Commentary on the Book of Luke 1

Luke 1:1-4 (NKJV)

1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

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Vs 1 - Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us…

According to Luke, there were many who took the responsibility of recording and writing down the things that they have seen, heard, and learnt from Jesus. 

It’s interesting to note that Jesus entrusted the writing of the gospel to people. He could have taken things into His own hands and did everything by Himself, but He did not. Instead, He trusted His followers to do this very important work. Since creation, God has always entrusted work to man. As much as God could do things by Himself (and do them better than us), He gave us purpose in serving Him and doing His work.  

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What work has God given to us to do in this present moment? 

Have we discovered our purpose and lived up to it?

What could be hindering you from serving Him?

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Another point we can learn from this verse is that Luke and the many others saw the importance of recording the things which have been fulfilled among them. When we record something, it becomes unforgettable. Especially when our memory fails us one day, we can easily remember by referring to what we recorded before. 

Would you consider journaling and recording what God had taught you before? 

Would you agree that everything that God teaches us is precious? 

Would you agree that we should never forget our lessons on faith? 

If so, may I encourage you to pick up the habit of writing them down so that they will become unforgettable.

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Vs 3-4 - it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. 

Luke confidently claimed that he had a perfect understanding of all things. In fact, Luke was quite a remarkable man, and here is why:

• The book of Luke has the most content when compared to the other gospels. 

• Luke also wrote the book of Acts and is presumably one of the travel companions of Paul, because there were times when he wrote in first-person plural (we). 

• Not only was Luke an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, but he was an active participant in the great commission as well.

The book of Luke was intended for Theophilus, presumably someone who did not have the privilege of witnessing everything that Luke witnessed. It may likely be the case where Luke was mentoring Theophilus and he wanted to impart all that he knew and understood to him. 

It is one thing to have a perfect understanding of things, but it is another thing to want to impart it. Luke could have simply referred Theophilus to the writings of others, but he did not. He wanted to be personal and had a heart to impart. It is clear that Luke caught the heartbeat of discipleship. 

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Everyone of us will have a personal account of our experiences with God. We all have some level of understanding of God too. What do we choose to do with them today? Will we capture the heartbeat of discipleship and impartation and pass it on?

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Luke 1:5-10 (NKJV)

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 

Vs 6-7 - And they were both righteous before God… but they had no child. 

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Zacharias and Elizabeth lived righteous and blameless lives even though God did not bless them with a child. Their righteousness was not dependent on what God did give or did not give, but was simply based on the fact that God is GOD. 

How different is the generation of Christians now? We can be so driven and motivated by blessings and we simply forget who we are and who God is. 

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Let’s compare our lives with Zacharias and Elizabeth. 

Is our obedience to God dependent on what God will do next for us? 

Has God not done more than enough for us already? 

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Vs 9 - … his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Zacharias had a divine appointment with God. According to custom, lots were cast to choose the priest who would burn incense in the temple of the Lord. This was done so that there will be no favouritism or competition. According to scholars and history, it is estimated that by this time now, there would have been thousands of priests who would be available for selection (because the number of priests multiplied over the years). So,in view of this, this was no coincidence and God chose Zacharias.

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Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” 

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There is no such thing as luck with God. While the world calls it luck, we call it God’s choice. The throwing of a dice, the casting of a lot, or the random selection of something, can be determined by God. 

Have there been moments when something good happened to us?  

Instead of thinking that it was just luck, we should be giving God the credit because these were appointments by God to intentionally bless or give. Nothing ever happens without God’s knowledge, and coincidences are also in God’s control.

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Luke 1:11-22 (NKJV)

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 

Vs 13-14 - “Your wife will bear you a son… and you will have joy and gladness…”

For the average-aged person, having a child naturally comes with joy and gladness. But it may not be the case for an elderly couple. Having a child at an old age can be worrying and potentially burdensome.

“Will there be complications with the pregnancy?”

“Will it risk my wife’s life?”

“Will the child develop well because we are so old?”

This is why God assured Zacharias that there will be joy and gladness. 

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Vs 15 - “He will be great… shall drink neither wine nor strong drink… will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.”

John had a special destiny and purpose. It sounds like a similar story to Jeremiah who received the calling as a prophet even before he was conceived. In John’s case, his destiny was to prepare the people for Jesus. 

