Bible Study- Gospel According to Luke- Chpt 1: 1-24

Hey everyone, Ryan here and I am a Bible Nerd!. I’m excited to continue our series on the Gospel according to Luke. Today, we’re diving into Chapter 1, where we’ll examine some key verses and the translations I’m using for this study.

Different Translations

I have several translations to reference, starting with the New King James Version (NKJV). This beautiful edition features full-color photos and maps of the Holy Land, making it one of my favorites.

Next, we have the NET Bible (New English Translation). If you're a Bible nerd like me and you don't have a NET Bible, you're missing out on "footnote heaven." For instance, just in Luke Chapter 1, the footnotes stretch from A through X, providing extensive background and insights for each verse. The translators of the NET Bible, many of whom have worked on other translation committees, offer a nuanced understanding while keeping it highly readable.

I also like the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), which is a step above the New International Version (NIV) in terms of word-for-word translation. The CSB provides a more sophisticated understanding of the text. I have the CSB Apologetic Study Bible, which offers helpful insights for deeper theological discussions.

I also like the MacArthur Large Print Study Bible which is the New American Standard Bible translation, which is my biggest study Bible and packed with notes and commentary.

I have several others ill use as part of my podcast. Do you have one that you like to use for your study and why?

For today’s study, I’ll mainly refer to the NKJV. If you’re following along, feel free to use your Bible app or your own copy.

Reading Luke Chapter 1: Verses 1-4

Let’s start with Luke 1:1-4:

“Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 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.”

We are told that Luke is a physician and a Gentile who has taken great care to compile an orderly account of Jesus's life and ministry for Theophilus. This indicates that Luke aimed to provide a thorough understanding of the events that have taken place. His sophisticated Greek suggests he was well-educated, likely providing this narrative for an educated audience as well.

Significance of the Characters

Luke acknowledges that previous accounts exist, emphasizing the credibility of those who witnessed the events firsthand. Importantly, he writes from a Gentile perspective, which may offer insights that are not as prominently featured in the Jewish-centric gospels. This makes Luke an ideal starting point for those who are new to Christianity.

The Announcement of John the Baptist

Let’s continue reading from verse 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. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well-advanced in years."

This sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. In that culture, having children was critical for legacy and support in old age. In verse 8, we see that Zacharias is chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple, an honor that underscores his faithfulness as a priest.

As he performs his duties, an angel appears, announcing that Elizabeth will bear a son named John:

"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" (verse 13).

This announcement is significant, not just for Zacharias and Elizabeth, but for their entire community, as it fulfills a long-standing hope for them.

The Power of Words

In verse 18, Zacharias expresses doubt, asking the angel how he could know this would happen, given his old age. As a result, he is struck mute until John’s birth, illustrating the weight and power of our words and beliefs. The solemnity of the moment reflects a much larger truth—that negativity can hinder our faith and outcomes.

"And 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" (verse 20).

In verse 25, we read:

"And the people waited for Zacharias and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 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."

Following his time in the temple, Zacharias returned home after completing his service. Soon after, Elizabeth conceived but chose to hide herself for five months, proclaiming, "Thus the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me to take away my reproach among the people."

It’s likely that there was gossip surrounding Zacharias and Elizabeth due to their inability to have children. People often speculated about such situations, questioning whether they were somehow being punished or if there was a reason behind their childlessness. Elizabeth may have felt this societal pressure, and her choice to retreat for five months holds deep significance.

Her silence, much like Zacharias's muteness, served a crucial purpose: to protect her pregnancy from the speculation and potential disappointment that could arise. By keeping this miraculous news close to her heart until it was safe to reveal, Elizabeth demonstrated her faith and obedience to God’s plan, wanting to ensure that their hopes were grounded in certainty.

In closing

As we wrap up this portion of our study, I hope you found meaningful insights in these verses. We’ll continue to explore Chapter 1 in the next segment.

Your feedback, comments, and prayers are invaluable to me as I navigate this journey through the scriptures. I appreciate all of you who are reading and listening to my podcast. You can find all my content by searching @BibleN3rd on Facebook and YouTube. I truly enjoy sharing this experience with you, and I have more ideas in store for the channel and podcast. Please share your thoughts on what I'm doing right and where I could improve.

May you find inspiration and insight along your own journey through the scriptures. May God's peace fill your day today, in Jesus' name. I look forward to seeing you next time!