Luke 1:1-80 AMP

[1] Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to compile an orderly account of the things which have been fulfilled among us [by God], [2] exactly as they were handed down to us by those [with personal experience] who from the beginning [of Christ’s ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word [that is, of the teaching concerning salvation through faith in Christ], [3] it seemed fitting for me as well, [and so I have decided] after having carefully searched out and investigated all the events accurately, from the very beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus; [4] so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught [that is, the history and doctrine of the faith]. [5] In the days of Herod [the Great], king of Judea, there was a certain priest whose name was Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron [the first high priest of Israel], and her name was Elizabeth. [6] They both were righteous (approved) in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. [7] But they were childless, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both far advanced in years. [8] Now it happened while Zacharias was serving as priest before God in the appointed order of his priestly division, [9] as was the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter [the sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense [on the altar of incense]. [10] And all the congregation was praying outside [in the court of the temple] at the hour of the incense offering. [11] And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. [12] When Zacharias saw the angel, he was troubled and overcome with fear. [13] But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your petition [in prayer] was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. [14] You will have great joy and delight, and many will rejoice over his birth, [15] for he will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord; and will never drink wine or liquor, and he will be filled with and empowered to act by the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. [16] He will turn many of the sons of Israel back [from sin] to [love and serve] the Lord their God. [17] It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous [which is to seek and submit to the will of God]—in order to make ready a people [perfectly] prepared [spiritually and morally] for the Lord.” [18] And Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I be certain of this? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in age.” [19] The angel replied and said to him, “I am Gabriel; I stand and minister in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent [by Him] to speak to you and to bring you this good news. [20] Listen carefully, you will be continually silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe what I told you; but my words will be fulfilled at their proper time.” [21] The people [outside in the court] were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering about his long delay in the temple. [22] But when he did come out, he was unable to speak to them. They realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. [23] When his time of priestly service was finished, he returned to his home. [24] Now after this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months she secluded herself completely, saying, [25] “This is how the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor on me, to take away my disgrace among men.” [26] Now in the sixth month [of Elizabeth’s pregnancy] the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, a descendant of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. [28] And coming to her, the angel said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” [29] But she was greatly perplexed at what he said, and kept carefully considering what kind of greeting this was. [30] The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] Listen carefully: you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. [32] He will be great and eminent and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; [33] and He will reign over the house of Jacob (Israel) forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” [34] Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin and have no intimacy with any man?” [35] Then the angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God. [36] And listen, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. [37] For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.” [38] Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel left her. [39] Now at this time Mary arose and hurried to the hill country, to a city of Judah (Judea), [40] and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. [41] When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him. [42] And she exclaimed loudly, “Blessed [worthy to be praised] are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! [43] And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? [44] For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. [45] And blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] is she who believed and confidently trusted that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her [by the angel sent] from the Lord.” [46] And Mary said, “My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, [47] And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [48] For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant; For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God! [49] For He who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory]. [50] AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO [stand in great awe of God and] FEAR HIM. [51] He has done mighty deeds with His [powerful] arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. [52] He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And exalted those who were humble. [53] HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent the rich away empty-handed. [54] He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, [55] Just as He promised to our fathers, To Abraham and to his descendants forever.” [56] And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home. [57] Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. [58] Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown His great mercy toward her, and they were rejoicing with her. [59] It happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child [as required by the Law], and they intended to name him Zacharias, after his father; [60] but his mother answered, “No indeed; instead he will be called John.” [61] And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by that name.” [62] Then they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. [63] And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. [64] At once Zacharias’ mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began speaking, praising and blessing and thanking God. [65] Then fear came on all their neighbors; and all these things were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. [66] All who heard these things kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this little boy turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him [to bring about his birth]. [67] Now Zacharias his father was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him, and he prophesied, saying, [68] “Blessed (praised, glorified) be the Lord, the God of Israel, Because He has visited us and brought redemption to His people, [69] And He has raised up a horn of salvation [a mighty and valiant Savior] for us In the house of David His servant— [70] Just as He promised by the mouth of His holy prophets from the most ancient times— [71] Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES, And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US; [72] To show mercy [as He promised] to our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant [the promised blessing], [73] The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, [74] To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, [75] In holiness [being set apart] and righteousness [being upright] before Him all our days. [76] And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD (the Messiah) TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; [77] To give His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, [78] Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise (the Messiah) from on high will dawn and visit us, [79] TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet [in a straight line] into the way of peace and serenity.” [80] The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel [as John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah].