Luke 01   

Explanatory Preface

1:1 Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,

Luke wrote to the Greeks. Herodotus was a Greek who was known to be the first secular historian (Moses was actually the first historian). Greeks were interested in a correct chronology of the historical events of Jesus. Therefore, Luke's gospel was the only account which was written in chronological order.  Luke also shows that Jesus was the perfect man. He was the perfect man both intellectually and physically. The Greeks were interested in this concept, as seen in their glorifying of the naked human body in their Olympic games and the glorifying of the human mind in their public debates. They desired to find the perfect man. Therefore, Luke introduced Jesus as the only perfect man who has ever existed in history. This perfect man did not come from the Greek society. He came from God in the bloodline of the despised Jews.

Luke mentioned that there were other accounts of Jesus. Only Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were inspired gospels. If Luke was speaking of any accounts outside of these four gospels, then none of these other accounts existed at this time.

Luke was not one of the apostles. He most likely did not witness any of the events of the life of Jesus. However, he was a first-rate historian. An atheist named Frank Morison studied Luke's two books in order to find errors and disprove the Bible. However, after an extensive study, Frank Morison became a believer and wrote an apologetics book called Who Moved the Stone.

Luke traveled with Paul and most likely met Mary, the apostles, and other eyewitnesses. Apparently, he interviewed all of them and gathered the information for his two books.

1:2 like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.

The accounts passed on were the other two gospels of Matthew and Luke. The Book of John would not be written until thirty years later. 

1:3 So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

"Most excellent" is Greek for a Roman official. This book was written to Theophilus, whose name means "friend of God." He may have been a friend of the one true living God, or he may have been a friend of one of the Greco-Roman gods. Luke had researched these historical events very carefully and completely, so he wrote a chronological account to Theophilus. It was possible that the books of  Luke and Acts may have been used at one of Paul's court proceedings. 

1:4 so that you may know for certain the things you were taught.

Theophilus had some knowledge of the life of Christ, and possibly the Old Testament as well. Luke would fill in the details.

Birth Announcement of John the Baptist

1:5 During the reign of Herod king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and he had a wife named Elizabeth, who was a descendant of Aaron.

Herod was the King of Judea, making the time period around 5 B.C. Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers." He belonged to the division of Abijah. During the days of King David, David arranged the Levitical priests to serve the temple for two consecutive weeks every 24 months. 

During the days of King Herod, there was one High Priest and 24 chief priests. The 24 chief priests were ranked above the 24 different divisions. Zechariah was a common priest from the Abijah division. His division would travel to Jerusalem during their appointed time period. The common priests would draw lots to find out their temple assignments. Zechariah's duty was to place burning coals on the incense twice a day, morning and night.

The wife of Zechariah was Elizabeth. Her name means "the oath of God". When one combines the names of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the two names are translated as "Jehovah remembers his oath." The oath that God remembered was the five unconditional covenants that were made to the Jewish people. These would include the Abrahamic Covenant, Land Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant

1:6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, following all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous, because they were part of the Jewish Messianic remnant who was waiting for the Messiah. They were keepers of the Mosaic Law.

1:7 But they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both very old.

It was a disgrace for a woman to be barren, because children were considered a gift from God. If a woman did not have children, then others looked down upon her as not being blessed by God. Also, barrenness would cause the husband’s genealogical line to become extinct. 

1:8 Now while Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 1:9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the holy place of the Lord and burn incense.

Zechariah's lot was to place hot coals upon the incense every morning and evening for two weeks. The incense was a pleasing aroma to God.

1:10 Now the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering.

Zechariah went into the temple to light the incense, while others prayed outside the temple.

1:11 An angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense, appeared to him.

Two of Aaron's sons were killed for offering strange fire upon the altar. The rabbi taught that if a priest made a mistake, then the Angel of Death would appear on the right side of the altar of incense and slay the poor priest who made the mistake. This was rabbinic superstition, but apparently Zechariah believed it.

