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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

CHAPTER ONE:
EVENTS REGARDING THE BIRTH OF JOHN AND JESUS

[“Great Expectations”]
Key word: Favored!

Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

LK1:1 Since many have taken their hand 1 to compile a statement regarding those facts 2 that are fully confirmed among us 3 –

1

Since many have taken their hand: Or, NEB: many writers have undertaken; BAS: as a number of attempts have been made. It is likely that by the time Luke began his research Matthew and Mark were already available. It appears that Luke is aware of “many” who have prepared records of Christ’s life and teachings.

2

To compile a statement regarding those facts: Or, KJV: to set forth in order a declaration; ASV: to draw up a narrative; RSV: to compile; NEB: to draw up an account of the events. The Greek for “facts” here is PRAGMATON from which the English “pragmatism” comes. Luke is dealing in “facts” and not a fairy tale. As a doctor he is observant and knows how to listen to a person’s statement of events as an eyewitness. He is precise in his dating of matters, sympathetic to women, careful in his use of specific designations, and reliable as a historian.

3

That are fully confirmed among us: Or, KJV: most surely believed; ASV: fulfilled among us; BER: that have certainly taken place among us; WEY: received with full assurance. [John 20:31] The period between 29 to 73 AD is called the “eye witness period” during which those who were present could testify what they heard, saw, and felt. [1 John 1:1-3]

LK1:2 just as they have been handed down to us 4 from the original eyewitnesses 5 and attendants of the message 6 –

4

Just as they have been handed down to us: Or, KJV: even as they delivered them unto us; NEB: following the traditions; MOF: exactly; WEY: on the authority of those. When Luke was alive as a traveling companion of Paul’s in the 50s and 60s AD he had great opportunities to interview a wide range of witnesses as well as read other first hand reports and records of these events.

5

From the original eyewitnesses: Or, WEY: who were from the beginning eyewitnesses. These amounted to at least 500 Christian believers as well as others who could confirm what Jesus said and did. [1 Corinthians 15:6] The integrity of these witnesses could also be observed and compared. [1 Peter 2:12; 5:1; 2 Peter 1:16] It is likely Luke interviewed at length the apostles, as well as the seventy disciples, and also those women who followed Jesus’ ministry closely. [Luke 8:3; Acts 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39, 41]

6	Attendants of the message: Or, ministers, servants, subordinates.

LK1:3 it also seemed most fitting for me, having investigated everything 7 right from the beginning, to write to you most excellent 8 Theophilus 9 a factual account. 10

7

Having investigated everything: Or, KJV: perfect understand; ASV: traced the course of all things accurately; NEB: as one who has gone over the whole course of these events in detail; RIE: have kept in close touch with the whole course of these events. If we judge from Luke’s precision in Acts we can imagine that he was meticulous in his gathering of facts.

8	Most excellent: Or, most mighty. Either an endearing designation or an indication of his position in life.

9	Theophilus: Meaning “God’s Friend.” The Book of Acts is also written to him. [Acts 1:1] We may assume Luke and Theophilus having copies made of his Gospel.

10	Factual account: Or, accurate, careful. The Greek is ACRIBOS from which comes “accurate.”

LK1:4 Thus you might become aware of the reliable information 11 about those matters in which you have been orally instructed. 12

11

Become aware of the reliable information: Or, KJV: know the certainty; NAS: exact truth; NEB: authentic knowledge; GDS: reliable information; MOF: solid truth; TCN: satisfy yourself of the accuracy of the story. Luke states the reason or his Gospel – logical and reliable facts regarding Jesus’ life and ministry.

12	Orally instructed: Or, informed, taught by word of mouth. In the beginning, before there were written accurate records of the Gospel, everyone learned by word of mouth, orally taught, though the prophecies in the Hebrew Bible could be examined.

Luke 1:5-7 – Zechariah and Elizabeth

LK1:5 In the days of Herod, 13 king of Judea, there happened to be a certain priest named Zechariah 14 out of the [priestly] division of Abijah, 15 as well as his wife named Elizabeth 16 from the daughters of Aaron.

13

In the days of Herod: Luke does not begin with something obscure, as “once upon a time in a land far away.” He states the Roman appointed king of Judea, something that could be confirmed. There is considerable information in Josephus on the house of Herod and its various rulers. Though scholars disagree on the time of the death of Herod it is possible he lived until 2-1 BC, about the time of the birth of Jesus.

14	Zechariah: Meaning “Yah Remembers.”

15	Division of Abijah: King David divided the priests into 24 divisions. Abijah was the eighth. [1 Chronicles 24:10] Each of the divisions served for one week every six months.

