1:1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 1 , Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
1:2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 2 , just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
1:3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 3 , Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
1:4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 4 , so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
1:5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 5 , In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
1:6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 6 , Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly.
1:7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 7 , But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.
1:8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 8 , Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
1:9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 9 , he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
1:10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 10 , And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.
1:11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 11 , Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
1:12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 12 , When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.
1:13 But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 13 , But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
1:14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 14 , He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
1:15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 15 , for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
1:16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 16 , Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.
1:17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 17 , And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.'
1:18 Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 18 , Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.'
1:19 The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 19 , The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.
1:20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 20 , And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.'
1:21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 21 , Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.
1:22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 22 , When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
1:23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 23 , When his time of service was completed, he returned home.
1:24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 24 , After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.
1:25 'The Lord has done this for me,' she said. 'In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 25 , 'The Lord has done this for me,' she said. 'In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.'
1:26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 26 , In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
1:27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 27 , to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.
1:28 The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 28 , The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'
1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 29 , Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
1:30 But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 30 , But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 31 , You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 32 , He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 33 , and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.'
1:34 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 34 , 'How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, 'since I am a virgin?'
1:35 The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 35 , The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 36 , Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 37 , For nothing is impossible with God.'
1:38 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 38 , 'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May it be to me as you have said.' Then the angel left her.
1:39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 39 , At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,
1:40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 40 , where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.
1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 41 , When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
1:42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 42 , In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
1:43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 43 , But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
1:44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 44 , As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 45 , Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!'
1:46 And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 46 , And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord
1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 47 , and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
1:48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 48 , for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,
1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 49 , for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name.
1:50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 50 , His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
1:51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 51 , He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 52 , He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
1:53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 53 , He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 54 , He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
1:55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 55 , to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.'
1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 56 , Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
1:57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 57 , When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son.
1:58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 58 , Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
1:59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 59 , On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,
1:60 but his mother spoke up and said, 'No! He is to be called John.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 60 , but his mother spoke up and said, 'No! He is to be called John.'
1:61 They said to her, 'There is no one among your relatives who has that name.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 61 , They said to her, 'There is no one among your relatives who has that name.'
1:62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 62 , Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child.
1:63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, 'His name is John.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 63 , He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, 'His name is John.'
1:64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 64 , Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.
1:65 The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 65 , The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things.
1:66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, 'What then is this child going to be?' For the Lord's hand was with him.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 66 , Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, 'What then is this child going to be?' For the Lord's hand was with him.
1:67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 67 , His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
1:68 'Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 68 , 'Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.
1:69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 69 , He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
1:70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 70 , (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
1:71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us--
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 71 , salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us--
1:72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 72 , to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,
1:73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 73 , the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
1:74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 74 , to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear
1:75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 75 , in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
1:76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 76 , And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
1:77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 77 , to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,
1:78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 78 , because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
1:79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.'
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 79 , to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.'
1:80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
The NIV Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 80 , And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
