Mary Visits Elizabeth
39In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45And blessed is she who believed that there would bee a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Mary’s Song of Praise
46And Maryf said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
The Birth of John the Baptist
57Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.
Zechariah’s Prophecy
67Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
69He has raised up a mighty saviorg for us
in the house of his servant David,
70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
and has remembered his holy covenant,
73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness
before him all our days.
76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77to give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
78By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break uponh us,
79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
next chapter
* * *
a Or for a long time
b Other ancient authorities add Blessed are you among women
c Gk I do not know a man
d Other ancient authorities add of you
e Or believed, for there will be
f Other ancient authorities read Elizabeth
g Gk a horn of salvation
h Other ancient authorities read has broken upon
1.1–4 Luke opens with a stylistically polished formal prologue (one sentence in Greek) that exhibits linguistic and structural parallels to other Jewish and Greco-Roman historical and learned works.
1.1 Luke sets about the task of providing an orderly account in light of previous attempts by many to narrate the events that have been fulfilled (see 24.26–27, 44).
1.2 Eyewitnesses (stressed by ancient historians), who are also servants of the word, have handed on traditions about Jesus. The author does not claim to be an eyewitness.
1.3 Luke stresses his careful investigation prior to writing an orderly account (a reference to the literary structure of the Gospel). Theophilus (“lover of God” see also Acts 1.1), who bears a common Greek name also used by Jews, may be Luke’s literary patron but is otherwise unknown. Some take the name to be symbolic of any interested reader.
1.4 The truth (Greek asphaleia), emphasized in Greek by its position at the end of the sentence, connotes the security offered by the narrative.
1.5–2.52 Luke’s style abruptly shifts and imitates that of the Greek OT (the Septuagint).
1.5–25 The announcement of John’s birth.
1.5 Herod the Great (see Mt 2; see also “The Herods: A Simplified Family Tree,” p. 1672) ruled 37–4 BCE. Abijah, the eighth of the twenty-four classes of the priesthood (See 1 Chr 24.10). Aaron, the ancestor of Israel’s priestly line (see Ex 40.12–15). Thus John’s parents both came from priestly families.
1.6 Zechariah and Elizabeth are portrayed as the epitome of faithful Israel.
1.7 No children, on in years recall the stories of Sarah and Abraham (Gen 18.11) and Hannah and Elkanah (1 Sam 1–2). See also Judg 13.2–25.
1.8 Each group of priests was probably on duty for a week twice each year.
1.9 Individuals chosen by lot were understood to be divinely appointed (see Acts 1.24–26). Only priests could enter the sanctuary and approach the divine presence.
1.10 The people share in the bloodless sacrifice of incense by praying.
1.11 The appearance of an angel of the Lord signals God’s initiative.
1.12 Fear, a common human reaction to divine manifestations (Isa 6.5–6).
1.13 Do not be afraid, typical words of heavenly reassurance (see v. 30; 2.10; 5.10; 8.50; see also Gen 15.1; Dan 10.12; Acts 18.9; 27.24). Samuel’s birth was also an answer to prayer in the temple (1 Sam 1.9–11).
1.15 John will be great (cf. v. 32).As Nazirites (see Num 6.2–4) Samson (Judg 13.4) and Samuel (1 Sam 1.11) were also children of divine promise, required to abstain from wine or strong drink so that only the Holy Spirit would fill them. On priestly abstinence, see also Lev 10.9. The Spirit will fill John before his birth, indicating his prophetic calling (see Jer 1.4–5).
1.16–17 The spirit and power of Elijah defines John’s prophetic task of turning many of the people of Israel to repentance (3.3;Mal 4.5–6).
1.18 Zechariah’s question expresses doubt (see also Sarah in Gen 18.12–14; cf. Mary in v. 34), though as a priest he should perhaps recall the biblical precedents pertinent to his situation.
1.19 Gabriel, an official emissary of God’s court (see v. 26; Dan 8.16; 9.21; cf. Tob 12.15).
1.22 The people perceive that Zechariah has seen a vision, but his muteness keeps Gabriel’s message a secret until Zechariah speaks prophetically (vv. 67–79).
&nbs
p; 1.25 Childlessness was considered a disgrace (see Gen 16.4; 30.23) requiring God’s intervention.
1.26–38 Announcement of Jesus’ blessed conception and birth (see also vv. 13–17).
1.26 This is the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (see vv. 24, 36). Nazareth, an unimportant village in Galilee, north of Judea (see Jn 1.46).
1.27 Virgin emphasizes Mary’s youth and underlines the divine origin of Jesus (vv. 34–35; see also Isa 7.14; Mt 1.20–23). Jesus’ royal lineage is traced through Joseph to David (see 2.4; 3.23; 2 Sam 7.12; 1 Chr 17.11).
1.31 Jesus, a common form of the name Joshua. Luke does not explain its meaning (“Yahweh saves”).
1.32 Son of the Most High. See v. 35; 8.28; 9.35; cf. v. 76; 6.35; Acts 16.17.
1.33 His kingdom with no end is the fulfillment of the promise to David (2 Sam 7.16; 1 Chr 17.14; Isa 9.7; see also Dan 7.14).
