Luke 1:1-13

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

1 Since [^[a]as is well known] many have undertaken to put in order and draw up a [^[b]thorough] narrative of the surely established deeds which have been accomplished and fulfilled ^[c] in and among us,

² Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the [^[d]official] beginning [of Jesus’ ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word [that is, of ^[e]the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God],

³ It seemed good and desirable to me, [and so I have determined] also after ^[f]having searched out diligently and followed all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,^(A)

⁴ [My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been ^[g]orally instructed.

⁵ In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a certain priest whose name was Zachariah, ^[h]of the daily service (the division) of Abia; and his wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

⁶ And they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

⁷ But they had no child, for Elizabeth was barren; and both were ^[i]far advanced in years.

⁸ Now while on duty, serving as priest before God in the order of his division,

⁹ As was the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter [the ^[j]sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense.^(B)

¹⁰ And all the throng of people were praying outside [in the court] at the hour of incense [burning].

¹¹ And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

¹² And when Zachariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear took possession of him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zachariah, because your petition ^[k]was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you must call his name John [God is favorable].