Luke 2:1–7

¹ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. ⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Commentary

Vs. 1-3 ¹ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Now during this time Caesar Augustus, the then Roman Ruler wanted everyone in his domain to be registered (apparently for taxation purposes). And so, it was that a decree went out commanding all to be registered (vs. 1). This census also began when Quirinus was ruling Syria (that is he was a military commander temporarily assigned to rule there on an interim basis.) Now because of the logistics of such a massive undertaking this census would not have been completed until sometime afterwards the decree was issued. Thus, Luke by telling us as much is really pinning down the time when these things occurred, at the early stages of this world-wide registry (vs. 2) And so it was everyone went to his own city (that is the place of their birth where their family’s geological records were kept) to be registered (vs. 3).

Vs. 4-5 ⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

Joseph then with Mary his betrothed wife (who was with the Christ child) went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem to be registered there. The significance of this event is that the Christ was according to the prophetic Word of God to be born of the house (i.e. lineage of David) in the land of Judea in Bethlehem, the place of David’s birth (see Micah 5:2). And so unknown to Mary and Joseph this decree was the catalyst by which God was going to fulfill His prophetic Word concerning His Son’s birth.

Vs. 6-7 ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Thus, while it was there in the little town of Bethlehem that Mary’s days were completed and she gave birth. Thus, God’s timing perfectly coincided with all these events so as to bring about Jesus’ birth, being neither premature or late (vs. 6). Now when Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son, she wrapped Him in swaddling cloth’s (that is wrapped Him in long strips of cloth that were then thought to help babies grow straight) and laid Him in a manger, that is in an animals feed trough (likely lined with straw and blankets) because there was no room for Him in the inn. Jesus birth then was the humblest of births, far removed from the comforts and privileges that this world offers its own. So too He would later die outside of their city and on their Cross, despised and rejected by those He came to save.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 1:67-80

 ⁶⁷ Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: ⁶⁸ “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, ⁶⁹ And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, ⁷⁰ As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, ⁷¹ That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, ⁷² To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, ⁷³ The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: ⁷⁴ To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, ⁷⁵ In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. ⁷⁶ “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, ⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, ⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; ⁷⁹ To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” ⁸⁰ So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Commentary

Vs. 67-68 ⁶⁷ Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: ⁶⁸ “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,

With Zacharias’ tongue loosed, he now being filled with the Holy Spirit of God praises Him, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people…,” ^{vs. 67} Zacharias’ then is seeing into the future well beyond John’s yet to be ministry and right into time of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Visitation and Redemptive Ministry and Work. For it is through Jesus and through Him alone that God has both visited and redeemed His people. Now the visitation has already happened (but then was still to occur) and so the Redemption is now an ongoing occurrence to us all who believe in Him, and will be completed for all of Israel at the end of the Tribulation Period before Christ’s Return. Zachariah’s Spiritual vision and clarity of thought and faith is astounding, for he is now praising God for things that were yet to occur as though they already had! 

Vs. 69 "And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,"

Now the expression that God has raised up a “horn of salvation for us” is like saying God has raised up a for us a Strong Savior and Anointed One in the house of David; that is God in accordance with His Word through the lineage of David has raised up for us His salvation to save not only Israel but also all of us who believe in Him. Zacharias then is not referring to John his new born son, but only Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Vs. 70 "As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,"

God throughout history has spoken of these days through His holy prophets, prophets who have been since the world began, thus Zacharias is praising God for having in every generation of mankind his prophets who both believe and declare His Word and His Truth.

Vs. 71 "That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us,"

All of God’s elect, in every generation, have always been and will always be the objects of this world’s wrath, ridicule, and scorn (see Heb. 11; Rev. 16:6, 17:6). Zacharias then clearly seeing into the future sees another aspect of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Redemption and Salvation and that is both our and Israel’s permanent deliverance from all those who hate us (see Jude 14; Rev. 19:11-21- 20:4-15).
 

