Chronological Study #7

    In America, “freedom of religion” once meant something for the "Christian". However, little by little a person’s right to practice freedom of religion (mainly Biblical Christianity) is being eliminated. For the school teacher to express their belief to children that God created all things and that evolution is a lie from the devil can get them fired.
   For a school teacher to prove through science that God created all things is unacceptable. They may get persecuted and then fired.
   Most college professors know that if they express their belief that God created all things and that evolution is a lie from the devil, their job can be in jeopardy. They can expect to be persecuted and woe to those that exalt the ten commandments. As birth pangs of a woman, expect it to get worse.

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(Part 1 of 20)
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WHAT IS A CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPEL BIBLE?

The Chronological 4 Gospels are the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with a few verses from Acts and 1st Corinthians, combined in chronological form. This enables a person to read and study all four as a unit. One can read Matthew’s account of an event, and then read the same event in the other accounts. There are certain events that are only presented in one or two, but others are presented in all 4. A student of the Bible can now read and study how and when all the events occurred in relation to each other. Thus, a person’s knowledge and understanding of God’s Word should increase as the Holy Spirit gives the understanding.

TITLES AND DATING

Titles on each verse or on passages have also been added. Most of the verses are dated as to when these may have happened. Since it is not known for sure the exact year and date that Jesus was actually born, the verses are dated in relation to the birth of Jesus. For example, Lk 1:5 is dated as happening 16 months before the birth of Jesus. Mt 27:35 (the crucifixion of Jesus) is dated as happening 33 ½ years after His birth (or 0 days before 33 years plus 6 months). It is generally agreed by most born-again Bible scholars that Jesus was born somewhere between 6 B.C. to 2 B.C. and was crucified when He was about 33½ years, perhaps in our month of September or October.

THE SCRIPTURES

The Scripture verses were originally taken from the KJV Bible. Many hours of research were spent examining each word or phrase carefully in relation to the JNT, NASB, NIV, and NKJV. The goal was to present to the student of the Bible the exactness of the KJV verses, enhanced with portions from other versions to add more clarity. This was done by replacing words such as ye with you and yea with yes. The word (TO) may appear replacing the KJV word “UNTO.” The words in lower case in parenthesis usually denote words from other Bible translations that have been inserted along with the KJV to help the reader have a fuller understanding. When the word or words in parenthesis appear in capital letters, this can denote KJV words that are seldom used being replaced with the current English words from another translation, yet in absolutely no way changing the meaning of the KJV. This may also be done, because the English word used several hundred years ago could be misunderstood in this generation. The authors of this work believe the KJV is the most accurate English translation.
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EXAMPLE OF SCRIPTURES

Example: Mt 1:20. BUT WHILE HE THOUGHT ON (or considered) THESE THINGS, BEHOLD, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED (TO) HIM IN A DREAM, SAYING, JOSEPH, THOU SON OF DAVID, FEAR NOT TO TAKE (TO) THEE MARY (YOUR) WIFE (or do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife–NIV): FOR THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS (FROM) THE HOLY GHOST (or Holy Spirit).Example: Mt 1:20. BUT WHILE HE THOUGHT ON (or considered) THESE THINGS, BEHOLD, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED (TO) HIM IN A DREAM, SAYING, JOSEPH, THOU SON OF DAVID, FEAR NOT TO TAKE (TO) THEE MARY (YOUR) WIFE (or do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife-NIV): FOR THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS (FROM) THE HOLY GHOST (or Holy Spirit).

TWO WAYS TO DO A CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE

   There are two ways a Chronological 4 Gospel Bible can be done. The simplest way is to take groups of verses and put them either side by side or let them follow each other.
   However, it was discovered that it is as if all 4 Gospels were originally one complete book, but then the Lord gave part to Matthew, part to Mark, part to Luke, and part to John. The 4 Gospels are not 4 accounts of the life of Jesus, but rather one single account given to 4 people to present with many portions being repeated. Thus, not only do the verses from the 4 Gospels blend and harmonize together, but even the individual words and groups of words in the verses also blend together.
   This chronological 4 Gospel Bible takes a big step further than just putting groups of verses together. It takes the individual verses that are presented in more than one Gospel, and breaks them down into parts. Thus, a person will see on some verses labels such as Mt 17:1 (pt 1), Mt 17:1 (pt 2), etc. The “pt” stands for part. It then takes the individual verses or words or parts of verses from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and combines them together. All this is done in chronological order as well. This is an advanced, word by word, phrase by phrase chronological 4 Gospel Study Bible.

A BLESSING

   Consider. It is no longer needful to take a verse or verse in part from Matthew and try to find if the same verse is in Mark, Luke, or John and whether any adds additional information. It is all done for you in this work.

   There are many incredible “pearls or insights” of knowledge that can be obtained by carefully examining each topic and verse in this way. One soon discovers that the variations in the four separate accounts of the Gospel are not contradictions, but rather enhancements that can help a student of the Bible gain great knowledge, as the Holy Spirit opens his understanding.

   God willing, this is the final, completed, entire chronological 4 Gospels with individual verses and parts of verses broken down. It is combined into just one account, such as it might have been in the beginning before certain parts were given to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Glory to God. Following is an example.

Mt 17:2 (pt 1).
Lk 9:29 (pt 1).
Mt 17:2 (pt 2), ref Mk 9:2 (pt 4)
Lk 9:29 (pt 2).
Mt 17:2 (pt 3).
Mt 17:2 (pt 4), ref Lk 9:29 (pt 3).
Mt 17:2 (pt 5).
Lk 9:29 (pt 4).
Mk 9:3.

AND (there) (as they watched)
AND AS HE PRAYED,
(He) WAS TRANSFIGURED (or began to change form–JNT) BEFORE THEM:
THE (APPEARANCE OF HIS FACE BECAME DIFFERENT–NASB),
AND HIS FACE DID SHINE AS THE SUN,
AND HIS (CLOTHING) WAS (or became as) WHITE
AS THE LIGHT
(or as bright as a flash of lightning–NIV).
AND HIS (CLOTHES) BECAME SHINING (or radiant), (EXCEEDINGLY) WHITE AS SNOW; SO AS NO (LAUNDERER) ON EARTH CAN WHITE (or bleach) THEM.

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This work on the Chronological 4 Gospels began approximately 1982. By the mercy of God, it was completed in 2003, with only the final proof readings and corrections yet to be done. Work on the Chronological 4 Gospel commentary continues to this day.

REGRETFULLY, FEW HAVE EVER READ THE ENTIRE BIBLE

A high percentage of pastors, elders, church workers and churchgoers have never read the entire Bible through even once. We cannot stress enough the importance of reading all the Bible. There are guidelines on reading the entire Bible on this web site. Click here. In-depth study of the Bible and certain subjects is very important, but first, read the entire Bible through cover to cover. It is good to do this at least once a year. Lay aside a prideful attitude of “I know what the Bible says,” and learn to read all of the Bible with a humble attitude. Learn to listen to God speaking to you through His Word. Learn to obey God’s Word. Submit yourself to the ways of God as you learn more of Him. Conform to the image of Jesus–ref Ro 8:29, rather than the ways of this world.

THE COMMENTARY OF THE CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPELS

   We are trying (by the mercy and help of God) to present this commentary in a simple way that relates the deeper meaning of the verses clearly as God gives us understanding, but without going on in a seemingly endless and sometimes boring manner. While many pages of text could be written regarding some verses, we have chosen in most cases not to do this.
   We have little interest, except when deemed necessary, in presenting various opposing viewpoints and opinions that are not in harmony with the Word of God. These are not edifying to the student, but only serve to create confusion and doubt as is evidenced in many of the Bible schools and churches of this latter day lukewarm generation.
   In addition to the verses having a commentary in the adjoining column, there is more. Some verses address key Biblical subjects.

BIBLE STUDIES THROUGHOUT THE TEXT

   As one reads this Chronological 4 Gospel Commentary Bible, there are also occasional Bible studies which address key Biblical subjects. Some of these are very in-depth. For instance, there may be a verse pertaining to a particular subject. Following the commentary on the verse, there may be a Bible study. The subjects of the Bible study are usually listed in the underlined title. Sometimes several subjects are underlined of which some may be in a reverse order for indexing purposes.
   For a list of these studies see: Chronological Bible Studies in the Table of Contents.
   As one reads this Chronological 4 Gospel Commentary Bible, there are also occasional Bible studies which address key Biblical subjects. Some of these are very in-depth. For instance, there may be a verse pertaining to a particular subject. Following the commentary on the verse, there may be a Bible study. The subjects of the Bible study are usually listed in the underlined title. Sometimes several subjects are underlined of which some may be in a reverse order for indexing purposes.
   For a list of these studies see: Chronological Bible Studies in the Table of Contents.

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VARIOUS WAYS TO READ THE CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPEL COMMENTARY

1. Simply read the left column that present the Scriptures in a chronological order.
    2. Read the left column with the Scriptures and then the right column with the commentary, leaving out the extended Bible studies.
    3. Read the Bible studies only.
    4. Read everything.