It was Zacharias’ and Elizabeth’s responsibility to raise him up in God’s ways and set him apart from the world. The instruction for John “not to drink wine nor strong drink” was important because these things are known to cloud judgment, affect thinking, and cause bad decision making. God wanted John to be of a sound mind and always hearing from the Spirit. This is the first occurrence in the Bible where we read of someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. 

Vs 17 - “He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah”

John’s calling was similar to Elijah’s ministry. 

• John was bold and direct in his ministry (as was Elijah)

• John was never afraid to confront authorities (as was Elijah)

• John’s message was about repentance (as was Elijah)

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Vs 13 & 20 - “For your prayer is heard… but you will be mute… because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

An interesting question to ask ourselves is, “If Zacharias prayed for a child, why did he not believe?”

Although we cannot be certain, it is likely the case where the prayer was made long ago when he and Elizabeth were younger. The prayer was indeed heard by the Lord, but because the child’s destiny was time-sensitive, the answer to this prayer had to be delayed for a specific time. And due to the delay, Zacharias may have stopped believing.

“Your prayer is heard”

While we have our hopes, plans, and preferred timelines for things to happen in our lives, we must always submit to God’s will and God’s calendar. When we pray and ask God for something, the answer will either be a yes, no, or not yet. In Zacharias’ case, the answer was a “not yet”. God always has His perfect reasons for His answers and we must be ready for anything. 

“You will be mute”

God can and will judge us. Zacharias was judged for his unbelief and suffered being mute for a time period. In contrast to the prosperity gospel that is widely accepted today, God will judge and rebuke  His children now if He wants. Another reference to reinforce this theology is 1 Cor 11:27-32. 

Making Zacharias mute may have served more than one purpose too. God could have done this to ensure that Zacharias would not discourage Elizabeth with his lack of faith or careless words. 

“You did not believe my words”

We can also learn something important from Zacharias’ response. Zacharias was judged  for not believing in God. When we do not believe in what God says, it is the same as not believing in Him. We live in a world now where we are entitled to our opinions or free speech, and we often forget that we are subjects to God as believers and followers. Who are we to say no, when God says yes? Who are we to say “you are not able” and God says “I am able”? Unfortunately for Zacharias, he forgot that he was doubting the same God who gave Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. 

How are our responses to God when He says something to us? 

Do we hesitate?

Do we lack faith to believe? 

Or worse, do we disobey?

Also, bear in mind that, up to this point when the angel of God appeared to him, Zacharias was described as a righteous and blameless man. However, when his faith was tested, he failed. We must always be ready if God shakes our comfort of righteousness. This is a state where we feel like we’re doing good in the Lord and doing enough. God can and will stretch us to greater heights of faith so that we will trust and know Him more. 

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Luke 1:23-25 (NKJV)

23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” 

Vs 24 - Elizabeth conceived…

God always fulfills His words and promises. No matter how circumstances may shout “impossible!”, all things are possible with God. With the birth of John, God achieved several beautiful things:

• The birth of an anointed man who was going to prepare the people for Jesus.

• Joy and gladness for Zacharias and Elizabeth.

• An increase of faith for Zacharias and Elizabeth.

• Deliverance of Elizabeth’s pain and shame.

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Vs 25 - “... He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

It is always a painful thing when a woman is not able to conceive, especially during those times. People would despise them when they could not conceive, or they would wonder if their sin was the cause of it. Despite facing reproach and being labelled as “barren” (vs 36) by others, Elizabeth still lived a righteous and blameless life before God. 

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Do we wait for a “better time” to live right before God?

Some say that they would seek God only after they have enough savings in the bank. 

Others say that they would put God first only after He gives them more stability.  

What do we say? 

Are we just waiting for favorable circumstances before giving our lives to God?

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Luke 1:26-28 (NKJV)

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 

Vs 26 - The angel Gabriel was sent by God…

Throughout the Bible, in the old and new testaments, there are multiple instances where we see God communicate to people through angels, and this is one of them. The work of angels can be broken down into three categories:

• Messengers (Luke 1, Daniel 8, Revelation 2)

• Protection / Warfare against the enemy (Daniel 10:13)

• Ministers (Hebrews 1:14)

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Vs 28 - And having come in, the angel said to her…

Very often, we imagine the appearances of angels to be like floating beings that look translucent, but it’s not really the case in reality. Quite often in the Bible, angels actually appear in human form. 