Vs. 72-75 ⁷² To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, ⁷³ The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: ⁷⁴ To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, ⁷⁵ In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

Zacharias now recalls God’s mercy promised to Israel’s fathers (vs. 72-73), that is too Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (whose name is Israel) and thus His holy covenant to his descendants, the oath which he swore to Abraham (see Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-6; 17:1-27; 22:15-19; then too Isaac, Gen. 26:3-5; then too Jacob, Gen. 28:10-17; Jer. 33:22 etc.) That God would both save and establish Israel forever (Isaiah 54:1-17; Jer. 31:35-37; 33:19-22; Ezekiel 37:21-28 etc.). And so, it is in being delivered from their enemies that they might serve Him without fear, “In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.” (consider Genesis 18:19). Something which every Godly person likewise desires to do, to be able to serve God without fear and in peace, in all manner of righteousness and holiness. No longer oppressed, hounded, and harassed by the ungodly and unbelieving (2 Tim. 3:12).

Vs. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

Zacharias now declares Johns purpose, to be the prophet of the Highest (that is Elijah who is to come, who must first declare the Lords Arrival to His people before His Revealing to them (see Matt. 11:14); just as the angel first prophesied of him (Luke 1:17), thus to be the one to go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways before Him (Malachi 3:1; Matt. 3:3).

Vs. 77-79 ⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, ⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; ⁷⁹ To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

John’s purpose, life, and ministry then was focused and rooted in preparing God’s people for the Lord Jesus Christ’s Arrival (vs. 77-78). For it is through Jesus Christ and Him alone that the tender mercies of our God come to us, through His salvation purchased for us all, by His own shed blood and death on the Cross, by which we now have remission of all our sins the moment we believe in Him (Eph. 1:13-14). Therefore, Zachariah foretells that John is: “To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, ⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;” ^{vs. 77-78}
The Dayspring from on high then is God Himself in the Person of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ who brings light and life to every person and soul who believes in Him, freeing them from the shackles and chains of their sins and Satan and all the evil powers of darkness which hold the whole world under their sway and influence. Verse seventy-nine then shifts from John’s purpose to fully Christ’s who alone is: “To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Matt. 4:16). The Lord Jesus Christ then came to penetrate the darkest recesses of our souls and shine His glorious light where once there was nothing but hopelessness and despair, bringing with Him everlasting life and light, filling us with God’s love, joy, peace, and hope for you and me and all who believe and receive Him as their own!

Vs. 80 “So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.”

After Zacharias prophesy John the Baptist grew from a child into man and the Scripture says he became strong in spirit (that is he became strong in his convictions) and was in the deserts (similar to Elijah who likewise dwelt in the remote regions or wilderness) till the day of his manifestation to Israel. John’s manifestation then being when God commanded him to go and begin baptizing people to prepare them for the Lord Jesus Christ’s Arrival (John 1:29-34). 

Scripture Quotations
New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 1:57–66

⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. ⁵⁹ So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. ⁶⁰ His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” ⁶¹ But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” ⁶² So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. ⁶³ And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. ⁶⁴ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. ⁶⁵ Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. ⁶⁶ And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

Commentary

Vs. 57-58 ⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

When Elizabeth’s full time came, she gave birth to her son and with the child’s birth there was great joy both in her family and in her community because the Lord had mercy on her, granting her a child in her old age, (but not to preserve her husbands lineage, but to prepare the way of the Lord). God then was already beginning to fill His Word that He had spoken about John (see Luke 1:13-14).

Vs. 59-63  ⁵⁹ So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. ⁶⁰ His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” ⁶¹ But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” ⁶² So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. ⁶³ And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.

On the eighth day as was Law and custom they came to circumcise Elizabeth’s new born son, and so it was as the ritual took place, and they were going to name the boy Zacharias after his father, that Elizabeth spoke up and said “No, he shall be called John” just as the angel told Zacharias to name him. (vs. 59-60, see Luke 1:13). Those then performing the ritual were really startled by her saying this, since there was no one named John among their relatives (vs. 61). And so, this was a most unordinary request since Zacharias’ name and legacy could not be perpetuated through his only son of his old age. Therefore, they made signs to Zacharias his father asking him what he would have the baby named (vs. 62). Zacharias then still unable to speak asked for a writing tablet, and with that he wrote, saying, “His name is John.” And when he did so all present there marveled (vs. 63).