1:12 And Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel, was seized with fear.

Zechariah thought that he had made a mistake and he was going to be killed, similar to that of Aaron's sons.

1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you will name him John.

The angel informed Zechariah not to fear this rabbinic superstition. Zechariah and his wife had been praying for a son. Now, Jehovah was going to answer that prayer. They were going to have a son. His name was to be called John. The Hebrew name for John is "yocahan," meaning "Jehovah is gracious." This child would grow to become John the Baptist. He would become the herald for King Messiah. King Messiah would end the dispensation of Law and begin the dispensation of grace. John's name characterized this transitional period from Law to Grace.

1:14 Joy and gladness will come to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,

John the Baptist would bring great joy not only to Zechariah and Elizabeth, but to many others in the Jewish Messianic community as well.

1:15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.

John the Baptist was appointed by God as a Nazarite from birth. There were only three men recorded in Scripture who would receive this appointment. The first was Samson, who would fail to keep his vow. The second was Samuel, who did keep his vow. The third will be John the Baptist, who will also keep his vow. 

1:16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.

Judaism was corrupt and many had turned away from God. John the Baptist would prepare the believing Jewish remnant to return back to God.

1:17 And he will go as forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him.”

Just as Elijah brought the message to a very small Jewish remnant of 7000 believers, John the Baptist would bring his message to a very small Jewish remnant as well. John the Baptist was chosen to be the forerunner of the Messiah, meaning that he would be the herald who arrives before the King and announces his appearance. John the Baptist would turn many of the people's minds back to the Lord. He would be controlled by the Holy Spirit. During this dispensation of Law, not everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would only come upon the Old Testament saints for short periods of service. Elijah would return before the Great Tribulation and prepare Israel to meet her Messiah at the Second Coming.

1:18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is old as well.”

Zechariah spoke in unbelief. He did not believe that this birth could happen in this way, especially with him and his wife being advanced in age.

1:19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.

Gabriel means "the strong one of God." He was a powerful angel who stands in the presence of God. He was sent personally to Zechariah to deliver this good news.

1:20 And now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will be silent, unable to speak, until the day these things take place.”

Since Zechariah spoke in unbelief, he will no longer be able to speak until the child is born. This muteness was a powerful witness to the Jewish community of that day. 

1:21 Now the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they began to wonder why he was delayed in the holy place.

This delay was unusual. Was it possible that the people were perhaps thinking that maybe he had made a mistake and the Death Angel slew him?

1:22 When he came out, he was not able to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the holy place, because he was making signs to them and remained unable to speak.

There were many eyewitnesses who saw this miraculous event take place. This unusual miracle would spread across the diaspora of the Roman Empire.

1:23 When his time of service was over, he went to his home.

After Zechariah's two weeks of temple service were over, he left Jerusalem and went home.

1:24 After some time his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she kept herself in seclusion. She said,

The angel Gabriel predicted this supernatural event. Elizabeth kept herself in seclusion, most likely because rumors had spread all over Israel and everyone wanted to see and touch this special baby.

1:25 “This is what the Lord has done for me at the time when he has been gracious to me, to take away my disgrace among people.”

Elizabeth gave the credit and praise to God. She had lived in disgrace for all of these years. She was in danger of cutting off her husband's line. However, now she would give birth to the Herald of the Messiah.

Birth Announcement of Jesus the Messiah

1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus. Gabriel had already visited Elizabeth. Six months later, he will visit Mary. 

1:27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.

Mary was a virgin. She was engaged to a man named Joseph. Both were descendants of David. The biological son of Joseph was ineligible to be the Messianic King, because Joseph descended from the line of Jeconiah. Jeconiah was a king from the line of David. However, he was such an evil king, that God cursed his line to never produce another king. However, Mary was from the line of Nathan, who was another son of David. This line was not cursed, so the Messiah could come from the line of Mary.

1:28 The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!”

