Luke 1:1-14 ▼

1 Forasmuch as many took in hand to arrange in order a narrative concerning the facts that have been fully confirmed among us,

2 even as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us;

3 it seemed good to me also, having traced all things accurately from the first, to write to you an orderly account, most noble Theophilus;

4 that you may fully know the certainty of the words wherein you were instructed.

5 There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a certain priest, Zacharias by name, of the course of Abija; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

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

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

8 Now it came to pass, that, while he was doing priestly service in the order of his course before God,

9 it fell to his lot, according to the custom of the priest's office, having gone into the temple of the Lord, to offer incense;

10 and all the multitude of the people were praying without at the hour of the incense-offering.

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

12 And Zacharias, seeing him , was troubled; and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Fear not, Zacharias; because your supplication was heard; and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth;