Luke 1

Luke 1

The central theme and content of Luke’s Gospel is the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of all humankind. Luke, one of the four gospel writers, is traditionally attributed to the physician Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul. The date of the writing of Luke’s Gospel is generally accepted to be between 80 and 90 A.D.

The subject of Luke’s Gospel is the saving message of Jesus and his teachings. Luke’s Gospel is addressed to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews, emphasizing the importance of being open to the Good News of salvation. The purpose of writing the Gospel of Luke is to provide a comprehensive account of the life and ministry of Jesus, and to show how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

The key words and contents of Luke’s Gospel include the words “repent” which emphasizes the importance of changing one’s ways and turning to God, “forgiveness” which emphasizes the power of God’s grace and mercy, and “justification” which speaks to the need for humankind to be reconciled to God.

The historical background of Luke’s Gospel includes the Jewish-Roman War of 66-73 A.D., the dispersion of the Jews from their homeland, and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Luke’s Gospel also reflects the early Church’s struggle to establish its identity in the face of persecution, as well as its efforts to reach out to Gentiles.

The central subject and content of Luke 1 is the birth of John the Baptist and the announcement of Jesus’ birth. The content outline of Luke 1 begins with the priest Zechariah being told of the birth of his son, John the Baptist, by the angel Gabriel. It then goes on to tell of Mary being told of her conception and birth of Jesus by the same angel. The angel also tells Mary of Elizabeth’s unexpected pregnancy and the birth of John the Baptist. Finally, Zechariah is told by the angel that John will prepare the way for the Lord.

Luke 1 is the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament. It is the narrative of the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the priest Zechariah of the impending birth of his son John the Baptist, who will be the precursor of Jesus. It also reports the angel’s announcement to Mary of her miraculous conception of Jesus and her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.

Content Outline:

1:1-4: Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

1:5-25: Zechariah’s Prophecy

1:26-38: The Annunciation of Jesus to Mary

1:39-45: Mary Visits Elizabeth

1:46-55: Mary’s Song of Praise (The Magnificat)

1:56-80: The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1:1- “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us.”
Commentary: This verse begins the Gospel of Luke, which is an account of Jesus of Nazareth and the events surrounding his life and ministry. It is a declaration of the faith of the early church and its beliefs.

Luke 1:2- “Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word.”
Commentary: Luke is claiming that his gospel is an accurate record of the life of Jesus, as it was witnessed by the original disciples and passed down to him.

Luke 1:3- “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order.”
Commentary: Luke indicates that he has a comprehensive understanding of the events of Jesus’ life and ministry, and thus he felt the need to write a complete account for Theophilus.

Luke 1:4- “That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”
Commentary: Luke is writing to Theophilus to provide assurance of the accuracy of the faith and teachings which he has received.

Luke 1:5- “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias.”
Commentary: Luke begins to introduce the characters of his gospel, starting with the priest Zacharias in the time of King Herod.

Luke 1:6- “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”
Commentary: Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were both faithful and obedient to the Lord, and lived in accordance with His commands.

Luke 1:7- “And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.”
Commentary: Elizabeth and Zacharias were of advanced age and Elizabeth was unable to have children.

Luke 1:8- “And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course.”
Commentary: While Zacharias was fulfilling his duties as a priest, an angel appeared to him.

Luke 1:9- “According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”
Commentary: The priestly custom of the time required that incense be burned when the priest entered the temple.

Luke 1:10- “And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.”
Commentary: The people were gathered outside the temple and praying when Zacharias went in to burn incense.

Luke 1:11: “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.”
Commentary: This verse is referring to the angel Gabriel, who appears to Zechariah to announce the imminent birth of John the Baptist.

Luke 1:12: “And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.”
Commentary: This verse highlights Zechariah’s fear and confusion when he saw the angel Gabriel.

Luke 1:13: “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.”
Commentary: Here, the angel Gabriel gives Zechariah the good news that his wife Elizabeth will bear him a son, and they will name him John.

Luke 1:14: “And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.”
Commentary: This verse highlights the joy that will come with the birth of John the Baptist, and how many will be rejoicing at his birth.

Luke 1:15: “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.”
Commentary: This verse shows that John the Baptist will be great in the sight of the Lord, and will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of his birth.

Luke 1:16: “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.”
Commentary: This verse speaks of John the Baptist’s mission to turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

Luke 1:17: “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.”
Commentary: This verse highlights John the Baptist’s role as a forerunner of Jesus, preparing the way for the Lord by calling people to repentance and righteousness.

Luke 1:18: “And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.”
Commentary: This verse shows Zechariah’s disbelief in the angel Gabriel’s promise and his questioning of how he can know this to be true.