Vs. 64-66 ⁶⁴ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. ⁶⁵ Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. ⁶⁶ And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

When Zacharias affirmed that the boy must be named John his mouth was immediately opened and his tongue loosed and he spoke, praising God (vs. 64). Delighting in Him for keeping His Word and promises spoken to Israel (see versus 67-80). Later on, when all the people heard about how his speech was restored when he did so, fear fell upon them, and the people spoke of all these things throughout all the hill county of Judea where he lived (vs. 65). Now many people kept this incident in their hearts saying, “What kind of child will this be?” (vs. 66) for these were some extraordinary events. Now the Scripture says that the hand of the Lord was with John (vs. 66). And so, from very early on in his life John was looked upon by the people as someone whose person and life the Lords hand was truly upon, later on then John during his preaching ministry was rightly seen by them as a prophet sent by God, and yet John was more than just a prophet, he was Christ’s forerunner, sent to declare His Arrival to us all (see Matt. 11:9-11; John 1-3).

Scripture Quotations:

New King James Version. (1882): Thomas Dalke

Luke 1:39–56

 ³⁹ Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰ and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” ⁴⁶ And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. ⁴⁸ For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. ⁴⁹ For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. ⁵⁰ And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. ⁵² He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, ⁵⁵ As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” ⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

Commentary

Vs. 39-40 ³⁹ Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰ and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

When the angels Word came to pass and the Child began to grow in her womb the Word says, Mary “…arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰ and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.” It appears then that Mary in seeking out the Godliest relatives she knew was unaware that Elizabeth was six months pregnant with a child (given by the Will, and for the purposes of God) at that time as well.

Vs. 41 “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Now when Marry greeted Elizabeth the Scripture says that the babe in her womb (i.e. John the Baptist) leaped (i.e. an expression of having great joy) of coming into the Presence of the soon to be born Christ Child. Now not only did that happen, but Elizabeth herself became filled with the Holy Spirit because of the Holy Presence of God came into her midst. These then are not ordinary occurrences for any Godly person to experience, but were given as Divine markers of God’s coming salvation through His Son into the world!

Vs. 42-45 ⁴² Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Elizabeth then being filled with the Holy Spirit now speaks out with a loud voice, not a tentative voice, but a loud voice so as to declare to Mary God’s blessing and favor on her, saying to her: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” ^{vs. 42} If Mary then had any doubts, or needed any reassurances of what was happening to her, then God was going to reassure her through Elizabeth, whom she both knew and trusted, that He is indeed at Work in both her and Elizbeth’s persons and lives. Elizabeth then in having her eyes made wide open by the Spirit of the Lord cannot fathom how the soon to be mother of her Lord would now come to her (vs. 43). Therefore, she now describes to Mary how the babe in her womb leaped for joy as soon as the sound of Mary’s greeting came to her ears (vs. 44). For even the child within her knows the Presence of the Lord. Elizabeth then tells Mary that blessed is she, “for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” ^{vs. 45} Therefore with God reassuring Mary through her relative Elizabeth Mary will now declare her praises for her (and our) Sovereign God and Savior (see vs. 46-56).

Vs. 46-56 ⁴⁶ And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. ⁴⁸ For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. ⁴⁹ For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. ⁵⁰ And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. ⁵¹ He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. ⁵² He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. ⁵⁴ He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, ⁵⁵ As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” ⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.

Preamble:

Now Mary’s declaration here is one of the greatest in all of Scripture; exceeding that of Hannah who similarly rejoiced when God looked upon her lowly and afflicted state and answered her prayer and granted her a son (see 1 Sam. 1-2:1-10).

Vs. 46-47 ⁴⁶ And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

Mary then being filled with the Spirit of the Lord and faith in our God now declares her abounding thanksgiving and praises to Him, saying: “My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Mary’s exuberating in God’s Person and salvation then she cannot contain for God’s people always have, and always will be moved to praise His Everlasting Lovingkindness and Goodness and Faithfulness (Ps. 34). For God is the Most Just, and His mercy is on all who know Him and fear Him, right up to you and I, from the “greatest” of us, to the “lowliest” of us, God’s Grace through His Son’s Person comes to us all who believe in Him.

