Luke 1
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
These are the things that make us the Christians we are. We are followers of Christ!
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Luke saw it all happen. He's a witness to The Truth and another vital part of The Word getting out.
3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
"Theophilus" = Θεόφιλος Theóphilos, theh-of'-il-os; from G2316 and G5384; friend of God; Theophilus, a Christian: Theophilus, "friend of God".
4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Luke is writing this so that we may clearly understand about the events of his time with Christ and to give us The Gospel in Truth, without any misunderstanding of the facts.
5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
Zacharias is at the end of his duty's in the Temple. "Of the course of Abia", 8th feast which took place during June 13 - June 19 annually, our calendar. Elisabeth was of the lineage of Aaron, being of the line of Levitical priesthood and married a priest continued the line.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
They're both well beyond nature child bearing age.
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
Zacharias in the Temple, doing his duties as priest during the course of Abia. Time period of June 13 - June 19, our calendar.
9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
The custom was to offer their sacrifice to God and those outside would see the smoke of the incense, their prays rose with it for God to hear.
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
They prayed at this time because they believed without the smoke rising, their prayers won't be heard. Superstitious behavior that's no different today. Traditions of humans have created a show for the people and none of it is of God. Our Father hears us everywhere we are, at anytime and without an outwardly act for everyone to see.
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Gabriel has arrived in the Temple, right beside this altar where Zacharia is standing.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Wouldn't you?
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Gabriel names Zacharia and Elisabeth's child. John = Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs, ee-o-an'-nace; of Hebrew origin (H3110); Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites:—John. "YHVH", is a gracious giver", Yah's gift.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
Zacharias, although hearing this from an angel, still doubts what he hears is true. But Gabriel is telling him, they'll be very happy at his birth and others will too.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
The Holy Spirit will enter John before his birth from the womb. Chosen before the foundation of this world age.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
John's going to set the stage for Christ.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
John will be born before The Lord Christ Jesus, with the same power Elijah had to prepare the way for The Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Zacharia's saying, "how do I know what you're saying is the truth?"
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
Gabriel brought some great news from God and Zacharia finds it very hard to believe. Have you ever brought a Word of God you've learned and they scoff at you? This is what Gabriel is dealing with here.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
Because of Zacharias doubt, Gabriel gave him a sign he was of God and The Truth was spoken. Zacharia can't speak until John is born from the womb.
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
Usually Zacharia would burn the incense and come out, but it's taking much longer this time.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
This would have been June 20th, our calendar, the 8th of the feast days during the course of Abia. He is up there in age and he has 30 miles to walk home to Nazareth and this is going to take him 3 days.
24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Zacharia made it home and he and Elisabeth conceived; add 5 months before she let anyone know. This would be around Nov. 23 or 24 depending on if Zacharia needed to rest when he got home on June 23.
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
The people looked at Zacharia and Elisabeth with disgrace because they couldn't have children. God corrected the peoples thoughts. He gave Zacharia and Elisabeth a child. "Reproach" = ὄνειδος óneidos, on'-i-dos; probably akin to the base of G3686; notoriety, i.e. a taunt (disgrace):—reproach, shame.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
60th month is another 30 days from Nov. 23-24, this would be on December 23 or 24th our calendar.
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Gabriel has come to speak with Mary. Mary is engaged to Joseph. Joseph, who is from the lineage of king David.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
She's wondering how.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
JESUS = יְהוֹשׁוּעַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; or יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yᵉhôwshuʻa; YAH's salvation, The Savior of YHVH. Seems here, the translators are trying to convey the importance of this event by using uppercase letters for Christ "JESUS" name.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
Gabriel just told Mary shes going to bear The Son of God, The Savior of the world.
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
She believes Gabriel, but questions how because she's a virgin.
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
The Son of God, Immanuel, God with us. He was foretold from the very beginning. God told us He would come and His purpose. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
Mary's cousin Elisabeth is 6 months pregnant when Mary finds out she to will have a child. Remember the dates? This is December 24th, Mary conceived and John is 6 months old in Elisabeth's womb. By us seeing they are cousins, also shows us why The Lord Christ Jesus is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords". Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Elizabeth and Mary's mom were Levite. Mary's dad being of the tribe of Judah, Ref. Luke 3:23-38
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Gabriel praises God's power. He's letting her know, the power of God is above anything we could perceive. We should always do our best and have that faith of a true Christian, God will do the rest. It's in His time frame and results for us, not ours.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
She's very excited and very willing. "Behold" causes us to pay attention. Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
That very day she conceives, she rushes to Elisabeth's house.
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit:
Because Christ was just conceived and John felt it.
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
"Who am I that the mother of the Messiah would come to me?"
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Mary believed Gabriel and is blessed.
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Mary knew she carried The Saviour for her and the world.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Christ Jesus is for EVERYONE that reveres or loves Him. Every generation from the beginning of time to the end of the ages. If you don't love Him, He isn't going to waste time on you. The Way is given and also, free will. Matthew 7:22-24 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Who do you build the foundation of your day, your life on? Yourself or Christ Jesus?
