Luke 1

1 Seeing that many have attempted to draw up a narrative of the facts which are received with full assurance among us

2 on the authority of those who were from the beginning eye-witnesses and were devoted to the service of the divine Message,

3 it has seemed right to me also, after careful investigation of the facts from their commencement, to write for you, most noble Theophilus, a connected account,

4 that you may fully know the truth of the things which you have been taught by word of mouth.

5 There was in the time of Herod, the king of Judaea, a priest of the name of Zechariah, belonging to the class of Abijah. He had a wife who was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 They were both of them upright before God, blamelessly obeying all the Lord's precepts and ordinances.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren; and both of them were far advanced in life.

8 Now while he was doing priestly duty before God in the prescribed course of his class,

9 it fell to his lot--according to the custom of the priesthood--to go into the Sanctuary of the Lord and burn the incense;

10 and the whole multitude of the people were outside praying, at the hour of incense.

11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense;

12 and Zechariah on seeing him was agitated and terrified.

13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your petition has been heard: and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call his name John.

14 Gladness and exultant joy shall be yours, and many will rejoice over his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; no wine or fermented drink shall he ever drink; but he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the very hour of his birth.

16 Many of the descendants of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God;

17 and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn fathers' hearts to the children, and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright, to make a people perfectly ready for the lord."

18 "By what proof," asked Zechariah, "shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is far advanced in years."

19 "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God," answered the angel, "and I have been sent to talk with you and tell you this good news.

20 And now you will be dumb and unable to speak until the day when this has taken place; because you did not believe my words--words which will be fulfilled at their appointed time."

21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and were surprised that he stayed so long in the Sanctuary.

22 When, however, he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they knew that he must have seen a vision in the Sanctuary; but he kept making signs to them and continued dumb.

23 When his days of service were at an end, he went to his home;

24 and in course of time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and kept herself secluded five months.

25 "Thus has the Lord dealt with me," she said, "now that He has graciously taken away my reproach among men."

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

27 to a maiden betrothed to a man of the name of Joseph, a descendant of David. The maiden's name was Mary.

28 So Gabriel went into the house and said to her, "Joy be to you, favoured one! the Lord is with you."

29 She was greatly agitated at his words, and wondered what such a greeting meant.

30 But the angel said, "Do not be frightened, Mary, for you have found favour with God.

31 You will conceive in your womb and bear a son; and you are to call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great and He will be called `Son of the Most High.' And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His forefather David;

33 and He will be King over the House of Jacob for the Ages, and of His Kingdom there will be no end."

34 "How can this be," Mary replied, "seeing that I have no husband?"

35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for this reason your holy offspring will be called `the Son of God.'

36 And see, your relative Elizabeth--she also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For no promise from God will be impossible of fulfilment."

38 "I am the Lord's maidservant," Mary replied; "may it be with me in accordance with your words!" And then the angel left her.

39 Not long after this, Mary rose up and went in haste into the hill country to a town in Judah.

40 Here she came to the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth;

41 and as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the babe leapt within her. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,

42 and uttered a loud cry of joy. "Blest among women are you," she said, "and the offspring of your body is blest!

43 But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 For, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the babe within me leapt for joy.

45 And blessed is she who has believed, for the word spoken to her from the Lord shall be fulfilled."

46 Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord,

47 And my spirit triumphs in God my Saviour;

48 Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy,

49 Because the mighty One has done great things for me--Holy is His name!--

50 And His compassion is, generation after generation, Upon those who fear Him.

51 He has manifested His supreme strength. He has scattered those who were haughty in the thoughts of their hearts.

52 He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate.

53 The hungry He has satisfied with choice gifts, But the rich He has sent empty-handed away.

54 His servant Israel He has helped, Remembering His compassion--

55 In fulfillment of His promises to our forefathers--For Abraham and his posterity for ever."

56 So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months, and then returned home.

57 Now when Elizabeth's full time was come, she gave birth to a son;

58 and her neighbours and relatives heard how the Lord had had great compassion on her; and they rejoiced with her.

59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and were going to call him Zechariah, after his father.

60 His mother, however, said, "No, he is to be called John."

61 "There is not one of your family," they said, "who has that name."

62 They asked his father by signs what he wished him to be called.

63 So he asked for a writing-tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered.

64 Instantly his mouth and his tongue were set free, and he began to speak and bless God.

65 And all who lived round about them were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judaea reports of all these things were spread abroad.

66 All who heard the story treasured it in their memories. "What then will this child be?" they said. For the lord's hand was indeed with him.

67 And Zechariah his father was filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in a rapture of praise.

68 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel," he said, "Because He has not forgotten His people but has effected redemption for them,

69 And has raised up a mighty Deliverer for us In the house of David His servant--

70 As He has spoken from all time by the lips of His holy Prophets--

71 To deliver us from our foes and from the power of all who hate us.

72 He dealt pitifully with our forefathers, And remembered His holy covenant,

73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our forefather,

74 To grant us to be rescued from the power of our foes And so render worship to Him free from fear,

75 In piety and uprightness before Him all our days.

76 And you moreover, O child, shall be called Prophet of the Most High; For you shall go on in front before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,

77 To give to His People a knowledge of salvation In the forgiveness of their sins,

78 Through the tender compassion of our God, Through which the daybreak from on high will come to us,

79 Dawning on those who now dwell in the darkness and shadow of death--To direct our feet into the path of peace."

80 And the child grew and became strong in character, and lived in the Desert till the time came for him to appear publicly to Israel.

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.