²³ They were fulfilling the Lord’s requirement that “every firstborn Israelite male will be dedicated to the Eternal One as holy.”^{[a] 24} They also offered the sacrifice required by the law of the Lord, “two turtledoves or two young pigeons.”^[b]

²⁵ While fulfilling these sacred obligations at the temple, they encountered a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a just and pious man, anticipating the liberation of Israel from her troubles. He was a man in touch with the Holy Spirit.