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
When The Truth comes out, those who reject Him run. We've all been given free will, so if they want to believes lies, He won't stop them. Teaching The Truth to people that love fables is a waste of time.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
God's in control. Those that love the world over Truth, He has taken their seats and given to those of who the world would see as nothing, His election! The signs are everywhere! This generation of the fig tree is the last to see all things come to pass. The worldly just don't care, YET. Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? Matthew 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Seek The Truth, He will fill you full. Those that don't have time for God and The Word, seem to have time for the flesh and crying about things.
54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
Our Father has mercy on those who love and follow Him. He has made things known to those who seek Him and His promises, we remember through His Words. Psalms 93:3 He hath remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Jeremiah 31:3 Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
This is in reference to: Genesis 17:1-8 1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
This would mean, Mary was there when John was born. Mary helped Elisabeth until she gave birth and probably in some way with the birth.
57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
John the Baptist.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
Remember how the same people looked at Zacharia and Elisabeth with "reproach" Ref. vs. 25, well they are very happy for them now. Luke 1:25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. The people looked at Zacharia and Elisabeth with disgrace because they couldn't have children. God corrected the peoples thoughts. He gave Zacharia and Elisabeth a child. "Reproach" = ὄνειδος óneidos, on'-i-dos; probably akin to the base of G3686; notoriety, i.e. a taunt (disgrace):—reproach, shame.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
This was the 8th day circumcision custom for every male of the offspring of Abraham. The crowed wanted John to be called Zacharias after his dad, but Elisabeth wasn't going to allow that.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
They're a bit confused because there isn't anyone of her family named John.
62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
They made signs or a list of names in his family for Zacharias because he at the that moment, couldn't talk.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
Remember verse 20, Gabriel had closed Zacharias's ability to speak because he refused to believe. Gabriel declared Zacharias wouldn't until Johns birth and once Zacharias wrote the name John, it completed the promise. Luke 1:20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
Zacharias got right to work. He went everywhere in Judaea, spreading the news of the events in the Temple and everything Gabriel had told him about who John would be and what was to come. He will be the one to prepare the way for The Lord. Luke 1:15-17 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
News spread about the birth of John being the one who has come to prepare the way for the Lord. People everywhere are questioning what he will do.
67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
This horn is the symbol of strength and courage, He is our deliverance from death, our salvation. Our offense is His Horn, our defense is our shield, our faith. Psalm 92:9-10 9 For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn [Wild Ox]: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Psalm 132:17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. Do you know how to go on the offense when your in the field = world and a lion comes to devour you. You stick him with your horn. It's your defense. Stay in The Word, be ready! 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
This prophecy was given in Genesis and is the 1st prophecy in The Word of God. Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. "Enmity" = division, God keeping the "seed" = sperm separated and allowing two separate eggs to fertilize. One of satans and the other Adam. Through Adam and Eve will come The Lord Christ Jesus and through satan and Eve will come the Kenites # 7014 and 7017. #7014= "Qayin, kah'-yin; same as 7013 (with the play upon the affinity to 7069); Kajin, the name of the first child, also of a place in Palestine, an Oriental tribe: Cain, Kenites. # 7017; "Qiyniy (I Chronicles 2:55), kee-nee'; patron. from 7014, a Kenite or member of the tribe of Kajin: Kenite." The Kenites is not a member of the tribe of Judah or any other tribe of Israel, but from the tribe of Kajin. First prophecy in the Bible. Christ shall bruise the head of satan, upon His return and it was satan's children the Kenites, that bruised the heel of Christ on the cross of Calvary.
71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
When in Christ, those enemies can't hurt you. There is power in His name and in His Word.
72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Our Father will never let you down. He keeps His Word, His promises. He sent His Son for us, that we may have The Way.
73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
The oath to Abram is through his genealogy, his seed, would come The One that would defeat the enemy. Genesis 22:16-17 16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; Evil comes into our lives from many directions, but with God we have been given power in Christ, over all those that try to enter. Truth in The Word, shows us who they are and what their about. Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Hebrews 6:13-14 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. That promise was to be entirely fulfilled by the coming of The Messiah.
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Only Christ, can deliver us from evil. Only in Christ, can you do things without ANY fear.
75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
Zacharias child, John the prophet, prepares the way of The Lord. Moved by the Spirit of God, declaring to humans what he has received by inspiration, about The kingdom of God and The Way to salvation.
77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Without repentance, you can't have salvation. There is no room for self-righteous behavior. Without acknowledging you're a sinner, you won't be forgiven. God has conditions we must follow for salvation or Christ dying was for naught.
78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Christ Jesus is our morning star, our "dayspring". God showed us favor = grace. He showed us mercy. Our Father provided an offering to humans, salvation by Christ, His Son. He's there and has been all along. Why people wait is something only God knows. I'm not sure what took me so long, when I look at my past, things could have been much brighter, far sooner. I needed Christ!
79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
John grew up in the wilderness until that day he would begin crying from that wilderness, announcing our Lord.