Anna the prophetess in the temple

Luke pairs Simeon with Anna at Jesus's presentation. She began to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Two witnesses — one man, one woman — identify the Messiah at the temple gate.

Luke 2:36–38 introduces Anna, daughter of Phanuel, a widow who had spent decades in the temple fasting and praying. Luke explicitly calls her a prophet — the same word used of Deborah and Huldah. She recognizes the infant Jesus, thanks God, and begins a public proclamation to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke's gospel, throughout, deliberately pairs male and female figures (Simeon and Anna; Zechariah and Mary; Jairus's daughter and the bleeding woman; the lost sheep and the lost coin). Anna is the first person in the New Testament to publicly preach about Jesus.