Vs. 48 “For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.”

Mary then was not a woman of a high stature (she did not lay claim to thrones and dromions, or to rights and privileges, as being someone “special”. She wasn’t a haughty or arrogant woman, and she most definitely wasn’t self assured) but she was of a lowly state, of a humble spirit, and faith filled heart. And so it is that because she was chosen by the Highest to bring forth His Son into the world all generations will call her blessed. Because God looked on her lowly state and He exalted her to be His own.

Vs. 49 “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.”

Therefore, Mary now declares that God who is Mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name (vs. 49). For God’s Name isn’t to be taken in vain, it isn’t to be blasphemed, it is to be revered and praised! Just as Mary who being Spirit filled is doing.

Vs. 50 “And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.”

The great truths that this Spirit filled woman of God is bringing forth continues, for truly God’s mercy is on everyone who fears Him from generation to generation (consider Acts 10:34-35).

Vs. 51 “He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”

Throughout the Scriptures God’s strength and His deliverance of His people is both shown and praised. For truly God scatters the proud (the arrogant, the unbelieving) in the imagination of their hearts; either by direct intervention, or by leaving them to their own degenerate pursuits and folly. For these are the ones who always reject God s Person, Word, and Rule, and oppress His own (Psalm 119:122). Therefore, God deals with them, and will deal with them according to their own works and ways. For some verses on the proud and or God’s dealings with them see: Job 9:13; Ps. 40:4, 119:69-70, 78, 85, 123:3-4, 138:6; Prov. 15:25, 16:19; Ecc. 7:8; Isaiah 2:11-12; 13:11; 29:20; Malachi 4:1; James 4:6 etc.)

Vs. 52 “He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.”

Mary is not the first lowly servant of the Lord to be exalted by the Lord, (nor will she be the last), for in God’s Kingdom the mighty and powerful who trust in and rule the kingdoms of this world by their own strength and power will be brought down, and the lowly will be exalted in their place (consider 1 Samuel 2:8; Job 5:11; Psalm 107:41; 113:4-7; 138:6; Zech. 9:9; 2 Cor. 10:1 etc.)

Vs. 53 “He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.”

Throughout the Scripture God has, and promises to fill the hungry with God things, (consider Job 36:15; Psalm 9:17-18; 12:5; 14:6; 22:26; 35:10; 68:10; 69:33; 72:4, 12, 13; 109:31; 140:12; Isaiah 11:4; 14:30, 32; 25:4; 26:6; 29:19; 41:17; 61:1; Jer. 20:13; Luke 6:20-23 etc,) while sending the rich of this world who have heaped up treasures for themselves empty, devoid of any of the true blessings of God both here and now and for all eternity (consider Psalm 9:17-18; Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:24-26; James 1:9-11; 5:1-6 etc.).

Vs. 54-55 ⁵⁴ He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, ⁵⁵ As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Mary’s finial declaration of praise is to recall God’s faithfulness to Israel, in remembrance of His mercy to His people as He promised their ancestral fathers He would, and now is fulfilling that promise in these days. A promise that began with Abraham and continues to his seed forever. Israel and all those who are of the faith of Abraham will never be forsaken by God (Deut. 31:6; Matt. 28:19-20; Heb. 13:5).

Vs. 56 “And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.”

Mary stayed then with Elizabeth three months while the Child grew inside her, enjoying their very unique bond and fellowship during that time until Elizabeth gave birth. Now when Mary returned to her house her pregnancy would’ve been readily apparent to all (see Matt. 1:18-25). 

