Textual Studies From The Gospel Of Luke & The Acts Of The Apostles

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 John’s Birth Foretold vv Gabriel visits Zacharias vv The angel announces the coming child v. 13 This child would be “great,” “turn many back to God,” and would be he who would come “in the spirit & power of Elijah” vv

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 John’s Birth Foretold vv Zacharias responds to Gabriel v. 18 He apparently doubts, questions the news Gabriel replies to Zacharias vv Zacharias did not believe…therefore, he would be mute until the child’s birth

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 Jesus’ Birth Foretold vv Gabriel also visits Mary, a relative of Elizabeth & a virgin in Nazareth vv She, too, will give birth and is to name this Child Jesus vv

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 Jesus’ Birth Foretold vv This Child’s description… vv He will be “great,” & “Son of the Most High” He will have “the throne of His father David” He will “reign over Jacob forever” His kingdom will “have no end”

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 Jesus’ Birth Foretold vv This Child’s description… vv All these “descriptions” would fulfill O.T. prophecy 2 Sam 7:12-13, 16 Isa 9:7 Dan 2:44 7:14, 18, 27

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 Jesus’ Birth Foretold vv Mary cannot see how this could happen, since “she has not known a man” v. 34 Gabriel reassures her vv It is a Divine conception, not human v. 35 Mary is also informed re: Elizabeth v. 36

Lesson 2 – Birth Announcements 1:5-38 Jesus’ Birth Foretold vv Gabriel reassures her vv All things are possible with God v. 37 Mary thankfully accepts “the mission” she has been given v. 38

Lesson 3 – The Expectants Visit 1:39-56 Mary hurries to visit Elizabeth v. 36 Upon her arrival & greeting, Elizabeth’s baby “leaps in her womb” v. 41a cp. 1:15 Elizabeth is “filled with the Holy Spirit” and praises the Child within Mary vv. 41b-45 She exalts Mary’s Baby over her own!!

Lesson 3 – The Expectants Visit 1:39-56 Mary also offers praise to God for what has happened vv She expresses thanks for herself v. 48 She also demonstrates her awareness of the promises God made & now begins to fulfill through Abraham v. 55 cp. Gen 12, 15, 17

Lesson 3 – The Expectants Visit 1:39-56 Mary stays with Elizabeth for 3 months v. 56 This would mean she left at the very end of Elizabeth’s pregnancy 1:24, 26

Lesson 3 – John’s Birth 1:57-66 The birth of Zacharias’ & Elizabeth’s child brought much rejoicing v. 58 cp. v. 13, 25 A dilemma arises…his name vv Everyone naturally assumes he will bear his father’s name Elizabeth & Zacharias correct them cp. v. 13

Lesson 3 – John’s Birth 1:57-66 Zacharias’ mouth is opened v. 64 cp. v. 20 His ability to speak again amazes their family, acquaintances, and all in the Judean hill country v. 65 They all begin to wonder about the future of this child v. 66

Lesson 3 – Zacharias’ Prophecy 1:67-80 Given what we know from vv. 7, 25…one would think his first words would have been about his own long-awaited son Not so…he speaks first of God “bringing salvation in the house of David” v. 69 Their “house” was Levi, not Judah v. 5

Lesson 3 – Zacharias’ Prophecy 1:67-80 He also expresses thanks to God keeping His promises through Abraham vv Then, he mentions his own son vv Not as “My son” Rather, as “His forerunner” v. 76 And as a teacher re: forgiveness of sins v. 77

Lesson 3 – Zacharias’ Prophecy 1:67-80 John’s “growing up years” v. 80 He became “strong in spirit” He dwelt in the desert (rugged territory) … maybe even alone Ù parents dead?? He lived so “until his public appearance” This was his “identity” cp. Mal 4:5-6