Mary is favored because she has been chosen by God to bring the Messiah into the world. She was not immaculate, an eternal virgin, a co-redeemer with Christ, or the Mother of God, such as the Catholics falsely teach today. 

1:29 But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting.

Mary had never met an angel, so these words made her wonder and also scared her. She was only fifteen or sixteen years old at this time.

1:30 So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!

Gabriel told Mary that God was on her side.

1:31 Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

The Hebrew name for Jesus is Yeshua, which means Jehovah saves. 

1:32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

Her son will be great, because He will save people from their sins. He will be the Son of the Most High, meaning that He is deity Himself. He will be given the throne of David, meaning that He will fulfill the Davidic Covenant. God promised David that one from his line would become king of the earth for the Messianic Kingdom. Mary was going to give birth to this king.

1:33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

The house of Jacob is Israel. Jesus will be the eternal King of Israel. His kingdom that will never end was called the Messianic Kingdom. Later, after Revelation 20 recorded that this kingdom would last for a literal 1000 years, it was also called the Millennial Kingdom. These two names are interchangeable.

1:34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”

In Mary's eyes, this was impossible, because she was a virgin. 

1:35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.

The prophecies of the Old Testament predicted that the Messiah would come from the seed of a woman, the seed of Abraham, the seed of Isaac, the seed of Jacob, the seed of Judah, and then the seed of David. Therefore, Mary was not just a surrogate mother who carried the seed of deity in her womb. The Messiah had to be born of a seed. Therefore, the Holy Spirit had to energize her eggs so that she could deliver the Messiah according to prophecy.

There was an ex-doctor who became a popular radio pastor from an earlier generation. He taught that the sin nature was only transferred through men, and not women. Therefore, God had to use this method to bring the Messiah into the world. However, this theology disagrees with this passage. Both men and women carry the sin nature. God chose the method of energizing the seed of Mary in order to bring the Messiah into the world. 

1:36 “And look, your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age – although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month!

Elizabeth was Mary's cousin. Elizabeth would bring the Herald of the Messiah into the world, while Mary would bring the Messiah Himself into the world.

1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

God is omnipotent.  A virgin birth is easy for God. Resurrection of the dead is easy for God. After all, God created the entire universe with His fingertips. He save the world with his barred arm.

1:38 So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

If a Jewish woman was found to be pregnant during her betrothal, she was to be stoned to death. Mary had to trust in the Lord to protect her throughout this ordeal.

Mary and Elizabeth

1:39 In those days Mary got up and went hurriedly into the hill country, to a town of Judah,

Mary traveled from Nazareth to the hill country of Judah. Nazareth was a Roman garrison. For this reason, this city was despised by the Jews. It was believed that Jews only lived in Nazareth in order to make money. 

1:40 and entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth.

Mary went to visit her cousin. Elizabeth most likely did not know that Mary was pregnant, especially with the Messiah. Mary most likely made the trip to inform her of this pregnancy face to face in privacy. She would most likely not trust a messenger or a letter to deliver this important kind of news to her cousin.

1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Notice that the Word of God does not say that a fetus leaped in the womb, but a real, live human baby with emotions was alive in the womb of Mary. This verse dispels the liberal view of abortion. Abortion is the killing of an innocent baby.

Elizabeth was controlled by the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist began his ministry of announcing the Messianic King from his mother;s womb.

1:42 She exclaimed with a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child in your womb!

Mary most likely had not told Elizabeth about her pregnancy as of yet. It is very possible that the Holy Spirit confirmed to Mary that her virgin birth was from God by giving Elizabeth foreknowledge of this event.

1:43 And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me?

Elizabeth recognized that Mary would be the mother of the Messiah. This was the dream of every Jewish mother.

1:44 For the instant the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

The baby feels joy, meaning that he is more than a fetus.

1:45 And blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

 Elizabeth sings a praise for the Messiah to come.