Scripture Quotations
New King James Version. (!982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 1:26–38

²⁶ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” ²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” ³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” ³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.” ³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Commentary

Vs. 26-27 ²⁶ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

Now in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth (vs. 26), For it was there that a young virgin named Marry who was betrothed to a man named Joseph who was of the house of David. Several very important things then are taking place here. First is that the Christ was to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and as we are about to see Mary was that virgin chosen by God to bring forth His Son into the world. Next is that the Christ was to be of the seed of David (that is a descendent of king David), for it was through David that God has established an everlasting throne for His Son, that one day He will reign from (1 Chr. 17:11-14; Ps. 89:3-4; 132:11 etc.). Therefore, the angel Gabriel according to the Will of God has now come to Mary, for the fulfillment of God’s prophetic Word and Promises of bringing forth His Son into the world is going to come through her.

Vs. 28-29 ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” ²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

Now when the angel Gabriel entered the house where Mary was, he greeted her by saying: “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” ^{vs. 28} His greeting then which was to elevate her spirit and prepare her for his complete declaration to her initially only troubled her. For she being ignorant of God’s disposition towards her, (highly favored one, gr. kecharitōmenē, related to charitoō) and His plans for her (to bring forth His Son), initially only troubled her, for no one would’ve ever greeted her like that before! Nonetheless the Scripture says she considered what manner of greeting this was. For truly she was most blessed amongst woman, in being chosen by God for this special privilege.

Vs. 30-33 ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

The angel then seeing Mary’s troubled state now reassures her, telling her not to be afraid, for she has found favor (gr. charin from charis) with God (vs. 30). That is God is delighted to make her the woman to bring forth His Son into the world. Having told Mary that she has found favor with God, the angel Gabriel now tells her that she will conceive and bear a Son whose Name shall be Jesus (vs. 31, which means Savior for as Matthews Gospel reveals He shall save His people from their sins (see Matt. 1:21). Therefore, He will be great, for He will be called the Son of the Highest, (i.e. God

Almighty). And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David (vs. 32). That is the everlasting throne that He established through His servant David for Him to reign on. Now that Jesus’ father is said to be David means that His human genealogical descendance is through David in accord with the Word of God in order to fulfill it (1 Chr. 17:11-14; Ps. 89:3-4; 132:11 etc.), for Jesus is the Promised Messiah, the Person of God to whom all the Scriptures point too. Therefore, the angel also says that Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob (i.e. Israel), forever! And He concludes by saying: “and of His kingdom there will be no end.” A gripping declaration that both astonishes and delights the depths one ones being.

Vs. 34-35 ³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” ³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

Mary upon hearing the angel’s declaration cannot fathom how she being a virgin can possible conceive a child, for she does not know a man (vs. 34, that is she is not intimate with her betrothed husband Joseph) for that is something that they have each reserved themselves for their wedding night. Therefore, the angel tells her that: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” Therefore, Mary’s conception will be by the Holy Spirit placing in her womb the Holy Seed so that the Son born to her would not be by human conception but by Holy Spirit Intervention, therefore the Son born to her will be called the Son of God (vs. 35). Jesus then would be born a mortal man, and yet He would not have come through man, but from God, who He Is and where He Is.

Vs. 36-38 ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.” ³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

To affirm his word to her the angel now tells Mary that Elizabeth (her relative) has conceived a son in her old age, that indeed she has been with child for six months (vs. 36), thus Elizabeth who throughout her whole life was barren has now by the Divine Will of God conceived in her old age a child, therefore the angel assures Mary that his word to her will come to pass by saying: “for with God nothing shall be impossible.” Which not only applies to Mary, but also to you, and everyone who repents and believes in Him. For God is the God of possibilities in the face of “impossible.” Mary then upon hearing that does not doubt, but commits herself to the Word spoken through the angel to her by saying: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” ^{vs. 38} And with that the angel departs from her (vs. 39). 