Luke 1:19: “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.”
Commentary: Here, the angel Gabriel reveals his identity to Zechariah and reaffirms that he has been sent to give him the glad tidings of the imminent birth of John the Baptist.

Luke 1:20: “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.”
Commentary: This verse shows the consequence of Zechariah’s disbelief in the angel Gabriel’s words, as he is struck with dumbness until the day John the Baptist is born.

Luke 1:21: “And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.” Zacharias had been in the temple for a long time, and the people were wondering why he was taking so long.
Commentary: This verse shows us the importance of being devoted to God, as Zacharias was so devoted that he stayed in the temple for a long time, possibly in prayer and contemplation.

Luke 1:22: “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.” Zacharias had seen a vision in the temple, and was unable to speak to the people.
Commentary: This verse emphasizes the importance of having faith, as Zacharias had faith that he would receive a vision from God and trusted that his silence was part of the answer he received.

Luke 1:23: “And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.” Zacharias had finished his time in the temple and returned to his house.
Commentary: This verse reminds us that God s plans are perfect and that we should not rush them, but rather be patient and wait for His timing.

Luke 1:24: “And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,” Elisabeth became pregnant, and she hid herself for five months.
Commentary: This verse teaches us about the power of faith and prayer. Elisabeth was able to conceive against all odds, and it was only through prayer and faith that she was blessed with a miracle from God.

Luke 1:25: “Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” Elisabeth praised God for taking away her reproach among men.
Commentary: This verse reminds us of the power of God s mercy and grace. He heard Elisabeth s prayers and answered them, taking away her reproach and blessing her with a miracle.

Luke 1:26: “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” The angel Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth.
Commentary: This verse shows us the power and majesty of God, who is able to send His angels to fulfill His plans.

Luke 1:27: “To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” The angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin named Mary, who was espoused to Joseph of the house of David.
Commentary: This verse reminds us of the importance of family and faith. Mary was a woman of faith, and her family was part of God s plan for her.

Luke 1:28: “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.” The angel Gabriel greeted Mary, telling her that she was highly favored and blessed among women.
Commentary: This verse shows us the importance of being chosen by God. Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, and it was through her faith that she was blessed with such an honor.

Luke 1:29: “And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.” Mary was troubled by the angel’s greeting, and she was wondering what it meant.
Commentary: This verse reminds us that God’s plans are often mysterious and that we should have faith that His plans are perfect. Mary had faith that the angel’s greeting was part of God’s plan, and it was through her faith that she was able to accept it.

Luke 1:30: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” The angel told Mary not to be afraid, as she had found favor with God.
Commentary: This verse reminds us that God is merciful and loving. He chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, and He also gave her the courage to accept His plan. God’s love for us is always present, no matter what our circumstances may be.

Luke 1:31: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.”
Commentary: This verse speaks of the incredible news that Mary will give birth to a son and name him Jesus, a name with special meaning and significance.

Luke 1:32: “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:”
Commentary: This verse reveals that Jesus will be a great king and will be given the throne of David, an ancestral line of kings in the lineage of Abraham.

Luke 1:33: “And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Commentary: This verse speaks of the eternal reign of Jesus as the King of the House of Jacob (Israel). His kingdom will have no end, signifying a reign of everlasting peace and justice.

Luke 1:34: “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”
Commentary: This verse shows Mary’s faith and her trust in the angel’s words, as she wonders how this can be when she is a virgin.

Luke 1:35: “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.”
Commentary: This verse reveals the miraculous way in which Jesus will be born — through the power of the Holy Spirit and the overshadowing of the Highest. This is how Jesus will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:36: “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.”
Commentary: This verse reveals that Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, is also miraculously pregnant in her old age. This serves to show the power of God to bring forth life even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Luke 1:37: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Commentary: This verse speaks of the power of God and His ability to do the impossible. No matter how difficult the circumstance, nothing is impossible for God.

Luke 1:38: “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”
Commentary: Mary responds with humble obedience to the angel, declaring her willingness to accept what has been told to her and to serve the Lord.

Luke 1:39: “And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;”
Commentary: Mary immediately responds to the angel’s message and sets out for the hill country with haste.

Luke 1:40: “And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.”
Commentary: Mary arrives at the house of Zacharias, her cousin, and greets Elizabeth with a salutation.

Luke 1:41: 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.
Commentary: Elisabeth was greatly moved by Mary’s greeting, and was filled with the Holy Spirit, a sign of the special favor God had bestowed upon her.

Luke 1:42: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
Commentary: Elisabeth rejoiced in the blessing of Mary’s visit and expressed her joy with a loud voice, proclaiming Mary to be blessed among women and praising the fruit of her womb.

Luke 1:43: And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Commentary: Elisabeth expressed her amazement that she, a humble and elderly woman, should be visited by the mother of her Lord – a sign of the grace and favor of God.

