-
The Dedication to Theophilus
Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us,
-
just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us.
-
So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus,
-
so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
-
Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
-
Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.
-
But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
-
When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
-
it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.
-
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.
-
There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.
-
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
-
He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
-
And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”
-
“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”
-
Now listen. You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
-
When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was making signs to them and remained speechless.
-
When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.
-
After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said,
-
Gabriel Predicts Jesus’s Birth
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
-
to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
-
And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”
-
But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.
-
Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
-
Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