Scripture Quotations
New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 1:18–25

¹⁸ And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” ¹⁹ And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. ²⁰ But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” ²¹ And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. ²² But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. ²³ So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. ²⁴ Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, ²⁵ “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Commentary:

Vs. 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

Now Zachariah in hearing the angel’s declaration to him cannot fathom how this can happen since both he and his wife Elizabeth are old and Elizabeth is well advanced in years (meaning well beyond normal child bearing years). Zachariah’s doubts though seemingly understandable to some are inexcusable at a time such as this, since as a priest of God, serving in the Temple of God, and while offering the holy incense to then have God send an angel to him during this once in a lifetime moment for him to declare His Word to him should’ve been more than enough to have him believe and simply say, so let your word be established (or something similar) as Mary will say when the angel appears to her (Luke 1:34-38). Instead Zachariah doubts the angel’s word by looking at these things through the natural eyes of “reason|”, and not through the Spiritual eyes of faith. Something that is not unique to him. Therefore, we all must guard ourselves from this and remember that it is believing trusting faith that alone is pleasing to God. Everything else then is to be born out of it (consider Heb.11:6, also Luke 17:6; Phil. 4:13 etc.).

Vs. 19-20 ¹⁹ And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. ²⁰ But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

Therefore, upon hearing Zachariah’s doubts the angel now announces to him that he is Gabriel, who stands in the Presence of the Lord, and that he was sent to Zachariah to bring these glad tidings to him (vs. 19). Nonetheless because Zachariah did not believe his words the angel Gabriel now tells him that he will be mute until his words are fulfilled in their own time (vs. 20). Zachariah then will be a sign to all whom he encounters until the fulfillment of God’s Word which was spoken to him.

Vs. 21 “And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.”

Unaware of what was transpiring inside the people marvel that Zacharias is taking so long. For the incense offering should’ve taken place by now.  

Vs. 22 “But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.”

And so, it is that as Zacharias comes out to the people praying, he is unable to speak to them, and the people likely seeing the amazed look on his face perceive that he has seen a vision while ministering in the Temple, for he beckons them to come to him while he remains speechless before them.

Vs. 23-25 “So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. ²⁴ Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, ²⁵ “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

After Zachariah’s days of service were completed, he departed to his own house, and just as the angel had told him his wife Elizabeth conceived. And she hid herself away from public view for five months (vs. 24), saying: “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” ^{vs. 25} Now Elizabeth’s doing so may have been born out of not wanting to be a public spectacle, or come under public scrutiny as she had been previously when barren, thus she chooses rather to stay hidden away for five months and rejoice in the Lord’s kindness towards her in her old age and remain sanctified for Him alone. 

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version. (1982): Thomas Nelson

Luke 1:11-17

 ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. ¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And 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 shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘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.”

Commentary

Vs. 11-12 ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

And so it is that as Zacharias is performing this priestly duty offering up the Holy incense on the Golden Altar, that an angel of the Lord appears to him standing at the right side of the Altar. When Zacharias saw him, he was troubled (gr. tαράσσω, which means to be greatly troubled, to experience “great emotional distress”) and fear fell upon him. Zacharias then was shocked by the angel’s presence as he was offering the holy incense. Something which he did not expect to happen, nor had he ever experienced before.

Vs. 13-17 ¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And 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 shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘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.”

Therefore, the angel knowing that Zacharias is afraid first reassures him, saying to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (vs.13). Now along with telling Zacharias to name the child John, the angel tells him that not only will he have joy and gladness because of the child, but many people will rejoice at his birth (vs. 14). For the son born to him will grow into the man who will announce the coming of the Christ to God’s people. Therefore, the angel tells him that this child will be great in the sight of the Lord, for John will be set apart for the Lord and his purposes, therefore he shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, for he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb (vs. 15). Therefore, the angel also announces that John will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (vs. 16). For he shall go before Him, that is the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘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.” (vs. 16-17). It is then an incredible declaration to this humble priest who in his old age will bear a son who will announce Christ’s Arrival. God then has remembered His people, and in remembering them He has also remembered his faithful servant Zacharias and his wife.

Scripture Quotations 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Luke 1:5-10

⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. ⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.

Commentary
Vs. 5 “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.”

To begin then Luke recalls the birth of John the Baptist, which occurred in the days of Herod, king of Judea. This is important since John was Christ’s forerunner sent by God to announce His Arrival. Now in this Luke begins with John’s parents, first his father Zacharias who was a priest belonging to the division of Abijah, while John’s mother was of the daughters of Aaron (that is a daughter of a priest), thus both of John’s parents were holy and consecrated people, set apart to our God (see Lev. 21:7, 13-15, 22:12).

