Chapter 1: Verses 1 - 17
Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our journey through the Gospel according to Luke commences, and we begin with the first chapter. Let us delve into verses 1-4, where Luke imparts significant information.
Luke emphasizes that many individuals have made attempts to document events that have transpired. But what is the subject of their writings? They endeavor to record occurrences that have been prophesied in the Old Testament and has been subsequently fulfilled. In other words, Luke underscores that the events concerning Jesus Christ in recent days are not mere happenstance or the teachings of a new figure. Rather, they are the realization of ancient prophecies.
Who does Luke mean by 'they'? Luke clarifies that 'they' refer to those who personally witnessed the events, individuals who had walked alongside Jesus and had firsthand experiences of life with Him.
Luke does not pass judgment on the accuracy or correctness of these recordings; he simply acknowledges their existence. He then explains his own intent: he finds it fitting to compile an orderly account from his perspective. He writes this account addressed to Theophilus, whom he respectfully refers to as 'most excellent Theophilus.'
The identity of Theophilus remains a topic of debate. Some suggest he was a Roman official who commissioned Luke to create a comprehensive account of these events for legal or investigative purposes. Others propose that Theophilus was a high-ranking Roman officer who became a believer in Jesus Christ after hearing Paul's teachings. While there is no definitive evidence to confirm his identity, verse 4 provides a clue: Luke's aim is to provide certainty about the things Theophilus has been instructed in. This suggests that Theophilus received teachings about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the prophecies related to the Messiah and its fulfillment. However, conclusive evidence about Theophilus's identity remains elusive."
Following this initial introduction, Luke proceeds to narrate the birth of John the Baptist. Jesus, the Messiah and central figure of the New Testament, was made known as the Messiah by John the Baptist. Hence, Luke's narrative commences with the birth of John the Baptist.
Let's now delve into verses 5, 6, and 7, which reveal Luke's meticulous and comprehensive research.
Firstly, he accurately situates the events during the reign of King Herod, the ruler of Judea. It's worth noting that King Herod was not a native king of Judea; in fact, he was not of Israelite descent but an Edomite. Following the Roman conquest of Israel, the Romans deposed the existing ruler and appointed a king who would be subservient to them. Herod, known for his cruelty and lack of attachment to the Israelite people, was an ideal choice. Thus, the story unfolds during his rule.
Luke goes on to introduce a priest named Zacharias and records his division, the division of Abijah. Zacharias' wife, Elizabeth, is a descendant of Aaron, a detail exclusive to Luke's Gospel. Furthermore, Luke informs us that although they were both righteous and advanced in age, they remained childless due to Elizabeth's inability to conceive.
Now, let's move on to verses 8 to 11.
It was Zacharias' turn to serve in the temple, and he went to fulfill his duties before the Lord. On this particular occasion, his duty was to burn incense at the altar. To understand this fully, a brief explanation of the temple's layout is necessary. The temple consisted of an outer courtyard accessible to all Israelites, a holy place restricted to priests, and an inner chamber known as the Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could enter once a year. The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, and it was believed that the glory of the Lord would manifest there. The incense altar was positioned within the Holy of Holies, and only the high priest could access it.
This task was accompanied by stringent purification rituals because entering the Holy of Holies with any impurity, whether external or internal, could result in the high priest's death. To mitigate this risk, a long rope was tied to the high priest's waist, with its end left outside the temple. In the event of the high priest's death, this rope allowed others to retrieve his body without entering the Holy of Holies. This custom reflected the fear and caution associated with entering the Holy of Holies and required the high priest to lead a virtuous life.
Given these factors, not every high priest was eager to perform this duty, and casting lots determined which high priest would enter on a particular day. Zacharias found himself in this situation, chosen by the casting of lots to enter the Holy of Holies and burn incense for the Lord. Zacharias, compelled by the divine decree, enters the Holy of Holies to burn incense. It's essential to note that his entry is not a matter of choice; he is fulfilling a sacred duty.
As Zacharias carries out his responsibilities, an extraordinary event unfolds. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appears at the right side of the incense altar. This unexpected apparition fills Zacharias with great trepidation, a natural response given the reverence and fear associated with the most holy place. He might have entered the Holy of Holies on previous occasions, but each time, he emerged with gratitude for his survival. This time, however, encountering an angel, he was deeply troubled and filled with fear.
Proceeding to verses 13 to 17.
The angel reassures Zacharias with the timeless words, "Do not be afraid." It is a consistent angelic response when encountering humans, as fear does not originate from God's intentions. The angel then conveys a surprising message to Zacharias: his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son, and they were to name him John. This message, although astonishing given their advanced age, should not have been implausible to Zacharias. He was likely well-versed in the Old Testament scriptures and acquainted with the story of Abraham and Sarah, who, in their old age, were blessed with a child.
The angel continues to deliver the message, assuring Zacharias of the joy and gladness that will fill his heart. Furthermore, this child will be extraordinary, dedicated to the Lord, abstaining from wine or strong drinks, and filled with the Holy Spirit from childhood. His purpose is significant: to turn many individuals towards righteousness, mending familial relationships, and guiding people back to the Lord, their God. It is crucial to underline that the angel explicitly states that John will turn the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. This proclamation indirectly confirms the divinity of Jesus by emphasizing that John will prepare the way for the Lord.
In the forthcoming post, starting from verse 18, we will continue with the narrative."