16	Elizabeth: Meaning “God of Plenty.”

LK1:6 Now they were both righteous before The God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and righteous requirements of the LORD. LK1:7 Elizabeth had never had any children as she was barren and they were both well along in years.

Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest

LK1:8 Now [something] happened while Zechariah was serving as priest before The God when it was the turn for his [priestly] division. LK1:9 Then according to the ritual of the priesthood it was his turn to burn incense 17 when he entered the temple of the LORD.

17	His turn to burn incense: Something rotated in the priestly divisions. In the first compartment of the Temple called the Holy Place there was an incense altar before the curtain to the Most Holy. [Exodus 25:1, 2, 6; 35:4, 5, 8, 27-29; 30:34-38]

LK1:10 Outside the throng of worshippers were praying at the time of the offering of incense. LK1:11 Suddenly YHWH’s angel 18 appeared on the right side of the altar of incense [in the Holy Place].

18	YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism where the Greek could suggest YHWH originally occurred here.

LK1:12 Now when Zechariah saw the angel he was startled and he began to tremble in fear. LK1:13 Then the angel said to him: “Do not to be frightened, Zechariah! For your prayer has been heard and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son and you will call his name ‘John’. 19

19	‘John’: Meaning “Jehovah Has Favored” or “God’s Gift.” One of the most common names in the Western world, occurring as Juan, Yves, Ivan, Sean, etc.

LK1:14 And you will become filled with joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. LK1:15 For he will be great in YHWH’s sight 20 and he will not drink wine or strong drink. 21 [Numbers 6:3] He will be filled with holy Pneuma even while in his mother’s womb.

20	YHWH’s sight: It is possible the Tetragram originally occurred here.

21	He will not drink wine or strong drink: That is, a Nazarite from birth by God’s choosing like Samson. [Numbers 6:3; Judges 13:7]

LK1:16 He will restore many of the children of Israel 22 to YHWH their God.

22	He will ‘restore many of the children’ of Israel: The phrase is borrowed from Malachi 4:5-6. This foretold “restoration” by Elijah was that of Israel to their God and also between Hebrew fathers and sons.

LK1:17 He will be a forerunner before [the Messiah] in the inspiration and power of Elijah – to restore the hearts of fathers to their children [Malachi 4:5, 6] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to get ready YHWH’s people 23 prepared for [Messiah].”

23

To get ready YHWH’s people: The allusion to Malachi 4:5-6 gives an inspired interpretation to the prophecy. Peter alludes to a similar “restoration” at Acts 3:21. John the Baptist would go ahead of Christ by six months to prepare Israel for Messiah’s appearance by a baptism of repentance. All of Jesus’ apostles and early disciples were most likely disciples of John first.

Luke 1:18-22 – Struck Dumb For Disbelief

LK1:18 Now Zechariah said to the angel: “How can I be sure of this? 24 For I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 25

24	How can I be sure of this: For this question the angel strikes the priest dumb.

25	For I am an old man and my wife is well along in years: An echo of Abraham and Sarah. The Levitical priestly assistants had to retire at the age of 50 while the Aaronic priesthood could serve throughout their lives.

LK1:19 Then the angel answered him: “I am Gabriel 26 who stands in the very presence of The God! 27 I was sent to speak with you and to bring you this good news.

26	I am Gabriel: The angel of Daniel 9. His name means “God’s Able One.”

27	Who stands in the very presence of The God: This may suggest that not all angels serve in God’s Presence.

LK1:20 Now, look, you will be unable to speak or say anything until that day when these matters will be fulfilled, because you did not believe my words that will come to completion at the proper time.” LK1:21 Now outside the worshippers waited for Zechariah and began to wonder because he was taking so long in the temple. 28

28	He was taking so long in the temple: The service with prayers took about thirty minutes.

LK1:22 And when he did come out he was unable to speak to them – and as a result the people realized that he had seen a vision in the temple – because he could only gesture to them though he remained speechless.

Luke 1:23-25 – Elizabeth Pregnant

LK1:23 Now it came to pass that when Zechariah’s priestly service was finished 29 he left to his own house.

29	Priestly service was finished: One week.

LK1:24 During those days his wife Elizabeth did conceive and for five months she kept it hidden, saying, LK1:25 “This is how YHWH has dealt with me during these days when He looked on me with favor and removed my reproach 30 [Genesis 30:23] among my people.”

30	Reproach: Or, disgrace, shame, humiliation. Barrenness in Israel was a reproach upon a married woman. Elizabeth virtually quotes Genesis 30:23. [Compare also 1 Samuel 1:11.]

