|
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; 15 for he will be great before the Lord; and he will drink no wine nor strong drink; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the sons of Israel will he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient to walk in the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Luke 1:1-17, Worrell New Testament. Public domain.
|
