Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
The author addresses a man named Theophilus. Many have already written accounts of Jesus, he says, and he has investigated everything carefully so that he can set out an orderly account and Theophilus can be sure of what he has been taught.
What does this mean?
"Theophilus" means "friend of God" or "loved by God" in Greek. Some have taken it as a symbolic name for any Christian reader, but most scholars think he was a real person, perhaps a patron who sponsored the work. "Most excellent" was a courtesy title for people of rank. The "eyewitnesses and servants" (KJV "ministers") "of the word" are those who handed the traditions down.
Historical context
The opening is one long, polished Greek sentence in the style of Hellenistic historians and technical writers, who began their works with similar prefaces. The Gospel does not name its author; since the second century it has been attributed to Luke, a companion of Paul. The same writer composed the Acts of the Apostles, also addressed to Theophilus. Many scholars date the Gospel around 80–90 CE, though earlier and later dates are argued.
Why does it matter?
The author says plainly that he was not an eyewitness and that he knew earlier written accounts. Most scholars think Mark's Gospel was one of them.
Editorial notes, not scripture.
Luke 1:5–25
An angel promises Zechariah a son
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, 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.And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
Zechariah, an elderly priest, is burning incense in the Jerusalem temple when the angel Gabriel tells him that his wife Elizabeth, who has never been able to have children, will bear a son to be named John. Zechariah doubts and is struck mute until the promise comes true. Elizabeth conceives and stays in seclusion for five months.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Malachi 4:5–6 · KJV
The angel's words echo the last lines of Malachi, which promise that Elijah will come before the day of the Lord.
What does this mean?
KJV readers will see "Zacharias," the Greek form of Zechariah. Elizabeth's "reproach" is the social shame of childlessness, often wrongly taken as a sign of God's disfavour. The ban on wine and strong drink recalls the vow of a Nazirite, a person set apart for God (Numbers 6). Gabriel is the angel who explains visions in the book of Daniel.
Historical context
"Herod, the king of Judea" is Herod the Great, a client king under Rome whose death is usually dated to 4 BCE. Priests served in the temple by turns in twenty-four divisions; Abijah's was the eighth (1 Chronicles 24:10). Later Jewish tradition describes priests chosen by lot to offer the incense, an honour that might come once in a lifetime.
Why does it matter?
The Gospel opens in the temple and will end there (24:53). An old, childless couple given a promised son recalls Abraham and Sarah, and Hannah, the mother of Samuel.
Editorial notes, not scripture.
Luke 1:26–38
Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.For with God nothing shall be impossible.And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Six months later Gabriel is sent to Nazareth in Galilee, to Mary, a young woman engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. He tells her she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son, Jesus, who will be given David's throne. Mary asks how this can be, then accepts.
What does this mean?
"Espoused" (KJV) or "pledged to be married" (WEB) describes betrothal, a legally binding engagement that came before the couple lived together. "Highly favoured" translates a Greek word meaning graced by God; the Latin rendering "full of grace" became the opening of the "Hail Mary" prayer. "Son of the Most High" and "the throne of his father David" are royal language, drawing on God's promise to David of a lasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7).
Historical context
Nazareth was a small, obscure village. Girls were commonly betrothed young, often in their early teens.
Why does it matter?
Luke presents Jesus' conception as the direct work of God's Spirit, without a human father; the virginal conception became a teaching of the historic Christian creeds. Christian traditions differ in how they honour Mary, but all draw on this scene. Her reply, "the servant" (KJV "handmaid") "of the Lord," contrasts with Zechariah's doubt.
Editorial notes, not scripture.
Luke 1:39–45
Mary visits Elizabeth
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Mary hurries to a town in the hill country of Judea to visit her relative Elizabeth. When Mary greets her, Elizabeth's unborn child leaps, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, blesses Mary and calls her "the mother of my Lord."
What does this mean?
"Fruit of your womb" is a Hebrew idiom for a child. "Lord" is the word Luke uses for God, and he will often use it of Jesus; Elizabeth's use of it here is an early sign of how Luke regards the child.
Historical context
The journey from Galilee to the Judean hills near Jerusalem was well over 100 km, several days on foot. Luke does not name the town; later tradition identified it with Ein Karem, west of Jerusalem.
Why does it matter?
The scene brings the two promised children together before either is born. The leaping child is often read as John already pointing to Jesus, as he will as an adult (3:16). Elizabeth's blessing of Mary as one who believed contrasts again with Zechariah's disbelief.
Editorial notes, not scripture.
Luke 1:46–56
Mary's song of praise
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Mary responds with a song praising God for choosing her, a woman of humble status, and for overturning the order of the world: the proud and powerful are brought down, and the hungry and lowly are lifted up. She stays with Elizabeth about three months before returning home.
What does this mean?
The song is known as the Magnificat, from its first word in Latin. To "magnify" the Lord means to declare his greatness. "Low estate" (KJV) or "humble state" (WEB) refers to her lowly social position. Many verbs are in the past tense; interpreters differ on whether they describe what God has already done or speak of what he will do as if already done, a feature of Hebrew prophetic poetry.
Historical context
The song is closely modelled on the song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1–10) and woven from phrases of the Psalms and prophets. Scholars debate whether Luke composed it or used an existing hymn; a few early Latin manuscripts attribute it to Elizabeth rather than Mary.
Why does it matter?
The reversal of rich and poor, powerful and lowly, is a theme Luke returns to repeatedly (6:20–26; 16:19–31). The Magnificat has been sung in Christian evening worship for many centuries.
Editorial notes, not scripture.
Luke 1:57–66
The birth and naming of John
Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa.And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Elizabeth gives birth, and on the eighth day the family gathers to circumcise and name the boy. The relatives expect him to be named after his father, but Elizabeth insists on "John," and Zechariah confirms it in writing. At once he can speak again, and people throughout the region wonder what the child will become.
What does this mean?
The name John (Hebrew Yohanan) means "the Lord has been gracious." The "writing table" (KJV) was a wooden tablet coated with wax. The relatives communicate with Zechariah by signs, which suggests he was deaf as well as mute; the Greek word used of him in 1:22 can mean either.
Historical context
The Law of Moses required that boys be circumcised on the eighth day (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3). Naming a son after a relative was common, so the break with family custom marks the name as given by God.
Why does it matter?
Zechariah's restored speech fulfils the angel's word (1:20). The question "What then will this child be?" prepares for John's adult ministry (3:1–20).
Editorial notes, not scripture.
Luke 1:67–80
Zechariah's song
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah praises God for keeping his promises to Israel by raising up a saviour from David's family, and foretells that his own son will be a prophet who prepares the Lord's way. The child grows up and lives in the wilderness until he begins his public work.
What does this mean?
The song is called the Benedictus, from its Latin opening ("Blessed"). A "horn of salvation" is a biblical image of strength, taken from a horned animal: a mighty saviour. "Dayspring from on high" (KJV) or "dawn from on high" (WEB) pictures the coming saviour as a sunrise. God has "visited" his people means he has come to act for them.
Historical context
Many Jews of the period hoped for liberation from foreign rule; the song's language of rescue from enemies reflects that hope while also speaking of forgiveness of sins. John's years "in the deserts" (KJV) have prompted speculation about links with the community at Qumran by the Dead Sea, but there is no direct evidence.
Why does it matter?
The song ties the two children together: John prepares the way, and the descendant of David brings salvation. The Benedictus is sung in Christian morning prayer.