Luke 1:26-38 – Gabriel’s Appearance to Mary

LK1:26 Now in Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the village of Galilee called Nazareth, LK1:27 to a virgin 31 [Isaiah 7:14] promised in marriage to a man named Joseph of David’s House. And the name of the virgin was Mary. 32

31	Virgin: Possibly borrowed from Isaiah 7:14 where a PARTHENON is foretold. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 1:23.

32	Mary: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

LK1:28 Approaching Mary, Gabriel said to her: “Greetings, favored one! The LORD is with you!” LK1:29 At this statement Mary was very puzzled and kept wondering what this greeting meant. LK1:30 Then the angel Gabriel said to Mary: “Do not be frightened, Mary, for you have found favor with God. LK1:31 And, behold, you will conceive in your womb and will give birth to a son, and you will give him the name Jesus. 33

33

Jesus: The traditional form of the Greek IESOUS here. The Hebrew form is YESHUA and means “Yehowah is Salvation.” It is the same as the name Joshua. Some argue over the exact form. Accents in pronunciation of foreign languages persist no matter the tongue. It seems unreasonable to many that God would insist every word translated from the Hebrew Bible must be spoken in a Hebrew accent. Even the accents of Jews differed in the 1st Century just as they do in English and Spanish in different places.

LK1:32 He will become a renowned person 34 and will be called a son of the Most High. 35 [Psalm 82:6] YHWH The God 36 will give to him David’s throne, 37 [Isaiah 9:7]

34	Renowned person: Or, great.

35	A son of the Most High: Or, [the] Most High’s Son, Son of the Highest, Son of the Most High. The Greek is HUIOS YPSISTOU with the article. Compare a similar phrase at Psalm 82:6.

36	YHWH The God: The Greek is KYRIOS HO THEOS without the article and may indicate the Tetragram originally occurred here.

37	David’s throne: An echo of Isaiah 9:7. Compare also 2 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 132:11; Jeremiah 23:5.

LK1:33 and he will reign over Jacob’s House throughout the Ages. There will never be an end to his kingdom.” [Daniel 2:44] LK1:34 But in response Mary said to the angel Gabriel: “How can this be 38 since I have never known a man?”

38	How can this be: Note Mary is not rebuked for her question while Zechariah was.

LK1:35 So the angel answered her: “Holy Pneuma 39 will come over you and the Most High’s power will overshadow you. As a result the One to be born will be also called Holy, God’s Son. 40 [Psalm 89:26]

39	Holy Pneuma: Or, holy spirit. Note the Pneuma is paralleled with God’s “power.” For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Holy Pneuma; compare 1 Corinthians 2:16.

40	God’s Son: Or, the Son of God. The Greek is HUIOS THEOU with the article. Compare Psalm 2:7; 89:26.

LK1:36 Now, look, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age and this is now the sixth month of her so-called barrenness. LK1:37 For no message from God is impossible.” 41 [Genesis 18:14]

41	For no message from God is impossible: Or, word, declaration. It echoes Genesis 18:14. [Psalm 115:3]

LK1:38 Then Mary said: “Look, YHWH’s slave! 42 May it all take place with me just as you say!” And the angel Gabriel left her.

42	YHWH’s slave: Or, handmaid. The Greek is DOULE KYRIOU.

Luke 1:39-45 – Mary Visits Elizabeth

LK1:39 Now in those days Mary rose and traveled hastily into the hill country to a village of Judah. LK1:40 She entered into the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. LK1:41 Now the moment Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting her baby suddenly moved in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with holy Pneuma. LK1:42 She cried out in a loud voice: “You are most blessed among women! Blessed is the fruit of your womb! LK1:43 Why am I so privileged that the mother of my Master should visit me? LK1:44 For, look, at the very moment I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb leaped with joy! LK1:45 Blessed is the one 43 who continues to believe that there will be a fulfillment to the things spoken to her by YHWH!” 44

43	Blessed is the one: Or, blessed is she, happy the woman.

44	YHWH: Or, the Lord. The Greek is without the article.

Luke 1:46-56 – Mary Magnifies God

LK1:46 Now Mary responded: LK1:47 “My soul magnifies the LORD! 45 [1 Samuel 2:1] My inner being rejoices in my God, the Savior! [1 Samuel 2:1]

45	My soul magnifies the Lord: Mary’s inspired praise draws on Hannah’s own in 1 Samuel 2 as well as alludes to about a dozen Hebrew Bible verses. Here “the Lord” is TON KYRION.

LK1:48 For He has seen the humble condition of his servant-girl. Behold, from now on all generations will consider me most blessed. LK1:49 Because the Powerful One has done great things to me, and His name is holy! [Psalm 111:4] LK1:50 His mercy is on every generation of those fearing Him. [Psalm 103:17] LK1:51 With His Arm He has performed a mighty deed. He has scattered the thoughts of the proud in their own hearts. [Psalm 89:10] LK1:52 He has abased powers from their thrones and exalted the humble. [Job 12:19; 5:11] LK1:53 Those hungering He has satisfied with good things, [Psalm 107:9] but the wealthy He has sent away empty. [Psalm 34:10 LXX] LK1:54 He came to the aid of His servant Israel in a memorial of His mercy, [Isaiah 41:8; Psalm 118:3] LK1:55 just as He said to our forefathers – to Abraham [Micah 7:20] and his offspring – unto the Age.” LK1:56 And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then she returned to her own home.

Luke 1:57-66 – Elizabeth Gives Birth To John

LK1:57 Now Elizabeth’s time came to fulfillment for her to give birth, and so she bore a son. LK1:58 Now her neighbors and relatives heard that YHWH 46 had shown His mercy to her and they rejoiced together with her.

46	YHWH: The article is missing and may suggest the Tetragram once occurred here.

LK1:59 Then the time arrived on the eighth day that they went to circumcise the child. They all wanted to name him Zechariah. LK1:60 But, his mother answered and said: “No! He will be called ‘John’!” LK1:61 Then they all said to Elizabeth: “No one among your relatives is called by that name.” LK1:62 So they motioned to the baby’s father and asked him what he wanted to name the boy. LK1:63 Then Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote – “John is his name.” And everyone was astonished. LK1:64 Instantly his mouth and tongue were opened and he began to speak praising The God. LK1:65 Now all those living in his neighborhood became frightened, and throughout the entire hill country of Judea everyone began talking about these matters. LK1:66 Everybody who heard about it continued to wonder inwardly about all of this, saying: “Who will this child become? For surely YHWH’s hand 47 was with him.”

47	YHWH’s hand: The Greek is KYRIOS without the article.

Luke 1:67-80 – Zechariah’s Prophecy

LK1:67 Then the baby’s father Zechariah was filled with holy Pneuma and prophesied: 48 “Blessed [be] YHWH, The God of Israel, 49 [Psalm 41:13]

48	Prophesied: Zechariah, like Mary, speaks in language borrowed from a half dozen verses in the Hebrew Bible.

49	Blessed [be] YHWH, The God of Israel: Compare also 1 Kings 1:48; Psalm 72:18; 106:48.

LK1:68 for He visited and redeemed His People. 50 [Psalm 111:9]

50	Redeemed His People: Compare Luke 7:16.

LK1:69 He raised up for us a horn 51 of salvation in His servant David’s House. [Psalm 132:17]

51	He raised up for us a horn: From Psalm 132:17 but with echoes of Hannah again. [1 Samuel 2:10]

LK1:70 Just as He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from ages past 52 –

52	He spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from ages past: As in Jeremiah 23:5; Daniel 9:24. Compare Hebrews 1:1.

LK1:71 that He would save us from the hand of our enemies who hated us. 53 [Psalm 106:10]

53	He would save us from the hand of our enemies who hated us: From Psalm 106:10.

LK1:72 This in order to demonstrate [His] mercy to our forefathers and to remember His holy covenant. 54 [Psalm 105:8]

54	To remember His holy covenant: Compare Psalm 105:8; 106:45. Several times Zechariah draws from the historical psalms. On the covenant see Genesis 17:7; Leviticus 26:42; Deuteronomy 4:31; 7:12.

LK1:73 That oath He swore to our father Abraham [Genesis 22:16] – LK1:74 to grant us deliverance from the hand of our enemies [Jeremiah 30:8] – LK1:75 so that we may serve Him fearlessly all our days in holiness and righteousness. [Jeremiah 30:9] LK1:76 And so you also, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. For in the sight of YHWH you will go before to prepare His way 55 [Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1] –

55	Prepare His way: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 3:3.

LK1:77 to give knowledge of salvation to His People by a forgiveness of their sins, 56

56	Forgiveness of their sins: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark 1:4.

LK1:78 through the tender mercies of our God that will dawn on us from a heavenly visitation – LK1:79 to become visible to those sitting in the darkness of death’s shadow, 57 [Isaiah 9:2] to direct our feet into the way of peace.”

57	Those sitting in the darkness of death’s shadow: From Isaiah 9:2. Compare Psalm 107:10; Isaiah 49:9; 59:9. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 4:16.

LK1:80 And so the child continued to grow and become stronger mentally, 58 remaining in the desert until the day of his appearing to Israel.

58	So the child continued to grow and become stronger mentally: Or, strong in spirit. Compare Jesus at Luke 2:40.

Review Questions on Chapter One