• Abraham and the three angels (Genesis 18)

• Lot and the two angels in Sodom (Genesis 19)

• Gideon and the angel (Judges 6)

• Samson’s parents and the angel (Judges 13)

• Jacob wrestling (Genesis 32)

• Mary and the two angels (John 20)

• Peter rescued by an angel from prison (Acts 12)

Even in Hebrews 13:2, it tells us to be hospitable to strangers because we may unknowingly be interacting with angels. 

So, when we read about how the angel Gabriel “came in and spoke to Mary”, we can read it in a literal sense. He likely came in human form and interacted with her. 

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We may never know when we cross paths with God’s angels. 

Are we hospitable people? If Mary was not hospitable and rejected the “man”, she would have rejected a powerful message from God. 

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Luke 1:29-38 (NKJV)

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

35 And the angel answered and said to her, ”The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

Vs 30-34 - “... you have found favor with God... you will conceive in your womb…”

”How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

Let’s be real for a moment. How many of us would receive this news as “favor”? But it was indeed favor from God! 

No one can blame Mary for her question. In fact, it is reasonable for anyone in that situation to have worries and concerns. To conceive a child while still a virgin is not something that many are willing to accept. One must be willing to be able to withstand the comments and insults of others. She had to be prepared for the countless number of questions coming her way, and the countless number of explanations that she had to give.

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Vs 36 - “Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.”

This was certainly new news to Mary, because Elizabeth hid herself for the first five months of her pregnancy (vs24). 

This revelation may have also helped Mary to be more ready to receive this blessing from God. Knowing that God had just done a miracle to her relative, it may have helped Mary know that she was not alone in this miraculous journey.

Vs 37 - “For with God nothing will be impossible.”

God is certainly always in the business of showing His power and glory. Instead of appointing women who were already married and in the “prime age” for giving birth, God chose to use impossible situations to bring forth His plans. He chose Elizabeth who was “too old” to give birth, and He chose Mary who was a virgin. 

In biblical history, we see this happening so often. God purposely does impossible things so that people would have no excuse to say “there is no God”. He constantly manifests Himself in such ways so that we can acknowledge Him and He also gets all the glory. 

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At the same time, God does this also so that we rely on Him and have faith. 

Are we in any situation where God wants us to do something that seems impossible? 

If so, let us not ask “why?” but remember that God desires to do the impossible through us and we must have faith.

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Vs 37 - “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”

Mary’s response was a beautiful one. Despite her concerns, questions, fears, and lack of understanding, she responded in faith and obedience. Instead of allowing her concerns or uncertainties to hinder her, she embraced the favor that God was prepared to give to her. She recognized that she was nothing but a maidservant to God and her response was befitting of a maidservant. 

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Do we find ourselves in similar situations?

How are we responding to God in these situations? Do we respond as a servant with faith? 

Or do we respond as a mere human who only trusts in what we see and know?

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Luke 1:39-45 (NKJV)

39 Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” 

Vs 39-40 - Now Mary… went… and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

It should be no surprise to us that Mary hurried to witness the miracle that Elizabeth experienced. She may have thought, “If what the angel said was true and if Elizabeth is truly pregnant, it’s going to happen to me too!” 

Vs 41-43 - The babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice… “blessed is the fruit of your womb!... the mother of my Lord should come to me…”

6 month old John who was filled with the Holy Spirit in Elizabeth’s womb responded to the presence of Jesus who was just conceived in Mary’s womb! And this event also caused Elizabeth to be filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied things that she did not know about. She instantly knew that Mary was pregnant, and she knew that she was pregnant with the Lord Jesus! 

This was a beautiful moment because we witnessed the meeting of two godly and obedient women who accepted God’s plan for them against all odds.

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Vs 45 - Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things…

Indeed, Mary was blessed because she believed. While some may have a different perspective on this and view such a destiny as a burden or a curse, Mary put on the right perspective and believed and received. 

When we believe, we are blessed because God’s words will be fulfilled in our lives. We cannot expect God to fulfill His end of the bargain when we do not believe. It is not right for us to think that God will keep His promises if we do not have the right attitude towards what He plans for us. 

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Very often, as humans, we tend to pay more attention to the negatives than the positives. Especially for Mary, she could have paid more attention to the negatives and allowed them to stop her in her tracks, but she did not. She simply believed and received. When we face similar situations, we must learn to ignore the waves and fix our gaze on what God had said and remember that God will always reward those who believe in Him. 

