Luke 1:1-9 ▼

1 Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us,

2 just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,

3 I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

4 so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.

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

8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty,

9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense.