Luke 1:1-17 ▼

1 SINCE many have desired to have in writing the story of those works, with which we are familiar,

2 According to what was handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of that very word,

3 And since these were seen by me also because I was near and considered them all very carefully, I will therefore write to you everything in its order, most honorable Theophilus,

4 So that you may know the truth of the words, by which you were made a convert.

5 There was in the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest whose name was Zacharias, of the order of ministry of the house of Abijah; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 They were both righteous before God, and walked in all his commandments, and in the righteousness of the Lord without blame.

7 But they had no son, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well on in years.

8 And it happened, while he was ministering in the order of his ministry before God,

9 According to the custom of the priesthood, his turn came to burn incense; so he entered the temple of the Lord.

10 And all the congregation of the people prayed outside, at the time of incense.

11 And the angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias, standing on the right of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him he became dumbfounded, and fear came upon him.

13 And the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias; for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John.

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

15 For he will be great before the Lord, and he will not drink wine and strong drink; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while he is still in the womb of his mother.

16 And many Israelites he will cause to turn to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go before them with the spirit and the power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and those who are disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous; and he will prepare a true people for the Lord.