Luke 1:1-13 ▼

1 SINCE many have attempted to compose a narrative of facts, confirmed to us by the fullest evidence:

2 exactly as they delivered them to us, who were eve witnesses from the first, and ministers of the word;

3 it seemed right to me also, having obtained accurate knowledge of all things from above, to write to thee in regular order, most excellent Theophilus,

4 to the intent that thou mayest clearly know the certainty of those matters, concerning which thou hast been instructed.

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abiah: and his wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were far advanced in years.

8 And it came to pass, as he discharged his priestly office in the order of his periodical ministration before God,

9 according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to his lot to burn the incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And all the multitude of people was praying without, at the time of the burning the incense.

11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And Zacharias was agitated greatly at the sight, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bring thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.