Luke 1

1 quoniam quidem multi conati sunt ordinare narrationem quae in nobis conpletae sunt rerum
2 sicut tradiderunt nobis qui ab initio ipsi viderunt et ministri fuerunt sermonis
3 visum est et mihi adsecuto a principio omnibus diligenter ex ordine tibi scribere optime Theophile
4 ut cognoscas eorum verborum de quibus eruditus es veritatem
5 fuit in diebus Herodis regis Iudaeae sacerdos quidam nomine Zaccharias de vice Abia et uxor illi de filiabus Aaron et nomen eius Elisabeth
6 erant autem iusti ambo ante Deum incedentes in omnibus mandatis et iustificationibus Domini sine querella
7 et non erat illis filius eo quod esset Elisabeth sterilis et ambo processissent in diebus suis
8 factum est autem cum sacerdotio fungeretur in ordine vicis suae ante Deum
9 secundum consuetudinem sacerdotii sorte exiit ut incensum poneret ingressus in templum Domini
10 et omnis multitudo erat populi orans foris hora incensi
11 apparuit autem illi angelus Domini stans a dextris altaris incensi
12 et Zaccharias turbatus est videns et timor inruit super eum
13 ait autem ad illum angelus ne timeas Zaccharia quoniam exaudita est deprecatio tua et uxor tua Elisabeth pariet tibi filium et vocabis nomen eius Iohannem
14 et erit gaudium tibi et exultatio et multi in nativitate eius gaudebunt
15 erit enim magnus coram Domino et vinum et sicera non bibet et Spiritu Sancto replebitur adhuc ex utero matris suae
16 et multos filiorum Israhel convertet ad Dominum Deum ipsorum
17 et ipse praecedet ante illum in spiritu et virtute Heliae ut convertat corda patrum in filios et incredibiles ad prudentiam iustorum parare Domino plebem perfectam
18 et dixit Zaccharias ad angelum unde hoc sciam ego enim sum senex et uxor mea processit in diebus suis
19 et respondens angelus dixit ei ego sum Gabrihel qui adsto ante Deum et missus sum loqui ad te et haec tibi evangelizare
20 et ecce eris tacens et non poteris loqui usque in diem quo haec fiant pro eo quod non credidisti verbis meis quae implebuntur in tempore suo
21 et erat plebs expectans Zacchariam et mirabantur quod tardaret ipse in templo
22 egressus autem non poterat loqui ad illos et cognoverunt quod visionem vidisset in templo et ipse erat innuens illis et permansit mutus
23 et factum est ut impleti sunt dies officii eius abiit in domum suam
24 post hos autem dies concepit Elisabeth uxor eius et occultabat se mensibus quinque dicens
25 quia sic mihi fecit Dominus in diebus quibus respexit auferre obprobrium meum inter homines
26 in mense autem sexto missus est angelus Gabrihel a Deo in civitatem Galilaeae cui nomen Nazareth
27 ad virginem desponsatam viro cui nomen erat Ioseph de domo David et nomen virginis Maria
28 et ingressus angelus ad eam dixit have gratia plena Dominus tecum benedicta tu in mulieribus
29 quae cum vidisset turbata est in sermone eius et cogitabat qualis esset ista salutatio
30 et ait angelus ei ne timeas Maria invenisti enim gratiam apud Deum
31 ecce concipies in utero et paries filium et vocabis nomen eius Iesum
32 hic erit magnus et Filius Altissimi vocabitur et dabit illi Dominus Deus sedem David patris eius
33 et regnabit in domo Iacob in aeternum et regni eius non erit finis
34 dixit autem Maria ad angelum quomodo fiet istud quoniam virum non cognosco
35 et respondens angelus dixit ei Spiritus Sanctus superveniet in te et virtus Altissimi obumbrabit tibi ideoque et quod nascetur sanctum vocabitur Filius Dei
36 et ecce Elisabeth cognata tua et ipsa concepit filium in senecta sua et hic mensis est sextus illi quae vocatur sterilis
37 quia non erit inpossibile apud Deum omne verbum
38 dixit autem Maria ecce ancilla Domini fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum et discessit ab illa angelus
39 exsurgens autem Maria in diebus illis abiit in montana cum festinatione in civitatem Iuda
40 et intravit in domum Zacchariae et salutavit Elisabeth
41 et factum est ut audivit salutationem Mariae Elisabeth exultavit infans in utero eius et repleta est Spiritu Sancto Elisabeth
42 et exclamavit voce magna et dixit benedicta tu inter mulieres et benedictus fructus ventris tui
43 et unde hoc mihi ut veniat mater Domini mei ad me
44 ecce enim ut facta est vox salutationis tuae in auribus meis exultavit in gaudio infans in utero meo
45 et beata quae credidit quoniam perficientur ea quae dicta sunt ei a Domino
46 et ait Maria magnificat anima mea Dominum
47 et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo
48 quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes
49 quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est et sanctum nomen eius
50 et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies timentibus eum
51 fecit potentiam in brachio suo dispersit superbos mente cordis sui
52 deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles
53 esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes
54 suscepit Israhel puerum suum memorari misericordiae
55 sicut locutus est ad patres nostros Abraham et semini eius in saecula
56 mansit autem Maria cum illa quasi mensibus tribus et reversa est in domum suam
57 Elisabeth autem impletum est tempus pariendi et peperit filium
58 et audierunt vicini et cognati eius quia magnificavit Dominus misericordiam suam cum illa et congratulabantur ei
59 et factum est in die octavo venerunt circumcidere puerum et vocabant eum nomine patris eius Zacchariam
60 et respondens mater eius dixit nequaquam sed vocabitur Iohannes
61 et dixerunt ad illam quia nemo est in cognatione tua qui vocetur hoc nomine
62 innuebant autem patri eius quem vellet vocari eum
63 et postulans pugillarem scripsit dicens Iohannes est nomen eius et mirati sunt universi
64 apertum est autem ilico os eius et lingua eius et loquebatur benedicens Deum
65 et factus est timor super omnes vicinos eorum et super omnia montana Iudaeae divulgabantur omnia verba haec
66 et posuerunt omnes qui audierant in corde suo dicentes quid putas puer iste erit etenim manus Domini erat cum illo
67 et Zaccharias pater eius impletus est Spiritu Sancto et prophetavit dicens
68 benedictus Deus Israhel quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebi suae
69 et erexit cornu salutis nobis in domo David pueri sui
70 sicut locutus est per os sanctorum qui a saeculo sunt prophetarum eius
71 salutem ex inimicis nostris et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos
72 ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris et memorari testamenti sui sancti
73 iusiurandum quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum
74 daturum se nobis ut sine timore de manu inimicorum nostrorum liberati serviamus illi
75 in sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso omnibus diebus nostris
76 et tu puer propheta Altissimi vocaberis praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius
77 ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius in remissionem peccatorum eorum
78 per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri in quibus visitavit nos oriens ex alto
79 inluminare his qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis
80 puer autem crescebat et confortabatur spiritu et erat in deserto usque in diem ostensionis suae ad Israhel

