Luke 1:3-17

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Luke 1:3-17

3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron.
6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.
7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.
8One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
10And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.
11Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
12When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.
13But the angel said to him, “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.
14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,
15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
16Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God.
17And 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.”
— Luke 1:3-17

Related Resources from Heartlight

Faithfulness
Illustration of Luke 1:11-13 NLT

Illustration of Luke 1:11-13 NLT -- While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John."

Before He Is Born
Illustration of Luke 1:14-15 NIV

Illustration of Luke 1:14-15 NIV -- He [John the Baptizer]  will be a joy and delight to you [his parents], and many will rejoice because of his birth, 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 before he is born.

A Gospel for God-seekers
Illustration of Luke 1:1-3 NLT

Illustration of Luke 1:1-3 NLT -- Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, ...

Cross References for Luke 1:3-17

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.