Dedication to Theophilus

1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, ² just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,^{(A) 3} I, too, decided, as one having a grasp of everything from the start,^[a] to write a well-ordered account for you, most excellent Theophilus,^{(B) 4} so that you may have a firm grasp of the words in which you have been instructed.

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

⁵ In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.^{(C) 6} Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.^{(D) 7} But they had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

⁸ Once when he was serving as priest before God during his section’s turn of duty,^{(E) 9} he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to offer incense.^{(F) 10} Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.^{(G) 11} Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified, and fear overwhelmed him. ¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.^{(H) 14} You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth,^(I)

⁴⁴ Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.”^{(A) 45} Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, ⁴⁶ and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah^[a] is^[b] to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day^{(B) 47} and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.^{(C) 48} You are witnesses^[c] of these things.^{(D) 49} And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”^(E)

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them.^{(F) 51} While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.^{[d](G) 52} And they worshiped him and^[e] returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³ and they were continually in the temple^[f] blessing God.^[g](H)