Vs. 6 “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

Not only were Zacharias and Elizabeth both descendants of Aaron, Moses brother, to whom God gave the priesthood (Num.18:7, 20), but both were walking in the commandments and ordinances of Lord blameless.

Vs. 7 “But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.”

And though both were blameless they had no child, for the Lord had not given them a child, at least not yet. Theirs then was not to be lives lived raising and nurturing children, but their lives were from the beginning set apart for the Lord’s service and so the child that would be born to them in their old age would likewise be set apart to the Lord. John the Baptist then would having no sibling rivalry; nor would he enter the priesthood as his father had, for John by God’s design would have one purpose and one alone, and that was to prepare God’s people for the Coming of the Lord.

Vs. 8-10 ⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.

Now as Zacharias was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, (see 1 Chr. 28:11-13; 2 Chr. 35:1-6 to understand the priests divisions), his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord (vs. 8-9). This was the most coveted of the priestly duties, being performed on the Golden Altar (Exodus 30:6), and obtained by him through the casting of lots. Now because of the number of priests at that time (upwards of twenty thousand) it is believed impossible for a man to perform this duty more than once in his lifetime (see Vincent’s Word studies). And so it was that while the people were praying. and the sacrificial lamb was being slain on the Burnt Offering Altar outside the Temple, that the officiating priest would place the Holy incense on the fire on the already prepared Golden Altar, so that the smoke then ascending would symbolize the prayers of God’s people rising to heaven (consider Rev. 8:3-4). And so it was while Zacharias was doing so, and the whole multitude of people were praying outside at the hour of incense. That an angel appears to him to tell him that his prayers have been answered (vs. 11). Little then did Zacharias or the multitude know that their prayers were soon to be answered, Zacharias’ in the Lord giving him a son, and no ordinary son, but a son who would be according to God’s prophetic Word the man to prepare the way of the Lord for His Coming to His people; and the people in that their (and the generations of peoples before them) who also longed for, and prayed for, and were awaiting on the Coming of the Lord would now have His Holy coming announced to them in their generation through the son that was to be born to Zacharias. The prayers of generations then were going to be answered. For Zacharias by the providence of God is the priest (in accordance with his name, for Zacharias means “God has remembered”) that God begins to set in motion His plans in bringing forth His Son to save His people (and all people who believe in Him, John 3:16) from their sins, and so it was that this humble and faithful priest is going to have God’s salvation which was soon to dawn upon humanity announced to him first. For God always remembers His own, and always brings joy and blessings through those who are faithful to Him.

Scripture Quotations 
The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Luke 1:1-4

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, ² just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, ³ it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

Commentary

To begin Luke opens his Gospel with a brief explanation as to why he has written it, and that is to clarify all of the accounts of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Life, Death, and Resurrection. Thus, to present an orderly account (i.e. a narrative, gr. epeidēper, which means a complete or full narrative) of all the events that the Lord Jesus Christ has fulfilled in accord with the Word of God. Now in this Luke has the first-hand accounts from the those who were eye witnesses and ministers of the Word delivered to them by Him for us all, (thus Luke has His Word from the Apostles, and then the testimony of the ,early disciples of Jesus including the Apostle Paul whom he was ministering the Gospel with) and thus Luke having access to these can say he has perfect understanding of all things from the very first. Now in wanting to bring forth an accurate account of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Life, Death, and Resurrection for his friend Theophilus, Luke say’s his Gospel is given so, “that you may that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke then in writing his Gospel wants to remove any doubts and fill in any gaps in the Gospel Narrative that Theophilus has, so as to assure Theophilus of all the things that he has been instructed in. Could Luke have known that when he began this good work that it would not only strengthen Theophilus’ faith, but many generations of believers after him? Now Luke may not have known, but the Lord knew, and through Luke by the Holy Spirit brought forth a written Gospel account that not only builds and strengthens people’s faith in Him, but also filled in some aspects of the three other Gospel accounts, so as to tie together and unify them all, so as to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to us all, through them all. 

Scripture Quotations 

The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.