Luke 1:44: For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
Commentary: Elisabeth’s joy at Mary’s greeting was so great that the unborn child in her womb leaped for joy, a sign of the special favor of God upon the child.

Luke 1:45: And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Commentary: Elisabeth praised Mary for her faith in believing the words of the Lord, and assured her that the promises given to her would be fulfilled.

Luke 1:46: And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord.
Commentary: Mary responded to Elisabeth’s blessing by praising the Lord, extolling His greatness and exalting His name.

Luke 1:47: And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Commentary: Mary acknowledged God as her Saviour, rejoicing in His grace and mercy.

Luke 1:48: For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Commentary: Mary recognized God’s favor upon her, and rejoiced in the knowledge that all generations would call her blessed.

Luke 1:49: For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Commentary: Mary praised God for His mighty deeds and for His holiness, recognizing that it was He alone who had done these great things for her.

Luke 1:50: And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
Commentary: Mary recognized that the mercy of God is extended to all those who reverence Him from generation to generation.

Luke 1:51: – “He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”
Commentaries: God shows his strength by humbling the proud and scattering their thoughts.

Luke 1:52: – “He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.”
Commentaries: God humbles the powerful and exalts those who are of humble standing.

Luke 1:53: – “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.”
Commentaries: God provides for the needy and sends away the rich empty-handed.

Luke 1:54: – “He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;”
Commentaries: God helps his servant Israel out of his loving kindness.

Luke 1:55: – “As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.”
Commentaries: As God promised to Abraham and his descendants, he continues to show mercy and compassion.

Luke 1:56: – “And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”
Commentaries: Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months before returning to her own home.

Luke 1:57: – “Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.”
Commentaries: The time came for Elizabeth to give birth to her son.

Luke 1:58: – “And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.”
Commentaries: Those around Elizabeth heard of God’s great mercy towards her and rejoiced with her.

Luke 1:59: – “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.”
Commentaries: On the eighth day, they circumcised the child and named him Zacharias, after his father.

Luke 1:60: – “And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.”
Commentaries: But his mother said no, he shall be called John.

Luke 1:61: And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
Commentary: Elizabeth and Zechariah were both surprised by the name John, as they had no one in their family that was called by this name.

Luke 1:62: And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
Commentary: Zechariah and Elizabeth were unable to communicate with each other, so they had to use hand signals to communicate and determine what the baby’s name should be.

Luke 1:63: And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John.
Commentary: Zechariah, now able to speak again, wrote down the name of his son to be John.
And they marveled all.
Commentary: Everyone present was amazed at the name Zechariah chose for his son.

Luke 1:64: And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
Commentary: Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, allowing him to speak again and praise God.

Luke 1:65: And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
Commentary: Everyone in the area was filled with awe and fear at the events that had taken place and the news quickly spread throughout the hill country of Judaea.

Luke 1:66: 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.
Commentary: Everyone who heard about the events was filled with wonder, and knew that the Lord’s hand was on John.

Luke 1:67: And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
Commentary: Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy.

Luke 1:68: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.
Commentary: Zechariah praised the Lord God of Israel for visiting and redeeming his people.

Luke 1:69: And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Commentary: Zechariah proclaimed that God had raised up a horn of salvation for all people through the lineage of His servant David.

Luke 1:70 “As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:”
Commentary: This verse from Luke 1:70 highlights God’s power to communicate with his people through the prophets that have been around since the beginning of time. The prophets have spoken God’s words to the world and continue to do so today.

Luke 1:71: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
Commentary: God’s promise to save His people from their enemies is fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who has destroyed the power of death and freed us from the bondage of sin.

Luke 1:72: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
Commentary: God’s covenant of mercy with Abraham and his descendants is fulfilled in Jesus, who brings salvation to all who believe.

Luke 1:73: The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
Commentary: God’s promise to Abraham, which was confirmed by an oath, is fulfilled in Jesus, who brings salvation to all who believe.

Luke 1:74: That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
Commentary: Through Jesus, God has freed us from the rule of sin and death, so that we can serve Him in freedom and joy.

Luke 1:75: In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
Commentary: Through Jesus, we can live in holiness and righteousness before God, for all the days of our lives.

Luke 1:76: 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;
Commentary: John the Baptist was called the prophet of the Most High because he prepared the way for Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Luke 1:77: To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
Commentary: Through Jesus, God has provided us with knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of our sins.

Luke 1:78: Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Commentary: Through the tender mercy of God, the dawn of salvation has come to us in the person of Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:79: To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Commentary: Jesus brings the light of salvation to those in darkness and guides us in the way of peace.

Luke 1:80: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Commentary: John the Baptist grew in strength and wisdom in the desert until the time of his public ministry, when he introduced Jesus to the people of Israel.