1:1 Most honorable Theophilus: Many people have written accounts about the events that took place among us.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 1 , Most honorable Theophilus: Many people have written accounts about the events that took place among us.
1:2 They used as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses of what God has done in fulfillment of his promises.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 2 , They used as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses of what God has done in fulfillment of his promises.
1:3 Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 3 , Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you,
1:4 to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 4 , to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught.
1:5 It all begins with a Jewish priest, Zechariah, who lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zechariah was a member of the priestly order of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 5 , It all begins with a Jewish priest, Zechariah, who lived when Herod was king of Judea. Zechariah was a member of the priestly order of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron.
1:6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 6 , Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations.
1:7 They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and now they were both very old.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 7 , They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and now they were both very old.
1:8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 8 , One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week.
1:9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense in the Lord's presence.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 9 , As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense in the Lord's presence.
1:10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 10 , While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.
1:11 Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 11 , Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar.
1:12 Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 12 , Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear.
1:13 But the angel said, 'Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 13 , But the angel said, 'Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John.
1:14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 14 , You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth,
1:15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 15 , for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth.
1:16 And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 16 , And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God.
1:17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 17 , He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.'
1:18 Zechariah said to the angel, 'How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 18 , Zechariah said to the angel, 'How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.'
1:19 Then the angel said, 'I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 19 , Then the angel said, 'I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!
1:20 And now, since you didn't believe what I said, you won't be able to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 20 , And now, since you didn't believe what I said, you won't be able to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time.'
1:21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out, wondering why he was taking so long.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 21 , Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out, wondering why he was taking so long.
1:22 When he finally did come out, he couldn't speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures that he must have seen a vision in the Temple sanctuary.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 22 , When he finally did come out, he couldn't speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures that he must have seen a vision in the Temple sanctuary.
1:23 He stayed at the Temple until his term of service was over, and then he returned home.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 23 , He stayed at the Temple until his term of service was over, and then he returned home.
1:24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 24 , Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months.
1:25 'How kind the Lord is!' she exclaimed. 'He has taken away my disgrace of having no children!'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 25 , 'How kind the Lord is!' she exclaimed. 'He has taken away my disgrace of having no children!'
1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 26 , In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee,
1:27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 27 , to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David.
1:28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 28 , Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!'
1:29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 29 , Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.
1:30 'Don't be frightened, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for God has decided to bless you!
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 30 , 'Don't be frightened, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for God has decided to bless you!
1:31 You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 31 , You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus.
1:32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 32 , He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
1:33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 33 , And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!'
1:34 Mary asked the angel, 'But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 34 , Mary asked the angel, 'But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin.'
1:35 The angel replied, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 35 , The angel replied, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
1:36 What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she's already in her sixth month.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 36 , What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she's already in her sixth month.
1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 37 , For nothing is impossible with God.'
1:38 Mary responded, 'I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.' And then the angel left.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 38 , Mary responded, 'I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.' And then the angel left.
1:39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 39 , A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town
1:40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 40 , where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth.
1:41 At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 41 , At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
1:42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, 'You are blessed by God above all other women, and your child is blessed.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 42 , Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, 'You are blessed by God above all other women, and your child is blessed.
1:43 What an honor this is, that the mother of my Lord should visit me!
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 43 , What an honor this is, that the mother of my Lord should visit me!
1:44 When you came in and greeted me, my baby jumped for joy the instant I heard your voice!
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 44 , When you came in and greeted me, my baby jumped for joy the instant I heard your voice!
1:45 You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 45 , You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.'
1:46 Mary responded, 'Oh, how I praise the Lord.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 46 , Mary responded, 'Oh, how I praise the Lord.
1:47 How I rejoice in God my Savior!
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 47 , How I rejoice in God my Savior!
1:48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 48 , For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation will call me blessed.
1:49 For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 49 , For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me.
1:50 His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 50 , His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.
1:51 His mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones!
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 51 , His mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones!
1:52 He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 52 , He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
1:53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 53 , He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.
1:54 And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 54 , And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful.
1:55 For he promised our ancestors--Abraham and his children-- to be merciful to them forever.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 55 , For he promised our ancestors--Abraham and his children-- to be merciful to them forever.'
1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 56 , Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.
1:57 Now it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, and it was a boy.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 57 , Now it was time for Elizabeth's baby to be born, and it was a boy.
1:58 The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives that the Lord had been very kind to her, and everyone rejoiced with her.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 58 , The word spread quickly to her neighbors and relatives that the Lord had been very kind to her, and everyone rejoiced with her.
1:59 When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 59 , When the baby was eight days old, all the relatives and friends came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.
1:60 But Elizabeth said, 'No! His name is John!'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 60 , But Elizabeth said, 'No! His name is John!'
1:61 'What?' they exclaimed. 'There is no one in all your family by that name.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 61 , 'What?' they exclaimed. 'There is no one in all your family by that name.'
1:62 So they asked the baby's father, communicating to him by making gestures.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 62 , So they asked the baby's father, communicating to him by making gestures.
1:63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, 'His name is John!'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 63 , He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone's surprise he wrote, 'His name is John!'
1:64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 64 , Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.
1:65 Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 65 , Wonder fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills.
1:66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, 'I wonder what this child will turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in a special way.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 66 , Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, 'I wonder what this child will turn out to be? For the hand of the Lord is surely upon him in a special way.'
1:67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 67 , Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:
1:68 'Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited his people and redeemed them.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 68 , 'Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited his people and redeemed them.
1:69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 69 , He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David,
1:70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 70 , just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
1:71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 71 , Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.
1:72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant with them,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 72 , He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant with them,
1:73 the covenant he gave to our ancestor Abraham.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 73 , the covenant he gave to our ancestor Abraham.
1:74 We have been rescued from our enemies, so we can serve God without fear,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 74 , We have been rescued from our enemies, so we can serve God without fear,
1:75 in holiness and righteousness forever.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 75 , in holiness and righteousness forever.
1:76 'And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 76 , 'And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
1:77 You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 77 , You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.
1:78 Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us,
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 78 , Because of God's tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us,
1:79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.'
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 79 , to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.'
1:80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. Then he lived out in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.
The NLT Book of Luke , Chapter 1 , Verse 80 , John grew up and became strong in spirit. Then he lived out in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.