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Luke 1:46-56 (NKJV)

46 And Mary said:

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

And exalted the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house. 

It’s always beautiful when one spontaneously praises God! Mary praised God because she witnessed a miracle of God in Elizabeth and she was about to witness another miracle in her own life. 

From vs 48, Mary described herself as one who was of lowly state. Mary was likely a “nobody” and had no high status (since she came from Nazareth). And it is precisely this reason why God chose her.

God always has His eyes on the poor and despised. (Psalm 138:6)

It is in God’s nature to choose lowly people to shame those who are proud. (1 Corinthians 1:26 onwards)

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Luke 1:57-66 (NKJV)

57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”

61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.

63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 

Vs 59 - 63 - … and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias… Elizabeth and Zacharias said no and said that he shall be called John. 

Tradition and peer pressure were at work. The people already assumed that the baby would have been named after Zacharias, and even when Elizabeth had objected to it, they were not convinced and had to clarify with Zacharias.

From this, we can truly see that God selected the right couple for this mission. Zacharias and Elizabeth did not allow tradition or peer pressure to hinder God’s will for the child. Receiving this blessing at this old age made Zacharias and Elizabeth recognize that this child was God’s, and He would have 100% say in the child’s life. 

Just imagine, how many people would have failed in this situation? 

As humans, we are always very likely to walk in our own wisdom and put God aside after receiving His blessing (thinking that we achieved things in our own strength). 

Can you think of some examples from the Bible that fit this description?

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Do we recognize that all that we have is from God? 

And if so, is there anything that God has given to us, but yet, we took control of it and did things our own way? 

• Our ideals and plans for our children

• Our careers and finances

• Relationships

• Gifts

For a moment, consider what Job said in Job 1:21… 

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;

Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 

Indeed, all we have are from God. So, let us submit ourselves and all that we have to God too. God’s will is number one, and we must be willing to overcome traditions, peer pressure, selfish ambitions,  and everything that tries to hinder us. 

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Luke 1:67-80 (NKJV)

67 Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,

For He has visited and redeemed His people,

69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us

In the house of His servant David,

70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,

Who have been since the world began,

71 That we should be saved from our enemies

And from the hand of all who hate us,

72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers

And to remember His holy covenant,

73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:

74 To grant us that we,

Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,

Might serve Him without fear,

75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;

For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,

77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people

By the remission of their sins,

78 Through the tender mercy of our God,

With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;

79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,

To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. 

Vs 67 - Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied…

From a man who had doubts and unbelief, Zacharias was transformed into a man of belief and a man filled with the Holy Spirit. The judgment that he received at the beginning may have appeared to be “harsh”, but we can see how that was a much needed correction he needed and it produced good results.  

Vs 68-75

As inspired by the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied first about the Lord Jesus. Jesus was surely first in order, then John! It was truly a privilege for the Jews to finally experience and witness the fulfilment of all the prophecies. The salvation that the prophets prophesied of was finally unveiling right in front of their eyes! 

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Vs 76 - 80

There is no doubt why John had to be filled with the Holy Spirit right from conception. His ministry was going to be revolutionary and unprecedented in nature. No one could teach John what to say except the Holy Spirit. 

John’s ministry was truly important. His ministry prepared people for Jesus’ ministry. Without it, more people would have been more resistant to Jesus’ ministry. Through his ministry, people came to a clearer understanding of sin and would have a deeper understanding of repentance (Luke 3). 

After so many years of waiting by the Jews, it was never going to be easy to be the person who tells everyone that the prophecies were about to be fulfilled. It was never going to be easy to tell people that Jesus is the Messiah. Hence, John had to be strong and unattached from the world. Another “credibility” that John perhaps had also was that people would identify him as the miracle child that God gave to Zacharias and Elizabeth.

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John eventually went on and had a successful ministry in preparing the people for Jesus. And the reason why he was successful was because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and he kept himself away from the world and its influence. 

In our context, what can we learn from this? For us who are already followers of Christ, and for some of us are making disciples, are we also not called to prepare people for Jesus? In many ways, our ministry is similar to John’s. And in order for us to have the same success John had, we must also be full of the Holy Spirit and not conform to the pattern of the world.

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NEXT (LUKE CHAPTER 2)

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