Topical Bible: John: Miraculous Birth of

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The miraculous birth of John the Baptist is a significant event in the New Testament, marking the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and setting the stage for the ministry of Jesus Christ. The account of John's birth is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, which provides a detailed narrative of the events surrounding his conception and birth.

Background and Prophecy

John the Baptist's birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel to his father, Zechariah, a priest of the division of Abijah. Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were both righteous before God, yet they were childless and advanced in years, which made the promise of a child particularly miraculous. The angel's announcement to Zechariah occurred while he was serving in the temple, offering incense before the Lord.

Gabriel's message to Zechariah was clear: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John" (Luke 1:13). The angel further explained that John would be great in the sight of the Lord and would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. He would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God and go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:15-17).

Zechariah's Doubt and Sign

Despite the angelic visitation, Zechariah doubted the message due to his and Elizabeth's old age. As a result of his unbelief, Gabriel declared that Zechariah would be mute until the fulfillment of the prophecy: "And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time" (Luke 1:20).

Elizabeth's Conception and Mary's Visit

Elizabeth conceived shortly after the angel's announcement, and she remained in seclusion for five months. During her sixth month of pregnancy, Elizabeth received a visit from her relative Mary, who had also been visited by Gabriel and was carrying Jesus, the Son of God. Upon Mary's greeting, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizing the significance of Mary's child (Luke 1:41-45).

Birth and Naming of John

When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she delivered a son. On the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, there was a discussion about the child's name. Elizabeth insisted on the name John, as instructed by the angel, despite the objections of relatives who expected the child to be named after his father. Zechariah, still unable to speak, confirmed the name by writing, "His name is John" (Luke 1:63). Immediately, his speech was restored, and he praised God.

Zechariah's Prophecy

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah prophesied about the role of his son, John, in God's redemptive plan. He spoke of the coming salvation and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Zechariah declared that John would be called the prophet of the Most High, preparing the way for the Lord and giving knowledge of salvation to His people (Luke 1:67-79).

Significance

The miraculous birth of John the Baptist is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. It highlights the divine orchestration of events leading to the coming of Jesus Christ. John's role as the forerunner of the Messiah was crucial in preparing the hearts of the people for the arrival of the Savior, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and ushering in a new era of God's redemptive work.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:11-20,57-65
And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
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The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
... [Probably the words recorded in verses 68-79.] 65 And fear came [The miraculous
phenomena attending the birth of John made the people so conscious of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/viii the birth and early.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... 23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child [The Sonship of Jesus demands a miraculous
birth. ... In this world Jesus walked "with us" in human form (John 1:14); and ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through ...
... has ever been the simpler one of the virgin birth, as in ... doctrine of the Hymn of
the Logos [John 1:1 ... in the incarnation as an isolated and miraculous event may ...
/.../whiton/miracles and supernatural religion/vii synopsis account to be made.htm

The Early Years of Jesus
... Yet neither Paul nor John, who are both clear concerning the doctrine, give any
idea that a miraculous birth was essential for a sinless being. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the early years of.htm

Objections to the Narrative Drawn from the Subsequent Dispositions ...
... possible that the circumstances of his birth did raise ... was directly cognizant of
the miraculous features of ... proclamation of his Messiahship by John the Baptist ...
/.../section 11 objections to the.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... (John 6:55 ... Noah in the Ark, the birth of Isaac, the deliverance of Israel from Egypt,
the raising of David to the throne of Saul, the miraculous birth of Christ ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

Different Conceptions of John the Baptist.
... between the birth of John and the birth of Jesus ... case works of baptism and
teaching,"for John did not one miracle, [5305] but in Jesus miraculous portents ...
/.../20 different conceptions of john.htm

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
... tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. ... and human nature were the direct
and miraculous production of ... which he sustains to the Father" John 1:1 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vi annunciation of the birth.htm

Faustus Seeks to Justify the Docetism of the Manich??ans. Augustin ...
... which served not for a common natural conception, but for a miraculous birth. ... that
the mother of Christ suffered loss by His birth, or that ... [1012] John 20:28. ...
/.../faustus seeks to justify the.htm

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
... As to John, "the child grew and waxed strong and was in the wilderness (of Judah ...
What he had got was an account of the miraculous birth and of the circumstances ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 4 importance in lukes.htm