And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
Read it in contextJohn is born
Start reading at Luke 1:57 (Luke 1:57 to Luke 1:80).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
John's naming and Zacharias' prophecy identify his preparatory role and bring the opening chapter toward the arrival of the promised salvation.
1:57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
1:58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
1:59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
1:60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
1:61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
1:62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
1:63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
1:64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
1:65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
1:66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
1:67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
1:68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
1:69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
1:70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
1:71That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
1:72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
1:73The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
1:74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
1:75In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
1:76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
1:77To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
1:78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
1:79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
1:80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 1:1–1:80): Luke addresses Theophilus in the preface. Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, Gabriel, relatives, and neighbors appear in the birth-announcement accounts. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? John is born. Read Luke 1:57 through Luke 1:80 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? John's naming and Zacharias' prophecy identify his preparatory role and bring the opening chapter toward the arrival of the promised salvation. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in John is born (Luke 1:57 to Luke 1:80).
Start reading at Luke 1:57. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 1:57, Luke 1:80, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of PaulFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name. Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe dedication explains the account's purpose; the announcement to Zacharias introduces the child who will prepare a people for the Lord.
Connection to the wholeJohn's naming and Zacharias' prophecy identify his preparatory role and bring the opening chapter toward the arrival of the promised salvation.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.