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our journey through the Gospel according to Luke commences, and we begin with the first chapter. Let us delve into verses 1-4, where Luke imparts significant information.
Luke emphasizes that many individuals have made attempts to document events that have transpired. But what is the subject of their writings? They endeavor to record occurrences that have been prophesied in the Old Testament and has been subsequently fulfilled. In other words, Luke underscores that the events concerning Jesus Christ in recent days are not mere happenstance or the teachings of a new figure. Rather, they are the realization of ancient prophecies.
Who does Luke mean by 'they'? Luke clarifies that 'they' refer to those who personally witnessed the events, individuals who had walked alongside Jesus and had firsthand experiences of life with Him.
Luke does not pass judgment on the accuracy or correctness of these recordings; he simply acknowledges their existence. He then explains his own intent: he finds it fitting to compile an orderly account from his perspective. He writes this account addressed to Theophilus, whom he respectfully refers to as 'most excellent Theophilus.'
The identity of Theophilus remains a topic of debate. Some suggest he was a Roman official who commissioned Luke to create a comprehensive account of these events for legal or investigative purposes. Others propose that Theophilus was a high-ranking Roman officer who became a believer in Jesus Christ after hearing Paul's teachings. While there is no definitive evidence to confirm his identity, verse 4 provides a clue: Luke's aim is to provide certainty about the things Theophilus has been instructed in. This suggests that Theophilus received teachings about Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the prophecies related to the Messiah and its fulfillment. However, conclusive evidence about Theophilus's identity remains elusive."
Following this initial introduction, Luke proceeds to narrate the birth of John the Baptist. Jesus, the Messiah and central figure of the New Testament, was made known as the Messiah by John the Baptist. Hence, Luke's narrative commences with the birth of John the Baptist.
Let's now delve into verses 5, 6, and 7, which reveal Luke's meticulous and comprehensive research.
Firstly, he accurately situates the events during the reign of King Herod, the ruler of Judea. It's worth noting that King Herod was not a native king of Judea; in fact, he was not of Israelite descent but an Edomite. Following the Roman conquest of Israel, the Romans deposed the existing ruler and appointed a king who would be subservient to them. Herod, known for his cruelty and lack of attachment to the Israelite people, was an ideal choice. Thus, the story unfolds during his rule.
Luke goes on to introduce a priest named Zacharias and records his division, the division of Abijah. Zacharias' wife, Elizabeth, is a descendant of Aaron, a detail exclusive to Luke's Gospel. Furthermore, Luke informs us that although they were both righteous and advanced in age, they remained childless due to Elizabeth's inability to conceive.
Now, let's move on to verses 8 to 11.
It was Zacharias' turn to serve in the temple, and he went to fulfill his duties before the Lord. On this particular occasion, his duty was to burn incense at the altar. To understand this fully, a brief explanation of the temple's layout is necessary. The temple consisted of an outer courtyard accessible to all Israelites, a holy place restricted to priests, and an inner chamber known as the Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could enter once a year. The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, and it was believed that the glory of the Lord would manifest there. The incense altar was positioned within the Holy of Holies, and only the high priest could access it.
This task was accompanied by stringent purification rituals because entering the Holy of Holies with any impurity, whether external or internal, could result in the high priest's death. To mitigate this risk, a long rope was tied to the high priest's waist, with its end left outside the temple. In the event of the high priest's death, this rope allowed others to retrieve his body without entering the Holy of Holies. This custom reflected the fear and caution associated with entering the Holy of Holies and required the high priest to lead a virtuous life.
Given these factors, not every high priest was eager to perform this duty, and casting lots determined which high priest would enter on a particular day. Zacharias found himself in this situation, chosen by the casting of lots to enter the Holy of Holies and burn incense for the Lord. Zacharias, compelled by the divine decree, enters the Holy of Holies to burn incense. It's essential to note that his entry is not a matter of choice; he is fulfilling a sacred duty.
As Zacharias carries out his responsibilities, an extraordinary event unfolds. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appears at the right side of the incense altar. This unexpected apparition fills Zacharias with great trepidation, a natural response given the reverence and fear associated with the most holy place. He might have entered the Holy of Holies on previous occasions, but each time, he emerged with gratitude for his survival. This time, however, encountering an angel, he was deeply troubled and filled with fear.
Proceeding to verses 13 to 17.
The angel reassures Zacharias with the timeless words, "Do not be afraid." It is a consistent angelic response when encountering humans, as fear does not originate from God's intentions. The angel then conveys a surprising message to Zacharias: his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son, and they were to name him John. This message, although astonishing given their advanced age, should not have been implausible to Zacharias. He was likely well-versed in the Old Testament scriptures and acquainted with the story of Abraham and Sarah, who, in their old age, were blessed with a child.
The angel continues to deliver the message, assuring Zacharias of the joy and gladness that will fill his heart. Furthermore, this child will be extraordinary, dedicated to the Lord, abstaining from wine or strong drinks, and filled with the Holy Spirit from childhood. His purpose is significant: to turn many individuals towards righteousness, mending familial relationships, and guiding people back to the Lord, their God. It is crucial to underline that the angel explicitly states that John will turn the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. This proclamation indirectly confirms the divinity of Jesus by emphasizing that John will prepare the way for the Lord.
In the forthcoming post, starting from verse 18, we will continue with the narrative."
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ.