Mary’s Hymn of Praise

1:46 And Mary said, “My soul exalts the Lord,

Mary sings a praise as well. The intellect of Mary praised jehovah.

1:47 and my spirit has begun to rejoice in God my Savior,

Notice that Mary called her own child her God and her Savior. This meant that Mary possessed a sin nature and needed a Savior. She also recognized that her baby would be both God and man.

1:48 because he has looked upon the humble state of his servant. For from now on all generations will call me blessed,

Mary was just a poor Jewish girl living in Nazareth. However, because she was to bring the Messiah into the world, all generations will call her blessed. She is not to be called immaculate, sinless, the eternal virgin, the mother of God, or the co-redeemer with Christ. She is simply to be called blessed, because she had the privilege of being chosen by God's grace to bring the Messiah into the world.

1:49 because he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name;

Mary continues her song. Jehovah had done great things for Mary. His name is holy, meaning to be set apart from others to perform a unique and special task for God.

1:50 from generation to generation he is merciful to those who fear him.

Those who fear God will experience grace. Those who do not fear God will experience his wrath.

1:51 He has demonstrated power with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up from the sheer arrogance of their hearts.

God created all of the universe with his fingertips. in Isaiah 53, God would save all of mankind from his sin with his barred arm. God also uses his powerful arm to scatter those who are too arrogant to believe in God. 

1:52 He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up those of lowly position;

God promotes and demotes kings. According to the Book of Daniel, God places the lowest of men on the thrones of the governments of the world.

1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.

God has promised food, clothing, and shelter to all of his children, unless they are called to wear the martyr’s crown. If one is wealthy, it is only because God has given this wealth to them. God can also take away wealth or call for a rich man's life at any moment.

1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,

Israel was supposed to be the servant of Jehovah. However, she had failed to fulfill this commission. Therefore, Jesus became the Servant of Jehovah. He was called to fulfill the mission that the Jews could not complete. These events are foreshadowed in the Book of Isaiah.

1:55 as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

God made promises to Abraham and his descendants. The Abrahamic Covenant was an unconditional promise that the seed of Abraham would eventually be born and bless all nations. Mary was to bring this Messiah into the world. This is the last verse of Mary's song. Notice that the music of devout Jewish messianic believers was much different and much deeper than the modern music that believers listen to today. 

1:56 So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth until about the time that John the Baptist was born, and then returned home. 

The Birth of John

1:57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son.

Elizabeth gave birth to the Herald of the Messiah.

1:58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

The birth of a baby was a community event. The birth of John was very special because of the supernatural events that had occurred nine months earlier at the Jerusalem temple. There were many curious people surrounding and attending this Jewish social event. All of her relatives and neighbors were extremely happy that she had been blessed with this gift from God.

1:59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were devout Jews who followed the Mosaic Law. They took the baby to be circumcised on the eighth day, just as the Law demanded. Those Jews who believed in the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant still follow this procedure. Jewish babies were not named at birth, but they were named at their circumcision. Everyone wanted to name this first boy after the father, so that his name would continue.

1:60 But his mother replied, “No! He must be named John.”

The name of the child was usually given by the father, but Zechariah had been mute for nine months. The name John in Hebrew means "the grace of Jehovah".

1:61 They said to her, “But none of your relatives bears this name.”

The community balked, because usually the children carried the name of their father or of one of their relatives, either alive or dead.

1:62 So they made signs to the baby’s father, inquiring what he wanted to name his son.

The community tried to go over the mother's head. The Jewish mother was under the authority of her husband. She did not have the final decision on this name. Notice that they had to make signs to communicate with Zechariah. This means that Zechariah was not only mute, he was deaf as well.

1:63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.

Everyone was amazed that the father did not give his first and possibly only son his own family name.

1:64 Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue released, and he spoke, blessing God.

Zechariah was no longer mute. After the boy had been given the name that was commanded by the angel Gabriel, then Zechariah was able to speak again. His first words in nine months were praises for God.