   Please keep us in your prayers. As this work continues, there are many hindrances and obstacles from the adversary.

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THE HERODS

There were many "Herods" and some are spoken of in the New Testament, which can be confusing. The name “Herod” is mentioned 40 times in the New Testament.

It began with Herod the Great, which is also Herod the King–ref Mt 2:1, Lk 1:5. It is said that he ruled from about 37 BC to about 4 BC. This is the same Herod that reigned before John Baptist was born. It is this same Herod that the wise men came to, and later had the children in Bethlehem and the coasts thereof killed. He died-ref Mt 2:19.

From Herod the Great came:
(When Herod the King died his kingdom was divided into 3 parts.)
Herod Archelaus ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea.
Herod Philip II ruled north of Galilee–Ituraea & Trachonitis (Lk 3:1).
Herod Antipas ruled Galilee & Perea (Lk 3:1).

Herod Aristobulus

Herod the King
(Herod Agrippa #1)
Persecuted the
church-Acts 12:1.
Eaten of worms-
Acts 12:23.
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Herod Philip
brother of Herod
Antipas-Mk 6:17.

Herod Antipas
(the Tetrarch–Mt 14:1)
(of Galilee–Lk 3:1,19
Perea).Jesus called him
the fox. Had John
beheaded–Mt 14:10
Mocked Jesus–Lk 23:11.

Herod Archelaus
Son of Herod the King.
Ruled in the place of
Herod the King in Judea
Mt 2:22. Ruled Judea,
Samaria & Idumea-Lk 3:1.
Reported Rome replaced
him with Pontius Pilate.

Herod Philip II
(Tetrarch Ituraea and
Trachonitis–Lk 3:1).

Others
Lysanias–Lk 3:1
Tetrarch Abilene

There are other Herods also. There have been some minor disagreements about the exact lineage of some of them.

As one reads the breakdown of each verse, there are many places where a commentary follows. These add more meaning to the subject of a verse. You may choose to skip the commentaries and just read the scriptures and their breakdown. In doing so, the flow of the verses might be better, but knowledge of some subjects would be lost.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPELS. CLICK HERE

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS includes:
Table of Contents (of the Scriptures in chronological order)
Table of Contents (of the Scriptures in biblical order)

Table of Contents (of Bible studies by page numbers)
Table of Contents (of Bible studies by subjects)

Since page numbers are not included on Internet pages, we have included our own page numbers on the top left side. This enables the viewer to use the Table of Contents to locate specific items easily.

Commentary scriptures begin on pg. 17.

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THE CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPELS
FASCINATING BIBLE INFORMATION

  Daniel looked forward to the coming of the Messiah (the Most Holy, the Messiah, the Prince). He gave the people of his day a time chart of when the Messiah could be expected in the seventy weeks-ref Dan 9:24–26. In Dan 9:27, he speaks of the coming Tribulation, which is the seventieth week.
  The last book in the Old Testament is Malachi, consisting of four chapters. Verse one of chapter four tells of a day coming when ALL THAT DO WICKEDLY SHALL BE STUBBLE. Verse 2 mentions FEARING MY NAME. Verse 3 shows that the wicked SHALL BE ASHES UNDER THE SOLES OF YOUR FEET. Verse 4 exhorts us to REMEMBER.THE LAW OF MOSES. Verse 5 foretells of the coming of Elijah before THE GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD. The last verse of the Old Testament shows what Elijah shall do. The last word of the Old Testament in the KJV of the Bible is CURSE.
  Malachi may have been written about B.C. 397.
  Then there seems to be silence for over 350 years until the appearance of the angel to Zechariah in Luke 1:11.
  The New Testament begins with the 4 Gospels–Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the four accounts of the life of Jesus Christ, starting from “In the beginning.“ The first 3 Gospels are similar in many ways, sometimes presenting the same events. These are called the synoptic Gospels, which means view, or seeing the whole together. The fourth Gospel, while also presenting a small portion of the events of the first three Gospels, also has other events not found in the first three.

Commentary Scriptures begin at pg. 17.

THE CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPELS
GENERAL BIBLE INFORMATION
WHO WROTE THE BIBLE?
AUTHORS OF THE BIBLE
WARNING ABOUT CHANGING GOD’S WORD

  The Christian is to live by God’s Word, the Bible—the whole Bible. Worldly (or carnal) churches and cults often add or take away from God’s Word. Some may seldom use the Old Testament. They may ignore the Epistles or the Revelation. They may focus primarily on the Epistles or the 4 Gospels. Others mostly teach the Psalms or Proverbs. They may add other books, writings, or prophecies to the Bible. The 66 books of the Bible are what we are to use…all of it.
  The Bible was written by about thirty…nine persons over a period dating from approximately 1700 or 1600 B.C. to l00 A.D. The term WORD OF GOD appears about 50 times in the Bible.
   It is written: KNOWING THIS FIRST, THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST–2 Pe 1:20,21. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS–2 Tim 3:16. BUT I CERTIFY YOU, BRETHREN, THAT THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN. FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT OF MAN, NEITHER WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST–Gal 1:11,12.
   2 Pe 1:16–FOR WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES, WHEN WE MADE KNOWN UNTO YOU THE POWER AND COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BUT WERE EYEWITNESSES OF HIS MAJESTY. Note Peter said, WE WERE EYEWITNESSES.
   1 Jn 1:1–3–THAT WHICH WAS FROM THE BEGINNING, WHICH (a) WE HAVE HEARD, WHICH (b) WE HAVE SEEN WITH OUR EYES, WHICH (c) WE HAVE LOOKED UPON, AND (d) OUR HANDS HAVE HANDLED, OF THE WORD OF LIFE;…AND (a) WE HAVE SEEN IT, (b) AND BEAR WITNESS, (c) AND SHEW UNTO YOU THAT ETERNAL LIFE, WHICH WAS WITH THE FATHER, AND WAS MANIFESTED (or made known) UNTO US;). THAT WHICH (a) WE HAVE SEEN AND (b) HEARD (c) DECLARE WE UNTO YOU.
   2 Pe 1:19–WE HAVE ALSO A MORE SURE WORD OF PROPHECY; WHEREUNTO YE DO WELL THAT YE TAKE HEED. Note that YOU will do well to take heed or pay attention to what is being said.

   Then God gives us a warning: Beware, for there are people that may TROUBLE YOU, AND WOULD PERVERT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST–Gal 1:7. Beware that you do not turn aside UNTO ANOTHER GOSPEL–Gal 1:6. For Paul tells us, FOR DO I NOW PERSUADE MEN, OR GOD? OR DO I SEEK TO PLEASE MEN? FOR IF I YET PLEASED MEN, I SHOULD NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST–Gal 1:10.
   BUT THOUGH WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL UNTO YOU (other) THAN THAT WHICH WE HAVE PREACHED UNTO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED (or condemned)–Gal 1:8.
   Know that a little false doctrine can cause great harm; as it is written, A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP–Gal 5:9.
   Rev 22:18–19–FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK.
   The last written word in the Old Testament is curse. The last verse of the New Testament deals with grace.

BIBLE
HAS TO BE THE WORD OF GOD

   The period referred to as the latter day, latter days, latter years, latter time, or the latter times, began with the rebirth of Israel. It covers the span from Israel’s rebirth through the Tribulation and the Millennium.
   There are many prophecies in the Bible concerning this time. We are presently in the period covering from the rebirth of Israel to the Rapture, as this is being written. The many fulfilled prophecies certify that the Rapture is close at hand, which is followed by the revealing of the Antichrist and then the Tribulation.
   But even more than this, the many fulfilled prophecies prove conclusively that the Bible is true. It is God’s Word.
   It has been said, the chance that anyone could make eleven perfect predictions 1900 years into the future was only one chance in 8 x 10 to the 63rd power, or 80 with 63 zeros after it. If such a set of predictions existed, it would unquestionably have to be the Word of God. The Bible does this and much more.
   Statistics: proof the Bible is true. The Bible contains 66 books, originally written in three languages, over a period of approximately 1800 years, by approximately 39 men–yet they harmonize perfectly. We are told that it is the Word of God approximately 2500 times.
   It is estimated that there are 10,385 prophecies in the Bible and every single one, up to this time, has come true just as written—without one single exception. Thousands of prophecies have already been fulfilled perfectly. Many people have gone to great lengths to try to disprove the Bible. There is not one single prophecy, fact, or verse in the Bible that has ever been found and proven to be wrong, even by the most skeptical people. The Bible is God’s Word. It is written, THE FOOL HATH SAID IN HIS HEART, THERE IS NO GOD–Ps 14:1. Jesus said, O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN–Lk 24:25.
   Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place 2000 years in the future, in the year 4000 A.D.? Include the rebirth of a specific nation and exactly how it would be reborn. Include specific nations that would exist and that would be allied together. Include what the people would be like in the year 4000. Include what the church would be like in those days. Include the names of actual cities that would exist and name certain crops and fruit trees that would exist. Make eleven straight predictions, and be exactly correct on every single one. The Bible not only does this eleven times, but hundreds of times with perfect accuracy. If this is so, then even the most skeptical person would have to agree that there is indeed a God and that the Bible has to be the Word of God. This, however, does not save a person. One must repent of his sins and receive Jesus Christ as his only hope of being saved. This is done by faith.

