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    Women of the Gospels
    New Testament

    Anna

    The Prophetess in the Temple

    The elderly prophetess who recognised the infant Jesus in the temple and gave thanks for redemption.

    Anna

    Luke 2:36-38 introduces Anna, an aged prophetess of the tribe of Asher, widowed early and 'departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day' (2:37 KJV). At the presentation of Jesus she gave thanks and spoke of Him 'to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.'

    Her Story

    Anna had been a widow for eighty-four years when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple. Simeon had just held the child and blessed God; Anna joined immediately with thanksgiving and prophetic witness. She is one of only three women in Scripture explicitly called prophetess in the New Testament (with the daughters of Philip implied).

    What Scripture Teaches

    • 1Of the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36)
    • 2Widowed early; served God in the temple night and day
    • 3Prophetess who recognised the infant Messiah
    • 4Spoke of Jesus to all who waited for redemption (2:38)

    Key KJV Scriptures

    Luke 2:36-38
    "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; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

    Why It Matters

    Anna shows the ministry of widowhood and old age. Decades of fasting and prayer prepared her to recognise the Saviour at first sight and to be a witness to a city awaiting its Messiah.

    Application for Today

    Old age in God's service is fruitful. Pray, fast, and stay near the house of God — your last decades may be your most prophetic.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old was Anna when she met Jesus?

    Luke records 84 years of widowhood plus 7 years of marriage from virginity. Whether this means she was 84 in total or 105+, she had lived a long life entirely devoted to God in the temple.

    Continue Your Study

    Read the full chapters (KJV)

    Luke 2

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