Luke 2:36
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Luke 2:36: "And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;"
Anna the prophetess is introduced as a devout, elderly widow who has devoted her life to God in the temple. The details—her lineage, age, and relentless worship—emphasize a person who embodies faithful widowhood and sustained prayer. In Luke, women often stand at the center of faithful witness, and Anna’s presence reinforces the theme that God’s messianic revelation comes through communities beyond the male leadership structures. Her life of fasting and prayer aligns with OT patterns of faithful intercession, and her active proclamation of Jesus’ significance to “all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” demonstrates how personal devotion translates into public testimony. Anna’s encounter with Jesus in the temple is a bridge between sacred expectation and its fulfillment, validating the longings of the faithful who have waited for God to act.
Anna represents a faithful, Spirit-empowered anticipation of God’s salvation. Her role confirms that prophecy and proclamation are not restricted to male figures or formal offices; the Spirit speaks through varied voices, including women who have endured hardship. By blessing God and speaking of Jesus to all who awaited redemption, she models how the church should respond to the arrival of Christ: with gratitude, worship, and evangelistic testimony. Theologically, Anna reinforces the theme of anticipation fulfilled—God’s promises endure across generations, and faithful endurance in prayer yields witness that points others to God’s coming salvation.
For contemporary readers, Anna’s life is a model of steadfast devotion. Practical steps:
- Establish a personal or family routine of daily prayer and Scripture that sustains you through long seasons.
- Involve yourself in a community that prays together and serves others, strengthening you to recognize and share God’s movements.
- Look for opportunities to testify to God’s faithfulness in ordinary moments—like Anna, who supplies a bridge between longing and fulfillment.
- If you are in a season of widowhood or hardship, imitate Anna’s commitment to God as your sustaining bread.
Cross-References: Luke 2:25-38; Acts 2:17-18; 1 Timothy 5:5; Psalm 71:9-12; Luke 1:39-45