BIBLE STATISTICS

   The Wycliffe Bible was the first translation of the English Bible. John Wycliffe was responsible for initiating the translation, which was finished by John Purvey in approximately 1388 A.D.
   In approximately 1228 A.D., the Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton.
   In approximately 1448 A.D., the Old Testament was divided into verses by R. Nathan.
   In approximately 1551 A.D., the New Testament was divided into verses by Robert Stephanus.
   In the early 20th century, Dr. Klopsch initiated red letters for the words of Jesus. He died in 1910.

KJV

                                                         OT                         NT                          TOTAL
Number of books                             39                           27                            66
Languages                                                                                                        3
Chapters                                           929                        260                          1189
Verses                                              23,214                    7,959                       31,173
Words                                              592,439                  181,253                   773,692
Letters                                              2,728,100              838,380                   3,566,480

Longest book                                    Psalms                   Luke
Shortest chapter                               Ps 117
Shortest book                                   Obadiah                 3 John
Longest chapter                                Ps 119
Shortest verse                                   1 Chr 1:25             Jn 11:35
Longest verse                                    Esther 8:9

And—occurs in the Bible                 35,543                   10,684                     46,227
Fear                                                                                                                 396
God                                                                                                                379
Hell                                                                                                                 53
Lord                                                                                                                7,738
Letters                                              2,728,100              838,380                   3,566,480

                                                         No. of books         Chapters                  Verses                Words
John wrote                                        5                           50                             1414                   34,224
Paul wrote                                        13                          87                             2033                   43,402
Luke                                                  2                           52                             2158                   50,194

   Bible contains about 10,385 prophecies.
   Oldest man lived 969 years–Gen 5:27.
   A bed 13½ feet long, 6 feet wide–Deut 3:11.
   Sun stood still for a day–Josh 10:13.
   Man spoken to by an ass–Num 22:28–30.
   Army with 700 left handed men–Judges 20:16.
   Man’s hair weighed about 6¾ pounds when cut annually–2 Sam 14:26.
   Man who had 6 fingers and 12 toes–2 Sam 21:20.
   The axe head that floated in the water–2 Ki 6:1–6.
   The sun traveled backwards–Isa 38:8.
   Man walked naked for 3 years–Isa 20:2,3.
   Army of 185,000 destroyed in one night–Isa 37:36.
   A man whose life was increased by 15 years, because he prayed–Isa 38:1–5.
   Man ate locusts for food–Mt 3:4.

   Regarding the King James Bible, a conference was held on January 14–16, 1604. The king decided to have the Bible translated into English. Fifty–four of the greatest biblical scholars were involved. They were divided into 6 groups–3 for the Old Testament and 3 for the New Testament. One group for the Old Testament and one for the New Testament met at Oxford, two others at Cambridge, and two again at Westminster. The work began in 1607 and was completed in 1610. The first King James Bible appeared in 1611. Now, in this biblically lukewarm church age, some Bible critics and accusers say parts of it should have been translated differently. Beware of such as these.

MOUNTAINS

   MOUNT MORIAH–Gen 22:2; 2 Chr 3:1. Abraham was told to take Isaac and offer him there for a burnt offering. Solomon built the house of the Lord at this location.

   MOUNT OF OLIVES–Zech 14:4; Mt 21:1; 24:3; 26:30, and others. This is just east of Jerusalem and provides a beautiful, panoramic view of the city. When Jesus returns, His feet shall stand upon the Mount of Olives. Jesus and His disciples sat upon the Mount of Olives when He gave the Olivet discourse (Mt 24; Mk 13; Lk 21). The night Jesus was arrested, they went out into the Mount of Olives.

   MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION–Mt 17:1,2; Mk 9:2; 2 Pe 1:18. The place where Jesus was transfigured. Some believe it is Mount Tabor.

   MOUNT ZION–The southwestern high hill in Jerusalem. It came to be applied to the whole of Jerusalem, including the Temple. It is written, FROM THE LORD OF HOSTS, WHICH DWELLETH IN MOUNT ZION–Isa 8:18. THE MOUNT OF THE DAUGHTER OF ZION, THE HILL OF JERUSALEM–Isa 10:32.

   About 98 percent of all people that say they believe in Jesus Christ have never read the Bible through once.
   About 90 percent of all pastors have never read the Bible through once. Is one of them a pastor of your church?
   Many are students of religion, but they do not know the Author, and the Author does not know them.
   Statistics are to the best of our knowledge.

MEASUREMENTS
DISTANCES

Acre                          The amount of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day.
Cubit                         The length of the arm from elbow to the end of the middle finger, or 18 inches.
Cubit and a                A cubit plus 3 inches, or 21 inches.
handbreadth
Fathom                      The length of the outstretched arms, about 6 feet.
Finger or digit            Equal to a man’s finger breadth, about three quarters of an inch.
Furlong                      About 660 feet or one–eighth mile.
Handbreadth              The width of four fingers pressed together, about three inches.
Measuring reed          Ten and one–half feet.
Mile                           Eight furlongs.
Pace                           One step or three feet.
Span                           Nine inches, from the end of the thumb to the little finger when spread.
Sabbath Day’s           Three fifths of a mile.
journey

MONEY

Bekah                         About one–half shekel, about eighty–eight cents if measured in silver.
Didrachma                  A silver coin, equal to two drachmas, eighty–eight cents.
Drachma                     A silver coin, one–half the value of the didrachma. Approximately forty–four cents.
Dram                          A gold coin that weighed about 8,424 grams. Valued at forty–eight dollars.
Farthing                     About four cents.
Kodrantes                  About two cents.
Mina                           New Testament. Forty–nine dollars and fifty cents.
Mite                           Less than one cent.
Piece of money          About one dollar and seventy–six cents.
or starter
Penny                         Forty–four cents.
Tetradrachma             One dollar and seventy–six cents.

WEIGHTS

Gerah                         One twentieth of a shekel. If measured in silver, about nine cents.
Litra                           About twelve ounces..
Pound                        A weight used in the Old Testament, equal to about 1.6 pounds. In gold, one thousand four.
                                   hundred and eight dollars.
Shekel                         Four shekel weights were used, from .36 – .72 ounces. A shekel of silver was worth about one.
                                   dollar and seventy–six cents. A shekel of gold was worth about sixty–four dollars.
Talent                         Its worth in silver is five thousand two hundred and eighty dollars. In gold, it is one hundred and.
                                   ninety–two thousand dollars.

LIQUID MEASUREMENTS

Bath                           About eight and one–half gallons.
Cab                            Two quarts.
Firkin                         Nearly nine gallons.
Hin                             One and a half gallons.<
Homer                        Approximately eighty–five gallons.
Kor                             Same capacity as an homer.
Log                             Approximately one pint.

DRY MEASUREMENTS

Cab                            About two quarts.
Choinix                      Equals one and a half pints.
Ephah                        74.93 pints, or app. 1.1 bushels, or app. 8.5 gallons.
Homer                        Equal to 11.1 bushels.
Lethech                      About five and a half bushels.
Log                             About one pint.
Omer                          One–tenth of an ephah, about 7.48 pints.
Seah                           About three and one third omers, or 24.94 pints.
Seat                            Two and a half gallons.

ROMAN EMPERORS

Augustus            Est. 27 B.C. to A D. 14           Ordered census
Tiberius              Est. A.D. 14–37                        Jesus crucified during this time
Caligula               Est. A.D. 37–41
Claudius             Est. A.D. 41–54
Nero                   Est. A.D. 54–68                        Paul was martyred under his reign
Galba                  Est. A.D. 68–69
Otho                   Est. A.D. 69
Vitellius              Est. A.D. 69
Vespasian           Est. A.D. 69–79                        His son, Titus, is the one that destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in app.
                                                                             70 A.D.

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Jn 1:1.

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Jn 1:2

Jn 1:3

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Mk 1:1.
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Lk 1:1

Lk 1:2.

Lk 1:3.

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Lk 1:4.

Lk 1:5.

Lk 1:6.

Lk 1:7.

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Lk 1:8.

Lk 1:9.

Lk 1:10.

Lk 1:11.

Lk 1:12.
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Lk 1:13.

Lk 1:14.

Lk 1:15.

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Lk 1:16.

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Lk 1:17.

Page 26

Lk 1:18.

Page 27

Lk 1:19.

Lk 1:20.

Page 28

Lk 1:21.

Lk 1:22.

Lk 1:23.

Page 29

Lk 1:24.

Lk 1:25.

Lk 1:26.

Page 30

Lk 1:27.

Lk 1:28.

Lk 1:29.

Lk 1:30.
Page 31

Lk 1:31.

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SPECIFIC INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

MATTHEW is the first book of the New Testament and fortieth book of the King James Bible.

STATISTICS

Author:                The apostle Matthew
                             (tax collector).
Date written:       Approximately A.D. 37 to
                            50.
OT quotes:          Approximately 93 and
                             additional references
Time period:        From Abraham to just
                             before Jesus ascended to
                             heaven.
For/to:                  Mainly to new Jewish
                             believers.
Where:                  Perhaps written in Judea,
                             perhaps Jerusalem.
Statistics:             28 chapters
                             1071 verses
                             23,684 words

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SPECIFIC INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Author:                Mark.
Date written:       Approximately A.D. 65 to
                            70. Some believe A.D. 60.
OT quotes:          Approximately 49.
Time period:        From John the Baptist to
                            after the ascension of Jesus
                            into heaven.
For/to:                 Seems to have been written
                            with the Roman mentality
                            in view. The book could
                            have been destined for
                            Rome. For Gentile
                            Christians.
Statistics:            16 chapters
                            678 verses
                            15,171 words

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SPECIFIC INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

Author:                Luke (the physician).At a later
                             time, he also wrote Acts as a
                             sequel to the Gospel of Luke.
Date written:       Approximately A.D. 58 to 60.
OT quotes:          Approximately 80.
Time period:        From Adam to after Jesus
                             ascended to heaven.
For/to:                  Addressed to Theophilus,
                             perhaps a community leader,
                             or government, or Roman
                             official. For the Gentiles,
                             with perhaps the Greek
                              mentality in view.
Where:                  Unknown. Some believe it was
                             written in Caesarea or Rome.
Statistics:             24 chapters
                             1151 verses
                             25,944 words

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SPECIFIC INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

Author:                The apostle John.
Date written:       Approximately A.D. 85–90.
OT quotes:          Approximately 30.
Time period:         From "In the beginning" to
                             just prior to Jesus ascending to
                             be with His Father.
Where:                  Probably written in Ephesus
                             to record Jesus’ signs (20:30,31),
                             so readers would believe
                             in Jesus–ref 20:31.
Statistics:             21 chapters
                             878 verses
                             19,099 words

Commentary Scriptures begin at pg. 17.

    Should you wish to read the complete Chronological 4 Gospels as they appear in this column (minus the commentary), it is suggested that you use this column only or go to the Chronological 4 Gospels # 6.
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IN THE BEGINNING: THE WORD
JESUS IS THE WORD

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD.

JESUS MADE ALL THINGS

(HE) WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD.

ALL THINGS WERE MADE BY HIM; AND WITHOUT HIM WAS NOT ANY THING MADE THAT WAS MADE (or apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being–NASB).

Commentary Scriptures continue on pg. 19.

THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL (or Good News) OF JESUS CHRIST (the Messiah), THE SON OF GOD;

FORASMUCH AS MANY HAVE (UNDERTAKEN) TO (COMPILE) (or draw up) IN ORDER (AN) (ACCOUNT) OF THOSE (MATTERS) WHICH ARE MOST SURELY BELIEVED (or fulfilled, or have taken place) AMONG US,

(JUST) AS THEY DELIVERED THEM (TO) US, (those) WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING WERE EYEWITNESSES, AND MINISTERS (or servants) OF THE WORD (or based on what was handed down to us by those who from the start were eyewitnesses and proclaimers of the message–JNT);

(Therefore) IT SEEMED GOOD (or fitting) TO ME ALSO, HAVING HAD PERFECT UNDERSTANDING OF ALL THINGS FROM THE VERY FIRST (or having investigated everything carefully from the beginning–NASB), TO WRITE (TO) (YOU) IN (consecutive) ORDER (an orderly account), (YOUR EXCELLENCY) THEOPHILUS,

THAT (YOU) (MIGHT) KNOW THE (EXACT TRUTH) OF THOSE THINGS, WHEREIN (YOU) (HAVE) BEEN (TAUGHT).

AN ANGEL APPEARS TO ZACHARIAS
16 MONTHS
PRIOR TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS

THERE WAS IN THE (TIME) OF HEROD, THE KING OF JUDAEA, A CERTAIN PRIEST NAMED ZACHARIAS, OF THE COURSE (or priestly division) OF (ABIJAH): AND HIS WIFE WAS (also) OF THE DAUGHTERS OF AARON, AND HER NAME WAS Elizabeth.

AND THEY WERE BOTH RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD, WALKING IN (or observing) ALL THE COMMANDMENTS AND ORDINANCES (or requirements) OF THE LORD (BLAMELESSLY).

AND THEY HAD NO CHILD, BECAUSE THAT ELIZABETH WAS BARREN, AND THEY BOTH WERE NOW WELL (ADVANCED) IN YEARS.

AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT WHILE HE EXECUTED THE PRIEST’S OFFICE (or was performing his priestly service–NASB) (or serving as priest) BEFORE GOD IN THE (appointed) ORDER OF HIS COURSE (or during his division’s period of service before God–JNT),

ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOM OF THE PRIEST’S OFFICE, HIS LOT WAS TO BURN INCENSE WHEN HE WENT INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD (or he was chosen by lot [according to the custom among the cohanim] to enter the Temple and burn incense–JNT).

AND THE WHOLE MULTITUDE OF THE (ASSEMBLED WORSHIPERS) WERE PRAYING (OUTSIDE) AT THE (HOUR) OF (the) INCENSE (offering or burning).

AND THERE APPEARED (TO) HIM AN ANGEL OF THE LORD STANDING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ALTAR OF INCENSE.

AND WHEN ZACHARIAS SAW HIM, HE WAS TROUBLED (or startled), AND FEAR (GRIPPED) HIM.

BUT THE ANGEL SAID (TO) HIM, (DO NOT BE AFRAID–NIV), ZACHARIAS: FOR (YOUR) PRAYER IS HEARD; AND (YOUR) WIFE Elizabeth SHALL BEAR (YOU) A SON, AND (YOU) (SHALL) (GIVE HIM THE NAME–NASB) JOHN.

AND (YOU) (WILL) HAVE JOY AND GLADNESS (or he will be a joy and delight to you–NIV); AND MANY (people) SHALL REJOICE (BECAUSE OF) HIS BIRTH.

FOR HE SHALL BE GREAT IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND SHALL DRINK NEITHER (or is never to drink–JNT) WINE (or) STRONG DRINK (or other liquor, or fermented drink); AND HE SHALL BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST (or Spirit), EVEN FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB.

AND MANY OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL HE (BRING BACK) TO THE LORD THEIR GOD.

AND HE SHALL GO (out) (as a forerunner) BEFORE HIM (or ahead of) (the Lord) IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS (back) TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM (or attitude) OF THE (RIGHTEOUS); TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD.

Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 26.

ZACHARIAS DOUBTS
16 MONTHS
PRIOR TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS

AND ZACHARIAS SAID (TO) THE ANGEL, (HOW CAN I BE SURE OF THIS–NIV)? FOR I AM AN OLD MAN, AND MY WIFE WELL (ADVANCED) IN YEARS.

AND THE ANGEL ANSWERING SAID (TO) HIM, I AM GABRIEL, (I STAND) IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD; AND (I) AM SENT TO SPEAK (TO) (YOU), AND TO SHOW (YOU) THESE GLAD TIDINGS (or Good News).

AND, BEHOLD, (YOU) (SHALL) BE DUMB (or silent, or mute), AND NOT ABLE TO SPEAK, UNTIL THE DAY THAT THESE THINGS SHALL (TAKE PLACE), BECAUSE (YOU) (DID NOT BELIEVE) MY WORDS, WHICH SHALL BE FULFILLED (or come true) IN THEIR (PROPER TIME).

AND (meanwhile) THE PEOPLE WAITED FOR ZACHARIAS, AND (WERE WONDERING) (or surprised) THAT HE (STAYED) SO LONG IN THE TEMPLE.

AND WHEN HE CAME OUT, HE COULD NOT SPEAK (TO) THEM: AND THEY (REALIZED) THAT HE HAD SEEN A VISION IN THE TEMPLE FOR HE BECKONED (or kept making signs, or communicated.with signs) (TO) THEM, AND REMAINED SPEECHLESS (or unable to speak).

AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT, AS SOON AS THE DAYS OF HIS MINISTRATION (or priestly, or Temple service) WERE ACCOMPLISHED (or ended), HE DEPARTED TO HIS OWN HOUSE.

Elizabeth CONCEIVES
15 TO 10 MONTHS
PRIOR TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS

AND AFTER THOSE DAYS HIS WIFE Elizabeth (BECAME PREGNANT), AND (REMAINED.IN SECLUSION) FIVE MONTHS, SAYING,

THUS (HAS) (or this is the way–NASB) THE LORD DEALT WITH ME (AT THIS TIME) WHEREIN HE LOOKED (with favor) ON ME, TO TAKE AWAY MY REPROACH (or public disgrace) AMONG (THE PEOPLE).