1:65 All their neighbors were filled with fear, and throughout the entire hill country of Judea all these things were talked about.

This was a tremendous witness to the Jewish messianic community. They would watch and talk about this miraculous event for thirty years.

1:66 All who heard these things kept them in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the Lord’s hand was indeed with him.

The people recognized this event as being supernatural. They had to eagerly wait thirty years to see what would happen when this young baby reached maturity. 

 Zechariah’s Praise and Prediction

1:67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,

 Zechariah was controlled by the Holy Spirit. He uttered a prophesy or a prediction of the future.

1:68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because he has come to help and has redeemed his people.

He praised God, because God had a plan for redeeming His own people. Judaism and the people had become corrupt by this time, so they needed redemption.

1:69 For he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

God raised up the Messiah. The horn is a symbol of strength. This Messiah carried with Him the strength to bring salvation to all Jews and Gentiles. He had the strength to redeem them from the hands of Satan himself. He came from the house of David, meaning that He fulfilled the Davidic covenant.

1:70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago,

There were over 300 prophecies about the first coming of the Messiah and another 1000 of His Second Coming.

1:71 that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us.

Satan wants to exterminate the Jews so that they cannot bring the Messiah into the world. He will raise up enemies to find and murder the Messiah and His family. Zechariah predicted that they would be saved from their enemies.

1:72 He has done this to show mercy to our ancestors, and to remember his holy covenant –

If God left everyone alone, then no one would be saved. Therefore, He had to show mercy, or kindness, to his elect. He remembered the five covenants that He promised to them through the patriarchs. He now sent Jesus to fulfill these prophecies.

1:73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham.

The Abrahamic Covenant promised that the seed of Abraham would bless all people of the earth. This seed of Abraham was the Messiah.

1:74 that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, may serve him without fear,

The Messianic Jews were first on Satan's hit list. If Satan could eliminate all of the Jews, then he would never have to worry about a Messiah being born who would eventually crush his head. Therefore, the Messianic Jews would be delivered from the hands of their enemies so that they could serve God and execute His program.

1:75 in holiness and righteousness before him for as long as we live.

God had raised up the Messianic Jews to serve God in holiness and righteousness during their lifetime. They were chosen by God to perform a holy and righteous task. They were to preserve the Scriptures, bring the Messiah into the world, and become priests to all of the nations.

1:76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High. For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

John the Baptist, the newborn son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, would become a prophet of God. He would become the Herald who proclaimed the Messianic King.

1:77 to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.

John the Baptist was going to teach people how to be saved. He was going to teach people how their sins were to be forgiven. Zechariah was given a tremendous amount of prophetic knowledge about the ministry of his son.

1:78 Because of our God’s tender mercy the dawn will break upon us from on high

God was kind and He would allow His mercy to bring upon a new dispensation from heaven itself. John would become the morning star of Israel. He would become the first star in the morning who brings the light of salvation.

1:79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke's gospel contains an emphasis on the welfare of the Gentiles. Notice the change of pronouns. The Messiah will bring light to those who were sitting in the darkness of Greco-Roman paganism. These are the Gentiles. Those who are headed to the second death will be guided down a different path. Then, Luke switches pronouns, saying "to guide our feet into the way of peace". The "our" is the Jews. The Messiah will give the light of knowledge to the Gentiles. He will guide the feet of the Jews to the way of peace. When Luke says "our," he is including himself as being Jewish. Acts 3 confirmed that all of the authors of Scriptures were Jews.

1:80 And the child kept growing and becoming strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he was revealed to Israel.

God chose the right parents for John the Baptist. John grew up into a young man of thirty. He was controlled by the Holy Spirit. He went into the hot and dry desert of Israel to complete his training. He stayed in the wilderness until the day that he was revealed as the Herald of the Messiah to Israel. John being trained in the wilderness kept him away from the superstitions and corruptions of Judaism. Therefore, he will give a different message than that of the superstitious rabbi.