1.34 Mary’s question, unlike Zechariah’s (see note on 1.18), is not taken as doubt (see vv. 38, 45).
1.35 This verse interprets what is said in vv. 31–33. Luke uses come upon to describe the action of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 1.8. In the OT God’s presence is often conceived of as a light hidden in a cloud to overshadow mortals without harm (see Ex 16.10; 24.15–18; 40.34–35; see also Lk 9.34). This holy Son of God, i.e., conceived apart from natural means, surpasses David and his royal heirs, who were adopted sons of God (Ps 2.7).
1.37 Cf. God’s word to Sarah in Gen 18.14; see also Job 42.2; Jer 32.17; Lk 18.27.
1.39–56 Mary and Elizabeth meet.
1.41 That the child leaped in her womb already signals John’s role as forerunner to Jesus, as does Elizabeth’s filling with the Holy Spirit and prophetic acclamation of Mary in vv. 42–45 (see v. 67).
1.45 Mary is blessed because she believed the angel’s message about her pregnancy (vv. 30–38; see also v. 42; cf. 11.27–28).
1.46–55 Mary’s hymn of praise (traditionally called the Magnificat) interprets the events of the narrative theologically. It may be compared with various biblical hymns and prayers e.g., Pss 34.1–3; 103.17; Hab 3.18; Sir 10.14), but especially echoes Hannah’s song over Samuel’s birth 1 Sam 2.1–10), in which God is also praised for salvation of the lowly and oppressed. Many phrases also recall psalms that celebrate God’s victories.
1.49 Holy is his name, traditional Jewish words of praise (see Ps 111.9).
1.51 Strength with his arm. See Ps 89.10, 13; see also Ex 6.6; Acts 13.17.
1.52–53 The divine reversal announced here is a key theme of Luke’s Gospel.
1.55 The promise…to Abraham. See Gen 17.6–8; 18.18; 22.17. The promise to David (2 Sam 7.11–16; 1 Chr 17.10–14) is also fulfilled.
1.57–80 John’s birth and acclamation.
1.57 The episodes of ch. 1 are timed by the months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (vv. 24, 26, 36).
1.58 The birth is seen as a sign of the Lord’s mercy (see note on 1.25).
1.59 Regarding circumcision on the eighth day, see 2.21; Gen 17.12; 21.4; Lev 12.3; Acts 7.8.
1.60 In Luke the mothers, Mary (see v. 31) and Elizabeth, name the children (cf. Mt 1.21, 25).
1.62 Zechariah is portrayed as deaf as well as mute.
1.63 His name is John. Zechariah fulfills the angel’s command (see v. 13).
1.65 The neighbors’ fear expresses their awareness of divine action (see note on 1.12). Throughout…Judea. As here, Luke often indicates in summary fashion the wide circulation of news. See also note on 4.14–15.
1.67–79 Zechariah’s inspired prophecy (traditionally called the Benedictus) answers the neighbors’ question (v. 66) in the scriptural form of a prayer blessing God for what God has done (see 2.28; Pss 41.13; 72.18; 106.48).
1.68 Looked favorably on, or visited, as when a ruler makes an official visitation, here in an eschatological sense (see 7.16; 19.44; see also v. 78; Acts 15.14). His people indicates that more is involved than personal deliverance for John’s parents (see note on 1.25).
1.69 Savior, lit. “a horn of salvation” (text note a), alluding to a Davidic ruler (see 1 Sam 2.10; Pss 18.2; 132.17; 148.14; see also Lk 1.31–33).
1.70 Prophets. See 10.24; 16.16, 31; 18.31; 24.25, 27, 44; see also v. 55. From of old, i.e., always.
1.72 Luke underlines the covenant with Abraham (see also Acts 3.25; 7.8).
1.73 On the oath to Abraham, see v. 55; Acts 3.25.
1.74 Serve him without fear, a reference to Israel’s worship and life.
1.75 Holiness and righteousness, hallmarks of Israel’s faithfulness to God’s commands (see note on 1.6).
1.76 The prophet of the Most High. Cf. Jesus’ title in v. 32. To go before the Lord (see also v. 17; 3.4; 7.27) recalls Mal 3.1. Luke stresses John’s prophetic function over his baptizing activity.
1.77 The practical knowledge of salvation that John brings is focused on repentance for the forgiveness of their sins (see 3.3).
1.78 Dawn, a messianic metaphor (Num 24.17, Septuagint).
1.79 Light, a promised liberation from the darkness of captivity (see note on 22.53; Ps 107.10; Isa 9.2; 42.7; 60.1–3). Peace. See note on 2.14.
1.80 The child grew. See also 1 Sam 2.21, 26. John’s strength in spirit (see also vv. 15, 17) anticipates that of Jesus (see 2.40; 4.14). In the wilderness. See also 3.2–4; Isa 40.3.
Luke 2
1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,a the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,b praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”c
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Jesus Is Named
21After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon;d this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel
, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.e 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeonf came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28Simeong took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29“Master, now you are dismissing your servanth in peace,
according to your word;
30for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeoni blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36There was also a prophet, Annaj the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the childk to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parentsl saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” 49He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”m 50But they did not understand what he said to them. 51Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
HarperCollins Study Bible Page 461