AN ANGEL SENT TO MARY
9 MONTHS
PRIOR TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS

AND IN THE SIXTH MONTH THE ANGEL GABRIEL WAS SENT FROM GOD (TO) A (TOWN) OF GALILEE, NAMED NAZARETH, TO A VIRGIN ESPOUSED (or engaged, or pledged) TO A MAN WHOSE NAME WAS JOSEPH, OF THE HOUSE (or descendants) OF DAVID; AND THE VIRGIN’S NAME WAS MARY.

TO A VIRGIN ESPOUSED (or engaged, or pledged) TO A MAN WHOSE NAME WAS JOSEPH, OF THE HOUSE (or descendants) OF DAVID; AND THE VIRGIN’S NAME WAS MARY.

AND THE ANGEL CAME IN (TO) HER, AND SAID, HAIL (or Greetings, or Rejoice, or Shalom), (YOU) THAT (ARE) HIGHLY FAVORED, THE LORD IS WITH (YOU): BLESSED (ARE) (YOU) AMONG WOMEN.

AND WHEN SHE SAW HIM, SHE (Mary) WAS (greatly) TROUBLED AT HIS SAYING (or words), AND CAST IN HER MIND (or wondered) WHAT (KIND) OF SALUTATION (or greeting) THIS (MIGHT) BE.

AND THE ANGEL SAID (TO) HER, FEAR NOT, MARY: FOR (YOU) (HAVE) FOUND FAVOR WITH GOD.

AND, BEHOLD, (YOU) (WILL) CONCEIVE IN (YOUR) WOMB (or become pregnant), AND BRING FORTH A SON, AND (SHALL) CALL HIS NAME JESUS.

Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 36

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

    The author. Matthew, meaning gift of God, belonged to a class of people that was much hated–the tax collectors. As such, he would have been a Roman employee. He is Levi, the son of Alphaeus.
    About this Gospel. In Matthew’s Gospel some of the material is written logically, not chronologically. Both Gentiles and the Great Commission are mentioned. The many passages taken from the Old Testament in Matthew’s Gospel make it an ideal “bridge” from the Old Testament to the New.
    Emphasis seems to be on the fact that Jesus is Israel’s promised Messiah–the One that would establish the Kingdom. Emphasis is put on the fact that He is the Son of David–of royal descent. The wise men are mentioned only in Matthew–they came to worship the newborn King of the Jews. The gold is indicative of His deity. Matthew’s Gospel shows the King being rejected. It shows the cursing of the fig tree. In Mt 8:1 to 11:1, the power of Jesus (or credentials of the King) reigns over disease, demonic forces, mankind, nature, traditions, death, dumbness, and is shown in delegating authority and extending mercy and forgiveness. Jesus declares that the Kingdom of God is to be taken away from them. There are woes upon the Pharisees and a declaration that Jerusalem is to be left desolate until a future time.

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF MARK

    The author. The Scriptures refer to him as John (his Hebrew name) whose surname was Mark (his Latin name), meaning polite; shining. It is believed this is the same Mark mentioned in the New Testament in Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37, 39; Col 4:10; 2 Tim 4:11; Phile. 24; 1 Pe 5:13. He was a Jewish Christian, and his home was in Jerusalem. He was the son of Mary, who lived in Jerusalem, whose house Peter came to after he was delivered from prison. He was a travel companion of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. Some believe he may have been the young man that fled away naked in Mk 14:51,52. He was an associate of the apostle Paul.
    About this Gospel. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four. Some of the material in Mark’s Gospel is not chronological.
    Emphasis seems to be on Jesus being the Son of God and discipleship. Jesus is revealed as the Son of God and suffering, obedient Servant of God the Father, who gave His life as a ransom for the sin of others in submission to God’s will. There is no genealogy given in Mark’s Gospel for the "Servant" or references to His virgin birth. The apostles are never recorded as calling Jesus “Lord” in this Gospel. He taught what it meant to follow Him. This and the denial of one’s own self and desires are things that are seldom taught and are little understood in this lukewarm generation of self–exaltation, selfishness, money, greed, pleasure, prosperity, and plenty. Mark, a book of action, focuses more on the deeds of Jesus rather than on His words.

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

    The author. Some believe Luke may have been a Gentile convert–ref Col 4:12,14. Others believe he had to be a Jew. He has been called the physician and a fellow laborer of the apostle Paul. He was with Paul during at least part of his second missionary journey–ref Acts 16:10. Note the word “we.” Col 4:14 shows Luke with Paul. Again, Luke is with Paul in 2 Tim 4:11. Many more passages could be used. Luke wrote to a Gentile (Theophilus). It is as a friend writing to a friend. He also wrote Acts. He may have been from the church of Antioch.
    About this Gospel. It has slightly more verses and words than Matthew’s Gospel but less chapters.
    Emphasis seems to be on the humanity of Christ. He is the Son of Man that had been rejected by Israel. As a result, Jesus was preached to the Gentiles also. Jesus is presented as the universal Savior–the Savior of the poor and rich, male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and free. The widow’s son being raised at Nain, the rich man and Lazarus, the parables of the lost coin, the prodigal son, the persistent friend, the unjust steward, the good Samaritan, and the praying Pharisee and publican are only recorded in Luke’s Gospel. Luke’s Gospel presents more information about the earthly life of Jesus than the other Gospel accounts do.

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

    The author. John was one of the sons of Zebedee. Salome, his mother, was very devoted to the Lord. He may have been the most beloved of all the apostles by the Lord. He speaks of himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was one of the three (Peter, James, and John) chosen to be with the Lord during the transfiguration. John again was included in the three, when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus from the dead. He wrote five books of the New Testament. The cannon of Scripture, which began over 1500 years earlier, would be brought to a close with the Revelation written by John.
    He may have been the only apostle of the original twelve that died a natural death.
    About this Gospel. Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s Gospel are similar in some respects. John’s Gospel, however, appears to add information that is omitted in the first three Gospels. Approximately 784 verses are new or original material that is not presented in the first three Gospels, while approximately 94 verses are covered in part or by subject. Much of the information that is contained in the first three Gospels is not repeated in John’s Gospel. It has been said that John’s Gospel may be the simplest and easiest one to read. It is an excellent place to begin reading the Bible for a new convert. John mentions at least three Passovers (2:23; 6:4; 13:1). There may have been a fourth (5:17). Israel had rejected Jesus. By the time this Gospel was written, the Roman army had come and burned the city. False doctrines had set in. Judaism no longer seems to be in view. The Holy Spirit is revealed in John’s Gospel.
    Emphasis seems to be on showing the full Deity of Jesus. Jesus is revealed as the Word that was made flesh in chapter one. Near the end of the Gospel, in 20:28, Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus is clearly presented as the Christ (or Messiah), the Son of God through many miracles. The term “I am” is used in this Gospel several times. Here are some examples. 6:35–I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. 6:48–I AM THAT BREAD OF LIFE. 6:51–I AM THE LIVING BREAD WHICH CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN. 8:12, 9:5–I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. 10:7–I AM THE DOOR OF THE SHEEP. 10:9–I AM THE DOOR. 10:11, 14–I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 10:36–I SAID, I AM THE SON OF GOD? 11:25–I AM THE RESURRECTION, AND THE LIFE. 12:46–I AM COME A LIGHT INTO THE WORLD. 13:13–YE CALL ME MASTER AND LORD: AND YE SAY WELL; FOR SO I AM. 14:6–I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. 14:10, 11–.I AM IN THE FATHER, AND THE FATHER IN ME? John 14:20–.I AM IN MY FATHER. 15:1–I AM THE TRUE VINE. 15:5–I AM THE VINE. 17:14,16–.I AM NOT OF THE WORLD. 8:58–59–BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM. THEN TOOK THEY UP STONES TO CAST AT HIM. Jesus is revealed as the true God and eternal life.
    Jn 20:30, 31 clearly states why this Gospel was written. AND MANY OTHER (miraculous) SIGNS TRULY DID JESUS IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS DISCIPLES, WHICH ARE NOT WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN, THAT (YOU) MIGHT BELIEVE (or trust) THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST (or Messiah), THE SON OF GOD; AND THAT BELIEVING (or by this trust) (YOU) MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME (or because of Who He is–JNT). Soul winning or evangelism may be said to be the heartbeat of this Gospel.

Commentary Scriptures begin at pg. 17.

There are numerous, in–depth Bible studies in this column in addition to the commentary on each verse. For example, with Jn 3:3, there is a Bible study on the subject of being born again. Should you desire to skip the Bible studies that are lengthy, then do so, or go to the page number that appears in the column to the left following the verse. This page number usually appears when the Bible study covers many pages.

