11 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things [1] accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning [2]were eyewitnesses and [3] servants of the [4]word , 3 it seemed fitting for me as well , having [5]investigated everything carefully from the beginning , to write it out for you in consecutive order , most excellent Theophilus ; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been [6] taught .
5 In the days of Herod , king of Judea , there was a priest named [7]Zacharias , of the division of [8]Abijah ; and he had a wife [9]from the daughters of Aaron , and her name was Elizabeth . 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God , walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord . 7 But they had no child , because Elizabeth was barren , and they were both advanced in [10]years . 8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division , 9 according to the custom of the priestly office , he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense . 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense . 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear [11]gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, " Do not be afraid , Zacharias , for your petition has been heard , and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son , and you will [12]give him the name John . 14 "You will have joy and gladness , and many will rejoice at his birth . 15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord ; and he will drink no e wine or liquor , and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit [13]while yet in his mother's womb . 16 "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God . 17 "It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah , TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN , and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous , so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord ." 18 Zacharias said to the angel , "How e will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in [14]years ." 19 The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel , who [15] stands in the presence of God , and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news . 20 "And behold , you shall be silent and unable e to speak until the day when these things take place , because e you did not believe my words , which will be fulfilled in their proper time ." 21 The people were waiting for Zacharias , and were wondering at his delay in the temple . 22 But when he came out, he was unable e to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple ; and he kept [16]making signs to them, and remained mute . 23 When the days of his priestly service were ended , he went back home . 24 After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant , and she [17]kept herself in seclusion for five months , saying , 25 "This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men ."
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth , 27 to a virgin [18]engaged to a man whose name was Joseph , of the [19]descendants of David ; and the virgin's name was [20]Mary . 28 And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings , [21]favored one! The Lord [22]is with you." 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement , and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, " Do not be afraid , Mary ; for you have found favor with God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:1-30
Commentary on Luke 1:1-4
(Read Luke 1:1-4)
Luke will not write of things about which Christians may safely differ from one another, and hesitate within themselves; but the things which are, and ought to be surely believed. The doctrine of Christ is what the wisest and best of men have ventured their souls upon with confidence and satisfaction. And the great events whereon our hopes depend, have been recorded by those who were from the beginning eye-witnesses and ministers of the word, and who were perfected in their understanding of them through Divine inspiration.
Commentary on Luke 1:5-25
(Read Luke 1:5-25)
The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and it could not be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. While Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. All the prayers we offer up to God, are acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the temple of God above. We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray, and pray with our spirits, and are not earnest in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and bring an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who ever lives, making intercession. The prayers Zacharias often made, received an answer of peace. Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are not forgotten. Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world, may be answered when we are old and going out of the world. Mercies are doubly sweet that are given in answer to prayer. Zacharias shall have a son in his old age, who shall be instrumental in the conversion of many souls to God, and preparing them to receive the gospel of Christ. He shall go before Him with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures. The disobedient and rebellious would be brought back to the wisdom of their righteous forefathers, or rather, brought to attend to the wisdom of that Just One who was coming among them. Zacharias heard all that the angel said; but his unbelief spake. In striking him dumb, God dealt justly with him, because he had objected against God's word. We may admire the patience of God towards us. God dealt kindly with him, for thus he prevented his speaking any more distrustful, unbelieving words. Thus also God confirmed his faith. If by the rebukes we are under for our sin, we are brought to give the more credit to the word of God, we have no reason to complain. Even real believers are apt to dishonour God by unbelief; and their mouths are stopped in silence and confusion, when otherwise they would have been praising God with joy and gratitude. In God's gracious dealings with us we ought to observe his gracious regards to us. He has looked on us with compassion and favour, and therefore has thus dealt with us.
Commentary on Luke 1:26-38
(Read Luke 1:26-38)
We have here an account of the mother of our Lord; though we are not to pray to her, yet we ought to praise God for her. Christ must be born miraculously. The angel's address means only, Hail, thou that art the especially chosen and favoured of the Most High, to attain the honour Jewish mothers have so long desired. This wondrous salutation and appearance troubled Mary. The angel then assured her that she had found favour with God, and would become the mother of a son whose name she should call Jesus, the Son of the Highest, one in a nature and perfection with the Lord God. JESUS! the name that refreshes the fainting spirits of humbled sinners; sweet to speak and sweet to hear, Jesus, a Saviour! We know not his riches and our own poverty, therefore we run not to him; we perceive not that we are lost and perishing, therefore a Saviour is a word of little relish. Were we convinced of the huge mass of guilt that lies upon us, and the wrath that hangs over us for it, ready to fall upon us, it would be our continual thought, Is the Saviour mine? And that we might find him so, we should trample on all that hinders our way to him. Mary's reply to the angel was the language of faith and humble admiration, and she asked no sign for the confirming her faith. Without controversy, great was the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, 1 Timothy 3:16. Christ's human nature must be produced so, as it was fit that should be which was to be taken into union with the Divine nature. And we must, as Mary here, guide our desires by the word of God. In all conflicts, let us remember that with God nothing is impossible; and as we read and hear his promises, let us turn them into prayers, Behold the willing servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word.