Luke 1:1-9 ▼

1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us,

2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,

3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus,

4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.

5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

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

8 Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God,

9 according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.