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THE GOSPEL OF JOHN BEGINS IN ETERNITY

    Jn 1:1.             IN THE BEGINNING. These three words are the same as the first three words in Gen 1:1. This appears to represent when time began, as we understand time—the time when God began creating all things. Scriptures indicate that God had no beginning, and there shall be no ending. This is something that our limited intellect does not seem able to grasp. The way our human minds understand things, all things must begin and end at some point. In the beginning does not indicate that God had a beginning, but rather relates to the time when the Creation began. Note, it did not say that God was "from" the beginning but was "IN" the beginning.
    WAS THE WORD. The word “was” reveals that the “Word” already existed “in the beginning.” The Word in this case (logos–speaking, a message or words) is Jesus. Jesus is the Word. Indeed, Jesus is the eternal Word. He always was and always shall be.
    AND THE WORD which is Jesus
    WAS WITH GOD which is the Father. Shown here are two distinct Persons.
    AND THE WORD which is Jesus
    WAS GOD. Jesus is completely God. The words God, Word, and Jesus are one in the same. He was and is eternally God. He did not start to exist, for in the beginning was the WORD. Before time began and the Creation was started, He was.
    This verse portrays two distinct Persons of the Trinity being together in the beginning. One is portrayed as God and the other is the Word, which is also with God and is God. As revealed in additional Scriptures, this is God the Father and God the Word, Who is Jesus.
    Jn 1:1, 1:14, 1 Jn 4:2, Jn 4:2 and Jn 7 can go together. These read as follows: IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. AND THE WORD (JESUS) WAS MADE FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, (AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, THE GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER,) FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH–Jn 1:1,14. Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. HEREBY KNOW YE THE SPIRIT OF GOD: EVERY SPIRIT THAT CONFESSETH THAT JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH IS OF GOD–1 Jn 4:2. FOR MANY DECEIVERS ARE ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, WHO CONFESS NOT THAT JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH. THIS IS A DECEIVER AND AN ANTICHRIST–2 Jn 7. Also note ref Gen 3:8, “THE VOICE OF THE LORD GOD” or Word walking in the garden.
    John’s Gospel lays the very foundation for Who Jesus is. Without this, it is difficult to understand to the fullest sense all the other material that follows in the four Gospels. He is the Creator of all things. Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. Jesus (Who is God and the Messiah—the Christ) came to this earth in human form. Jesus spoke the words and did the deeds of the God—man.

ETERNAL GOD

    To portray that God always was and always shall be, note the following: THE ETERNAL GOD–Deut 33:27; FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING, THOU ART GOD–Ps 90:2; LORD GOD OF ISRAEL FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING–Ps 106:48; HIS ETERNAL POWER AND GODHEAD–Ro 1:20; NOW UNTO THE KING ETERNAL, IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, THE ONLY WISE GOD, BE HONOUR AND GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN–1 Tim 1:17; THE ETERNAL SPIRIT–Heb 9:14. The verses continue–

    Jn 1:2.                    THE SAME (or HE) which is Jesus
    WAS or already existed
    IN THE BEGINNING. This may represent when time began–as we understand time–yet other Scriptures indicate that God had no beginning, and there shall be no ending. This is something that our limited intellect does not seem able to grasp. The way our human mind understands things, all things must begin and end at some point. The verse continues–
    WITH GOD the Father. Jesus already existed in the beginning and was with God the Father. The verses continue–

    Jn 1:3.                    ALL THINGS. Note, it does not say "some" things, but "all" things
WERE MADE. In this deceived generation, many have false beliefs that things just happened or evolved through time and circumstance. God’s Word tells us that all things were made
BY HIM; He that was with God is the Word, which is Jesus. Jesus made all things–
AND WITHOUT HIM which is Jesus. Him indicates that the Word is a person. The verse continues,
WAS NOT ANY THING MADE THAT WAS MADE (or apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being–NASB). The Scripture is very clear. Jesus is God. He was not a created person, but is the Creator. No other commentary is necessary. The following verses support Jn 1:3.

CREATION

    It is written, IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH–Gen 1:1.
    The Father is the One WHO CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST–Eph 3:9. HE COMMANDED, AND THEY WERE CREATED–Ps 148:5. THOU SENDEST FORTH THY SPIRIT (the third Person of the Trinity), THEY ARE CREATED: AND THOU RENEWEST THE FACE OF THE EARTH–Ps 104:30. There is only one God, manifested in three Persons–God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
    FOR BY HIM WERE ALL THINGS CREATED, THAT ARE IN HEAVEN, AND THAT ARE IN EARTH, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, WHETHER THEY BE THRONES, OR DOMINIONS, OR PRINCIPALITIES, OR POWERS: ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM, AND FOR HIM–Col 1:16. BEHOLD WHO HATH CREATED THESE THINGS, THAT BRINGETH OUT THEIR HOST BY NUMBER: HE CALLETH THEM ALL BY NAMES–Isa 40:26. MY HANDS, HAVE STRETCHED OUT THE HEAVENS, AND ALL THEIR HOST HAVE I COMMANDED–Isa 45:12. HE…CREATED THE HEAVENS, AND STRETCHED THEM OUT–Isa 42:5.
    THOU ART WORTHY, O LORD, TO RECEIVE GLORY AND HONOUR AND POWER: FOR THOU HAST CREATED ALL THINGS, AND FOR THY PLEASURE THEY ARE AND WERE CREATED–Rev 4:11.

ASTRONOMY TERMS

    Light year: The expanse of space is so vast that using miles or kilometers to measure it is pointless. Light travels at a speed of approximately 187,000 miles a second. At this speed, it would take a little over a second to get to the moon, but approximately 9 minutes to reach the sun. It would take approximately 4 ½ years to get to the next nearest star.
    Solar system: This consists primarily of the sun, planets, and moons.
    Galaxy: A numerous collection of stars, gas, and dust containing an average of 100 billion solar masses and ranging in diameter from 1,500 to 300,000 light years–ref American Heritage Dictionary. The name of our galaxy is the Milky Way. It is so vast, it would take about 100,000 light years to travel from one side to the other. From the center of the galaxy, our little solar system is about 2/3rds of the way out from the center.
    Universe: This term is used to describe everything. Within the universe are an estimated 50 billion galaxies, most containing millions or billions of suns. The nearest major galaxy to ours is about 1.2 million light years away. It appears that there are millions of galaxies in every direction that we can see. The number of stars (which are suns) throughout the Creation may be comparable to the number of grains of sand on the entire earth. The immense size of God’s creation is so vast, that it is difficult for the human mind to grasp. Yet there are many unseen things that God has created also.
    Astronomers, with their huge optical telescopes, radio telescopes, space telescopes, satellites, and many new types of detection devices, are trying to measure “space.” It is evident–the more they learn, the more vast the universe seems to be. They have found that “space.” seems to extend billions of light years, and the galaxies seem to be almost without number.
    The Bible told of this thousands of years ago. The Bible was right, yet many still don’t understand.
    Jere 31:37–THUS SAITH THE LORD; IF HEAVEN ABOVE CAN BE MEASURED, AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH SEARCHED OUT BENEATH, I WILL ALSO CAST OFF ALL THE SEED OF ISRAEL. Since we know God will never cast off His people, we know that, indeed, heaven cannot be measured!
    Can we now understand these two verses: Ps 19:1–THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD; AND THE FIRMAMENT (or skies, or expanse) SHEWETH HIS HANDYWORK. 1 King 8:27–BUT WILL GOD INDEED DWELL ON THE EARTH? BEHOLD, THE HEAVEN AND HEAVEN OF HEAVENS CANNOT CONTAIN THEE; HOW MUCH LESS THIS HOUSE THAT I HAVE BUILDED?
    It is an awesome thing for the true born–again Christian to consider: He Who created everything that exists, both seen and unseen, called you to eternal life through faith and trust in Him. He called you to serve Him. This is, indeed, the highest calling that a person can have. How regretful it is that some take this calling lightly. WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US. Let us not forget, it is written: Ps 89:7–GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS, AND TO BE HAD IN REVERENCE OF ALL THEM THAT ARE ABOUT HIM.
    It is a very fearful and terrifying thing for the unbeliever and unfaithful to fall into the hands of the living God for the final judgment before being cast into the eternal lake of fire.