Images for Luke 1

Luke 1 Commentary

Chapter 1

This evangelist is generally supposed to have been a physician, and a companion of the apostle Paul. The style of his writings, and his acquaintance with the Jewish rites and usages, sufficiently show that he was a Jew, while his knowledge of the Greek language and his name, speak his Gentile origin. He is first mentioned ( acts 16:10 acts 16:11 ) , as with Paul at Troas, whence he attended him to Jerusalem, and was with him in his voyage, and in his imprisonment at Rome. This Gospel appears to be designed to supersede many defective and unauthentic narratives in circulation, and to give a genuine and inspired account of the life, miracles, and doctrines of our Lord, learned from those who heard and witnessed his discourses and miracles.

The Preface. (1-4) Zacharias and Elisabeth. (5-25) Christ's birth announced. (26-38) Interview of Mary and Elisabeth. (39-56) The birth of John the Baptist. (57-66) The song of Zacharias. (67-80)

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.

Verses 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.

Verses 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 ( 1 Timothy. 3:16 ) 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.

Verses 39-56 It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary's arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away.

Verses 57-66 In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event.

Verses 67-80 Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering; it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing; it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which will bring us to peace at last, ( Romans 3:17 ) . John gave proofs of strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness; but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the forerunner of the Messiah. Let us follow peace with all men, as well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO LUKE

The writer of this Gospel, Luke, has been, by some, thought, as Origen {a} relates, to be the same with Lucius, mentioned in Ro 16:21, but he seems rather to be, and without doubt is, Luke the beloved physician, who was a companion of the Apostle Paul in great part of his travels in the Gentile world: he came with him to Jerusalem, and from thence accompanied him to Rome, and continued with him when in prison, and was with him to the last; see Ac 16:10,11 \Col 4:14 2Ti 4:11 Phm 1:24\. Jerom {b}, and others, say, he was a physician of Antioch in Syria; where it may be the Apostle Paul met with him, and might be the happy instrument of his conversion; so that he seems to be, by nation, a Syrian, as Jerom {c} calls him. Grotius thinks his name is Roman, and that it is the contraction of Lucilius. It is not an Hebrew name, but might be in common use in Syria; for though the Jews reckon owqwl, "Lukus", among foreign names, yet say {d} a it was a very illustrious one, and well known to them, as it may well be thought to be if Syriac, the language being spoke by them: and many Jews lived in Syria, and particularly in Antioch. Some say that this Gospel was written by the advice, and assistance, and under the direction of the Apostle Paul, as the Gospel according to Mark was by that of Peter; though the following preface does not seem so well to accord with this. Eusebius says {e} that it was the sense of the ancients, that whenever the Apostle Paul makes mention of his Gospel, he intends this according to Luke. The time of the writing of it is not certain; some say it was written in the fifteenth year after the ascension of our Lord; others in the twenty second; and others in the twenty seventh. It is commonly thought to have been written after the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, according to the order in which it stands; but this is rejected by some learned men, who rather think that Luke wrote first of all: and indeed, there are some things in his preface which look as if there had not, as yet, been any authentic account published, at least which was come to the knowledge of this evangelist. The place where he wrote it is also uncertain. Jerom says {f}, he wrote it in the parts of Achaia, perhaps at Corinth: according to the titles prefixed to the Syriac and Persic versions, he wrote it in Alexandria: the former of these runs thus;

``the Gospel of Luke, the Evangelist, which he spake and published in Greek in Alexandria the great.''

And the latter thus;

``the Gospel of Luke, which he wrote in the Greek tongue in Alexandria of Egypt.''

However, it is agreed on all hands, that it is genuine, and of divine inspiration. Eusebius {g} relates, that it was affirmed by some, that this Gospel, together with those of Matthew and Mark, were brought to the Apostle John, who approved of them, and bore witness to the truth in them.

{a} In Rom. xvi. 21. {b} Catalog. Script. Eccles. sect. 17. fol. 91. Euseb. Eccl. Hist. l. 3. c. 4. {c} Praefat in Luc. {d} T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 11. 2. & Gloss. in ib. {e} Ubi supra. (Hist. Eccl. l. 3. c. 39.) {f} Praefat in Luc. {g} Eccl. Hist. l. 3. c. 24.

Luke 1 Commentaries

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.