 2:25). This introduction highlights Simeon's piety and his anticipation of the Messiah, reflecting his deep faith and commitment to God's promises.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26). This divine revelation underscores Simeon's unique role and the special favor he received from God. His life exemplifies a faithful minister who lived in expectation of God's salvation.

Encounter with Jesus

Guided by the Spirit, Simeon went to the temple courts at the precise moment when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to perform the customary rites of the Law. Upon seeing the child, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, declaring:

"Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).

This proclamation, often referred to as the "Nunc Dimittis," reveals Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. His words reflect a profound understanding of the Messiah's role not only for Israel but also for the Gentiles, indicating a broader scope of God's redemptive plan.

Prophetic Insight

Simeon's faithfulness is further demonstrated through his prophetic words to Mary. He blessed them and said to Mary, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul as well" (Luke 2:34-35). This prophecy foreshadows the opposition Jesus would face and the sorrow Mary would endure, highlighting Simeon's role as a faithful minister who speaks truthfully about God's unfolding plan.

Legacy of Faithfulness

Simeon's life and actions serve as an enduring example of faithfulness and devotion. His readiness to embrace God's promise and his willingness to speak prophetically about the Messiah's mission illustrate the characteristics of a faithful minister. Simeon's account encourages believers to live in anticipation of God's promises, to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and to faithfully proclaim the truth of God's salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:1
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... with some of our teachers, take Simeon, and Lucius ... the twelve thousand or more
evangelical ministers in the ... need of constant care and faithful instruction, and ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

Careful Treatment Required.
... The little circle of saints, Mary, Simeon, Anna, John, who ... than Christmas or Easter;
that unhappily many ministers, otherwise faithful, advance many ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/i careful treatment required.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... the two disciples labored unitedly in faithful ministry, bringing ... is calling not
only upon ministers, but also ... and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

The Life of Mr. James Guthrie.
... with a generation of carnal corrupt time-serving ministers. ... Scotland there is a true
and faithful ministry, and ... concluded with the words of old Simeon, Now let ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 3.htm

Preface
... Truly the prophecy of old Simeon had been fulfilled ... for the Church if all her ministers
had always ... as Peter recommended to be appointed, faithful "witnesses to ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/preface.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles.
... unblemished, that hast flashed unto the faithful the never ... theologians and God-seers "
were the ministers of the ... A sword, as Simeon hath said, did pierce thy ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ix the service common.htm

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the ...
... Simeon and Anna, by the interior instinct of the Holy ... known by angels, who are the
ministers of God ... to the summit of a mountain with faithful assiduity: whence ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth should have 3.htm

The Comforter
... Good old Simeon called Jesus the consolation of Israel; and so he ... come to pass, that
in all times God's ministers have been ... But next, he is a faithful Comforter ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the comforter.htm

The Law, and the Prophecy.
... with man; he is the truthful faithful, and merciful God ... with God, in distinction
from the ministers of the ... kindred and friends, in the venerable Simeon, and the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 10 the law and.htm

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... Men and brethren, hearken unto me; Simeon hath declared ... [3242] We also appoint that
the ministers, and singers ... who has been but once married, faithful, and well ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm