Dedication to Theophilus
(Acts 1:1–3)

1Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus (friend of god), 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth

5In the time of Herod (heroic) king of Judea (land of praise) there was a priest named Zechariah (YHWH remembers), who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah (my father is YHWH), and whose wife Elizabeth (my God is an oath) was a descendant of Aaron (exalted). 6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God {Theou}, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord {Kyriou}. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth (my God is an oath) was barren, and they were both well along in years.

8One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God {Theou}, 9he was chosen by lot (covering), according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord {Kyriou} and burn incense. 10And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.

11Just then an angel (messenger) of the Lord {Kyriou} appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah (YHWH remembers) saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.

13But the angel (messenger) said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah (YHWH remembers), because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth (my God is an oath) will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John (YHWH is gracious). 14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord {Kyriou}. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos} even from his mother’s womb. 16Many of the sons of Israel (He wrestles with God) he will turn back to the Lord {Kyrion} their God {Theon}. 17And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit {pneumati} and power {dynamei} of Elijah (my God is YHWH), to turn the hearts of the fathers {paterōn} to their children <Mal 4:5–6>a and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord {Kyriō}.”

18“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah (YHWH remembers) asked the angel (messenger). “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

19“I am Gabriel (God is my strong man),” replied the angel (messenger). “I stand in the presence of God {Theou}, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news (gospel). 20And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe (have faith) my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

21Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah (YHWH remembers) and wondering why he took so long in the temple. 22When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. 23And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home.

24After these days, his wife Elizabeth (my God is an oath) became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. She declared, 25“The Lord {Kyrios} has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Gabriel Foretells Jesus’ Birth

26In the sixth month, God {Theou} sent the angel (messenger) Gabriel (God is my strong man) to a town in Galilee (circuit) called Nazareth (branch), 27to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph (he will add), who was of the house of David (beloved). And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings (Rejoice),b you who are highly favored! The Lord is {Kyrios} with you [Blessed are you among women!].c”

29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30So the angel (messenger) told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary (beloved), for you have found favor with God {Theō}. 31Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus (YHWH saves). 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord {Kyrios} God {Theos} will give Him the throne of His father David (beloved), 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob (he grasps the heel) forever \to the ages/. His kingdom will never end!”

34“How can this be,” Mary (beloved) asked the angel (messenger), “since I am a virgin?”

35The angel (messenger) replied, “The Holy Spirit {Hagion Pneuma} will come upon you, and the power {dynamis} of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born [born of you]d will be called the Son of God {Theou}. 36Look (Behold), even Elizabeth (my God is an oath) your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. 37For no word {rhēma} from God {Theou} will ever fail (For nothing will be impossible with God.).e”

38“I am the Lord’s {Kyriou} servant {doulē},” Mary (beloved) answered. “May it happen to me according to your word {rhēma}.” Then the angel (messenger) left her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39In those days Mary (beloved) got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah (praise), 40where she entered the home of Zechariah (YHWH remembers) and greeted Elizabeth (my God is an oath).

41When Elizabeth (my God is an oath) heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos}. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord {Kyriou} should come to me? 44For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s {Kyriou} word to her will be fulfilled.”

Mary’s Song
(1 Samuel 2:1–11)

46Then Mary (beloved) said:

“My soul {psychē} magnifies the Lord {Kyrion},

47and my spirit {pneuma} rejoices in God {Theō} my Savior {Sōtēri}!

48For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed.

49For the Mighty One has done great things for me.

Holy is His name.

50His mercy (compassion) extends to those who fear Him,

from generation to generation.

51He has performed mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who are proud

in the thoughts of their hearts.

52He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

but has exalted the humble.

53He has filled the hungry with good things,

but has sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped His servant Israel (He wrestles with God),

remembering to be merciful (compassionate),

55as He promised to our fathers {pateras},

to Abraham (father of many) and his descendants (seed) forever \to the age/.”

56Mary (beloved) stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

The Birth of John the Baptist

57When the time came for Elizabeth (my God is an oath) to have her child, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord {Kyrios} had shown her great mercy (compassion), and they rejoiced with her.

59On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah (YHWH remembers). 60But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John (YHWH is gracious).”

61They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.” 62So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child.

63Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John (YHWH is gracious).” And they were all amazed. 64Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God {Theon}.

65All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea (land of praise) were talking about these events {rhēmata}. 66And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s {Kyriou} hand was with him.

Zechariah’s Song

67Then his father {patēr} Zechariah (YHWH remembers) was filled with the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos} and prophesied (foretold):

68“Blessed be the Lord {Kyrios}, the God {Theos} of Israel (He wrestles with God),

because He has visited and redeemed His people.

69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David (beloved),

70as He spoke through His holy prophets,

those of ages past,

71salvation from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us,

72to show mercy (compassion) to our fathers {paterōn}

and to remember His holy (set apart) covenant {diathēkēs},

73the oath He swore to our father {patera} Abraham (father of many),

to grant us 74deliverance from hostile hands,

that we may serve Him without fear,

75in holiness and righteousness before Him

all the days of our lives.

76And you, child, will be called

a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord {Kyriou}

to prepare the way for Him,

77to give to His people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

78because of the tender mercy (compassion) of our God {Theou},

by which the Dawn (the Morning Light)f will visit us from on high,

79to shine on those who live in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet

into the path of peace.”

80And the child grew and became strong in spirit (in the Spirit);g and he lived in the wilderness (solitary place) until the time of his public appearance to Israel (He wrestles with God).