ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 1

Luke 1:1–4 The Prologue. The prologue to Luke’s Gospel is a single sentence. It is among the finest Greek writing of the first century and demonstrates Luke’s skill as a writer.

Luke 1:1 Many may include more than just the authors of the Gospels. Accomplished emphasizes that Jesus’ ministry is the fulfillment of OT prophecy.

Luke 1:2–3 The sources for Luke were eyewitnesses and ministers, especially the faithful 11 of the 12 apostles (6:13–16). delivered. A technical Greek term for passing on tradition. word. Divine revelation. most excellent. An address for officials and people of high social standing (compare Acts 24:2; 26:25).

Luke 1:5–2:52 The Infancy Narrative. The opening (1:8–23) and conclusion (2:21–52) of this section take place in the temple (see Herod’s Temple in the Time of Jesus).

Luke 1:5–25 In Jesus’ day, most Jews believed that for more than 400 years the Holy Spirit had not been active in Israel, because there had been no prophets since Malachi. Now God once again visits his people.

Luke 1:5–7 John the Baptist’s birth is foretold during the reign of Herod the Great, the king of Judea. After Rome made him king in 40 b.c., Herod ruled Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Perea, and Idumea from 37–4 b.c. He murdered his wife, several of his own sons, and other relatives. He restored the temple in Jerusalem and built many theaters, cities, palaces, and fortresses throughout the Roman Empire. division of Abijah. The priests were divided into 24 divisions, each of which served for a week, twice a year. During major festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Feast of Tabernacles) all the divisions served.

Luke 1:12 fear fell upon him. A typical reaction to an angelic or divine presence (compare vv. 29–30; 65; 2:9).

Luke 1:13–14 your prayer has been heard. Zechariah may have been pleading for Israel as a nation. He apparently also asked God for a child, as indicated by v. 13b (compare Gen. 25:21; 30:22; 1 Sam. 1:10–17).

Luke 1:15 Not using wine and strong drink indicates John’s lifestyle was like the Nazirites’ (Num. 6:1–3). His being filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb (Luke 1:41) reveals God’s equipping him for ministry. It also indicates that he was a distinct human person before birth.

Luke 1:16–17 turn. Compare Acts 9:35; 11:21. go before him. Compare “Prepare the way,” Luke 3:4. The terms spirit and power are frequently linked (e.g., 4:14; Acts 1:8; 10:38; 1 Cor. 2:4; 1 Thess. 1:5), for the Holy Spirit gives power for ministry. For John’s association with Elijah, compare Luke 9:8–9, 19; and see note on John 1:20–21.

Luke 1:19 Gabriel. See Dan. 9:21.

Luke 1:22 Mute may mean both deaf and mute (see note on vv. 62–63).

Luke 1:24–25 Why Elizabeth remained in seclusion five months is unclear. to take away my reproach. Childlessness was considered a disgrace (compare Gen. 30:23; Isa. 4:1).

Luke 1:26 sixth month. The sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (v. 24). Nazareth was a small agricultural settlement.

Luke 1:27 Virgin describes Mary’s condition both before the conception and during pregnancy (Matt. 1:25). betrothed. A legally binding engagement, breakable only by divorce (Matt. 1:19). Joseph is a descendant of David (see Matt. 1:20; Luke 2:4; 3:23–38).

Luke 1:32 Most High. This name for the true God comes from Gen. 14:18–22. Whereas John is the “prophet of the Most High” (Luke 1:76), Jesus is the “Son of the Most High.” throne of his father David. See 2 Sam. 7:12–13, 16.

Luke 1:35 The Holy Spirit will perform a great miracle, so that Mary will become pregnant without having sexual relations with a man. Therefore indicates that Jesus’ holiness comes from his being conceived by the Holy Spirit. He did not inherit a sinful nature from Adam (see 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5; by contrast, Ps. 143:2; Eph. 2:3).

Luke 1:39–41 In those days links the present account with the previous one (compare 6:12; Acts 1:15).

Luke 1:44 leaped for joy. At the sixth month of pregnancy, the unborn child was a distinct person, able to feel joy.

Luke 1:46–55 Mary’s song of praise traditionally has been called the “Magnificat,” based on the Latin for the opening word, “magnifies.” The Magnificat is the first of three hymns in chs. 1–2. The other two are the “Benedictus” (1:68–79) and the “Nunc Dimittis” (2:29–32).

Luke 1:46–47 My soul magnifies the Lord. Mary’s hymn of praise follows the common form of psalms of thanksgiving. These begin by thanking God and then telling why one is thankful. God my Savior. Mary herself is not free from sin but is in need of a Savior.

Luke 1:48 for he has looked. This first reason for Mary’s praise recalls Hannah’s hymn (1 Sam. 2:1–10). humble estate. See Luke 1:52; 1 Cor. 1:26–29. All generations . . . blessed recalls Luke 1:42.

Luke 1:50–55 fear. Reverent, humble obedience that seeks to please God. The second reason for Mary’s praise is introduced by He has shown strength with his arm, a tribute to God’s power. To Abraham and to his offspring emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Luke 1:58 shown great mercy. See v. 25. Rejoiced with her is a partial fulfillment of v. 14 (see 2:10).

Luke 1:59 Circumcision on the eighth day is commanded in Gen. 17:12–14; 21:4; Lev. 12:3.

Luke 1:60 John. See v. 13.

Luke 1:62–63 They made signs to his father indicates that Zechariah was deaf as well as mute, or else they would simply have spoken to him. This is confirmed by the people’s amazement (v. 63) that he chose the same name Elizabeth chose.

Luke 1:67 Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit like Elizabeth (v. 41), gives a prophecy (vv. 68–79).

Luke 1:68–79 Zechariah’s prophecy is a single sentence in Greek. It is often called the “Benedictus,” from its first word in Latin. Like the Magnificat (see note on vv. 46–55), the Benedictus begins with a word of praise: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. With the events of vv. 5–67, the promised time of salvation has begun.

Luke 1:69 The horn, symbolizing strength, refers to Jesus. David. See v. 27.

Luke 1:70 As he spoke . . . from of old emphasizes the fulfillment and continuity between the old and new covenants (see vv. 72–73).

Luke 1:76–77 knowledge of salvation. Such knowledge results in a change of heart and behavior (e.g., “repentance”; compare 3:7–8).

Luke 1:78–79 the sunrise shall visit us . . . to give light. Probably a metaphor referring to the coming of the Messiah (compare Isa. 60:2–3; Mal. 4:2; and perhaps Num. 24:17).

Luke 1:80 the child grew and became strong in spirit. Compare 2:40.