SUMMARY: CREATION, EVOLUTION; LAODICEA AND EVOLUTION

    John begins with showing that the Word was with God and is God.
    1. Then he moves on to the fact that the Word, which is Jesus, created all things.
    2. Then in Romans, the Creation reveals God. The very creation of Jesus reveals Jesus. Thus people are without excuse. Ro 1:20–FOR THE INVISIBLE THINGS OF HIM FROM THE CREATION OF THE WORLD ARE CLEARLY SEEN, BEING UNDERSTOOD BY THE THINGS THAT ARE MADE, EVEN HIS ETERNAL POWER AND GODHEAD; SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE.
    3. Thus, Satan creates the lie of evolution to try to refute the truth of the Creation.
    4. John reminds the lukewarm, Laodicean church (the one which is being taught the lie of evolution through schools and other means) that Jesus is the beginning of the Creation. It is written in Rev 3:14–AND UNTO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS WRITE; THESE THINGS SAITH THE AMEN (which is Jesus), THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS (which is Jesus), THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD (which is Jesus). This sets the foundation for what is to follow. The verses continue–

    Mark begins his Gospel showing the deity of Jesus Christ and then continues on to the public service of Christ. He presents Jesus as the Christ (or Messiah) and His perfection as a Servant.
    Mk 1:1.                    THE BEGINNING. Gen 1:1 began with IN THE BEGINNING. Jn 1:1 started with IN THE BEGINNING. Mk 1:1 begins with THE BEGINNING–
    OF THE GOSPEL (or Good News). The word GOSPEL refers to the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ, rather than the “Gospel of Mark.” The verse continues–
    OF JESUS (which means HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS–Mt 1:21, or salvation). The verse continues–
    CHRIST (the Messiah) which also means the Anointed One. Mark identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the anticipated deliverer of the Jews. Jesus is His name. Christ is His title signifying who or what He is. In those days, people did not have a first and last name. They might have one name and then a title attached to it such as JOHN–the Baptist, or Joseph–the son of so and so. The verse continues–
    THE SON OF GOD. Mark identifies Jesus as "the" SON OF GOD. His deity is emphasized. He is a man, but He is also God. As the Son, He looks to His Father for guidance and help. No genealogy is given and the virgin birth is not mentioned, nor is Bethlehem or the wise men. Such things are not needed in the case of a servant.

    Luke begins his Gospel with the events that lead up to the birth of Christ, thus showing His humanity. He begins the first 4 verses by giving the purpose for writing this Gospel. The overall purpose may be reflected in 19:10–FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.

    Lk 1:1.                    FORASMUCH AS MANY HAVE (UNDERTAKEN) TO (COMPILE) (or draw up). It is noted that the word MANY was used. The many are not identified. The verse continues–
    IN ORDER.
    (AN) (ACCOUNT). This may be termed (an orderly account) as in verse 3. The verse continues–
    OF THOSE (MATTERS)
    WHICH ARE MOST SURELY BELIEVED (or fulfilled, or have taken place) AMONG US. The matters which are most surely believed are those about Jesus–His birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. Many others before Luke had apparently also written accounts about Jesus, but they were uninspired, and therefore could have had mistakes. The other ones he is referring to are not those of other inspired Gospel writers.

    Lk 1:2.                    (JUST) AS THEY DELIVERED THEM (TO) US. Accurate accounts (nothing added, subtracted, or changed) of exactly what was delivered “TO US” was being used. It was from–
    (those) WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING WERE EYEWITNESSES.
    AND MINISTERS (or servants). The accounts were given by those that were competent, actual eyewitnesses and ministers of the events from the beginning. They were ministers–
    OF THE WORD (or of Jesus) (or based on what was handed down to us by those who from the start were eyewitnesses and proclaimers of the message–JNT). The information that Luke is writing was handed down to him by eyewitnesses of the events. This could have included Mary, the mother of Jesus, two of his brothers such as James and Jude, some of the twelve apostles, perhaps some of the seventy, some of the women that were with Jesus and others. The list could go on and on. Luke lodged with Philip for a time in Caesarea in Acts 21:8–10. It is noted that those that were eyewitnesses are also equated with being ministers of the Word.

    Lk 1:3.                    (Therefore) IT SEEMED GOOD (or fitting)
    TO ME ALSO. Luke appeared to have a great desire to write the accounts of Jesus, which later became known as the Gospel of Luke. The verse continues–
    HAVING HAD PERFECT UNDERSTANDING OF ALL THINGS (or it may be said having accurately investigated). The investigations and writings he did, we now know, were the work of God. The verse continues–
    FROM THE VERY FIRST (or having investigated everything carefully from the beginning–NASB). Luke’s search for information took him to the beginning, to information about Zacharias and Elizabeth, and even the genealogy of Christ. It appears he investigated and reinvestigated everything to the fullest extent possible as God guided him. His writings were from much careful research, but it was ratified through inspiration. His Gospel goes into greater detail than the others. As we now know, it is the inspired Word of God. The verse continues–
    TO WRITE (TO) (YOU). His purpose was to write to Theophilus accurately what he learned–
    IN (consecutive) ORDER (or an orderly account). This implies that he wished to give an orderly account of events, but not necessarily in a perfect chronological order. Luke also could be implying that some of the earlier accounts that had been written were not done in an orderly way. Luke seems to have sensed a mandate from the Lord in what he was doing. The verse continues–
    (YOUR EXCELLENCY) THEOPHILUS (lover or friend of God). Who this person is, is not known. It is believed he was some sort of an official or a man of high rank in the Roman world of his day, as he was called YOUR EXCELLENCY. He may have been born–again.

    Lk 1:4.                    THAT (YOU) (MIGHT) KNOW
    THE (EXACT TRUTH). Luke is certifying that what he is writing is the exact truth and that he wants Theophilus to know what that truth is, perhaps so there would be no confusion and also that he might have a written record–
    OF THOSE THINGS,
    WHEREIN (YOU) (HAVE) BEEN (TAUGHT) (or instructed). Theophilus had apparently already been instructed about the Lord by someone. Luke apparently knew what Theophilus had been taught. Some believe it might have been Luke that taught him to begin with. Now this Gospel was being written that he might know the exact truth or to certify the truthfulness about what he was taught. The things which Luke writes about also includes Acts. Acts continues where the Gospel of Luke leaves off.
    Luke’s Gospel is the only one that explains the circumstances surrounding the birth of John the Baptist.

    Lk 1:5.                    THERE WAS IN THE (TIME) OF HEROD. This is Herod the Great. The approximate dates that he reigned is 37–4 B.C. This is the same Herod that is mentioned in Mt 2:1–17 that had the children killed in Bethlehem and all the coasts. The verse continues–
    THE KING OF JUDAEA. This title was granted to Herod by the Roman Senate. Israel was ruled over by the Gentiles at this time. The verse continues–
    A CERTAIN PRIEST NAMED ZACHARIAS. Zacharias means “Jehovah remembers or remembered of Jehovah”. The verse continues–
    OF THE COURSE (or priestly division) OF (ABIJAH). The division of the 24 groups of priests is listed in 1 Chr 24:7–18. Zechariah was of the division of Abijah–note 1 Chr 24:10. The verse continues–
    AND HIS WIFE. It is noted that he was married. The verse continues–
    WAS (also) OF THE DAUGHTERS OF AARON. The lineage of Zechariah and Elizabeth was such that John should become a priest. They both could trace their ancestry to Aaron, the first high priest. The verse continues–
    AND HER NAME WAS ELIZABETH. This name means “The oath of God.” If both names are put together it would mean “The oath of God, Jehovah remembers.”

    Lk 1:6.                    AND THEY WERE BOTH RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD. Most religious leaders during these times were not righteous before God. Zacharias and Elizabeth were exceptions. They were–
    WALKING IN (or observing) ALL THE COMMANDMENTS AND ORDINANCES (or requirements) OF THE LORD (BLAMELESSLY). Both Zechariah and Elizabeth obeyed God’s Word. What an incredible thing to be called “blameless” by God. What will God’s evaluation of each of us be?

    Lk 1:7.                    AND THEY HAD NO CHILD. Even though people are blameless and obey God’s Word, they might not have what they desire. To be without a child was a disgrace among people–ref Lk 1:25. The verse continues–
    BECAUSE THAT Elizabeth WAS BARREN. As we should learn, the reason she could have no child at this time was to fulfill God’s purpose. The verse continues–
    AND THEY BOTH WERE NOW WELL (ADVANCED) IN YEARS. It may be said that she had reached the point in her life where she could no longer have any prospect or hope of having children. She apparently had gone beyond the time of possible childbearing. Thus, a child being born to her at this age would be a great miracle.

    Lk 1:8.                    AND IT CAME TO PASS,
    THAT WHILE HE EXECUTED THE PRIEST’S OFFICE (or was performing his priestly service–NASB) (or serving as priest)
    BEFORE GOD. The thought of faithfulness comes forth in these words. The verse continues–
    IN THE (appointed) ORDER OF HIS COURSE (or during his division’s period of service before God–JNT). As mentioned previously, his course or priestly division was of Abijah. He was performing his priestly service during his appointed time.

    Lk 1:9.                    ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOM OF THE PRIEST’S OFFICE,
    HIS LOT (or he was chosen by lot [according to the custom among the cohanim]–JNT). He
    WAS TO BURN INCENSE. It may be that because of the large number of priests, the drawing of lots determined who would do this priestly duty. He was to burn incense. This burning of incense appears to have been done morning and evening for one week. He was to burn incense–
    WHEN HE WENT INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD. It is noted that Zechariah was faithful in his calling to God. He was faithfully at the place he should be, and at the time he should be there. The burning of the incense was to be done on the Altar of Worship, which was located in front of the Holy of Holies–ref Ex 30:1–9. It was not in the Holy of Holies itself. It may be said that this burning of incense was an anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

    Lk 1:10.                    AND THE WHOLE MULTITUDE OF THE (ASSEMBLED WORSHIPERS)
    WERE PRAYING (OUTSIDE). It is possible that this was on the Sabbath, as there was a multitude praying outside. What was being prayed is not made clear. The verse continues–
    AT THE (HOUR) OF (the) INCENSE (offering or burning). The praying was being done at the same hour as the burning of the incense.

    Lk 1:11.                    AND THERE APPEARED (TO) HIM (to Zacharias)
    AN ANGEL OF THE LORD. The angel that appears to him is Gabriel. This is revealed in Lk 1:19. He was sent to being forth a message. He was–
    STANDING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ALTAR OF INCENSE. The significance of this side is portrayed in the following verses.
    Jesus is at the right hand of God making intercession for the saints–ref Ro 8:34. Jesus sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high–ref Heb 1:3. The sheep shall be on His right hand at the judgment of the nations–ref Mt 25:33, and the angel was on the right side of the altar.
    It was now the exact time of the burning of incense. The very person God had chosen to be the father of John the Baptist–(the one that would go before the Lord) was now in the Temple.
    At this precise moment, after about 400 years since the last book of the Old Testament was written, the angel of the Lord appears to Zacharias.
    The silence from God is about to come to an end. Since the time of Malachi, there was no communication or prophet recorded in the Bible as being sent to the people of Israel from God. With the appearance of the angel Gabriel, that silence is finally broken–ref Lk 1:19.
    The announcement of a son to be born to Zacharias and Elizabeth and the coming of the Messiah is about to be made. About six months later the angel Gabriel would appear to Mary–ref Lk 1:28. After this, an angel would appear to Joseph in a dream–ref Mt 1:20.
    Elizabeth will be the first person recorded in the Scriptures to prophesy after that long period of silence–ref Lk 1:42. She did so when visited by Mary–ref Lk 1:42–45. Zacharias would prophesy when they came to circumcise John–ref Lk 1:67–79. John the Baptist would be the greatest prophet of all, except for Jesus–ref Lk 7:28. Notwithstanding, there was a prophetess in Jerusalem named Anna–ref Lk 2:36. Simeon was in Jerusalem also and prophesied in Lk 2:34,35.

    Lk 1:12.                    AND WHEN ZACHARIAS SAW HIM. It may be noted that this was not in a dream. The angel was there in person. Zacharias–
    HE WAS TROUBLED (or startled). The appearance of the angel caught Zacharias by surprise.
    AND FEAR (GRIPPED) HIM. The appearance of the angel caused Zacharias to be gripped with fear. We might say that he was terrified.
    This is the same angel that later appears to Mary in Lk 1:26, and appeared to Daniel–ref Dan 6:16; 9:21.
    Zacharias’ name, “Jehovah remembers,” is an appropriate name as God remembers Israel and sends the angel to Zacharias.

    Lk 1:13.                    BUT THE ANGEL SAID (TO) HIM. It may be noted that the angel also audibly spoke to Zacharias. The angel spoke approximately 18 things through verse 17. The verse continues–
    #1–(DO NOT BE AFRAID–NIV). The fear that Zacharias had would have been obvious. The angel tries to put the fears of Zechariah to rest in telling him not to be afraid. In other words, the appearance of the angel to Zacharias was to be a blessing, not something to be feared. Do not be afraid–
    ZACHARIAS. Note that the angel of the Lord knew Zacharias’s name. The angel followed this with the words–
    #2–FOR (YOUR) PRAYER IS HEARD. These words should relieve Zacharias of any anxiety–for he might have thought the angel appeared to him because he had done something wrong. What prayer Zacharias had prayed or when is not revealed. It might have been for his wife as she had born no children. It might have been for a son. He had probably sought the Lord for years regarding this. He had probably come to the conclusion that it was not God’s will for them to have a child and may have given up. His prayer also might have been for the Messiah to come.
    Undoubtedly, he had prayed on and off for a long time. Elizabeth, his wife, was a reproach (or a disgrace) among the people as she was barren–ref verse 25. The angel of the Lord knew that Zechariah had been praying to the Lord, and he also knew what he had been praying. The angel now announces to Zechariah that his prayer has been heard.
    Next comes forth the answer to his prayer, which is the announcement of the birth of John, his ministry, and the coming of the Lord. Because the date of the birth of the Lord and John were both predetermined for a later date, the answer of the prayer could not be answered when first prayed. The verse continues–
    #3–AND (YOUR) WIFE Elizabeth SHALL BEAR (YOU) A SON. He had been praying that his wife might bear him a son. Because she was well advanced in years, it would now seem that praying for such a thing would be ridiculous. If he had kept praying for this, it is not made known. The angel now announces to him that his wife would bear him a son. It is written in Lk 1:37–FOR WITH GOD NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE. Zacharias’s prayer had been heard and is now being answered, even though it seemed impossible that this could happen. As it turns out, that son would be the greatest born of women with the exception of Jesus Christ himself–ref Mt 11:11. The verse continues–
    #4–AND (YOU) (SHALL) (GIVE HIM THE NAME–NASB) JOHN. The angel now commands Zechariah that he is to name the yet to be born child “John.” This means favor of Jehovah, or Jehovah shows favor, or is gracious, or Jehovah’s gift, or Jehovah gives grace, or gracious. John was a gift to Zacharias and Elizabeth. He will introduce the giver of the gift of grace which is Jesus. His name has already been predetermined. Zechariah ultimately obeyed–ref Lk 1:63. The angel of the Lord continues on and gives Zechariah more information of what will come to pass.

    Lk 1:14.                    #5–AND (YOU) (WILL) HAVE JOY AND GLADNESS (or he will be a joy and delight to you–NIV). Zacharias and Elizabeth had wanted a child, but it now seemed impossible. As a result of the miracle birth of John, they will have joy and delight. The verse continues–
    #6–AND MANY (people) SHALL REJOICE (BECAUSE OF) HIS BIRTH. Further, the angel tells Zechariah that “many” people will rejoice because of the birth of John. Indeed, when John was born the people said in Lk 1:66–What manner of child shall this be!

    Lk 1:15.                    #7–FOR HE (which is John the Baptist)––
    SHALL BE GREAT IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD. The only real greatness any of us can have is IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD.
    The angel continues to tell Zechariah more about John. He will be great in the sight of the Lord. Jesus tells us of John in Mt 11:11–VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, AMONG THEM THAT ARE BORN OF WOMEN THERE HATH NOT RISEN A GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST. In Lk 7:28, it is written–AMONG THOSE THAT ARE BORN OF WOMEN THERE IS NOT A GREATER PROPHET THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST. Greatness from God, however, is usually not recognized by most of the ministers, rulers, and people of this world. Rather they despise and persecute those that are great in God’s eyes. John the Baptist was ultimately put in prison–ref Lk 3:20 and later beheaded–ref Mk 6:27.
    Most of this world seek after and love the praise and greatness which comes of men rather than the praise and greatness which comes from God. Greatness from this world produces conceit, arrogance, and pride. God resists the proud. Greatness from God is a result of faith in Jesus Christ. Repentance, humbleness, denying oneself, indeed the fruits of the Spirit in a person are evidences of the greatness which comes from God. These things most of the world do not understand, as they are spiritually blind. The world does not know those that are great in God’s sight, because they also do not know Jesus–ref 1 Jn 3:1. The angel continues regarding John.
    #8–AND SHALL DRINK NEITHER (or is never to drink–JNT) WINE (or other liquor)
    #9–(or) STRONG DRINK (or fermented drink). John is to be a Nazarite. He shall be as Samson and Samuel were, a Nazarite for life.

NAZARITE (See Lk 1:24)

    Note, Num 6:1–8–AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING, 2–SPEAK UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, AND SAY UNTO THEM, WHEN EITHER MAN OR WOMAN SHALL SEPARATE THEMSELVES TO VOW A VOW OF A NAZARITE, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES UNTO THE LORD: 3–HE SHALL SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM WINE AND STRONG DRINK, AND SHALL DRINK NO VINEGAR OF WINE, OR VINEGAR OF STRONG DRINK, NEITHER SHALL HE DRINK ANY LIQUOR OF GRAPES, NOR EAT MOIST GRAPES, OR DRIED. 4–ALL THE DAYS OF HIS SEPARATION SHALL HE EAT NOTHING THAT IS MADE OF THE VINE TREE, FROM THE KERNELS EVEN TO THE HUSK. 5–ALL THE DAYS OF THE VOW OF HIS SEPARATION THERE SHALL NO RAZOR COME UPON HIS HEAD: UNTIL THE DAYS BE FULFILLED, IN THE WHICH HE SEPARATETH HIMSELF UNTO THE LORD, HE SHALL BE HOLY, AND SHALL LET THE LOCKS OF THE HAIR OF HIS HEAD GROW. 6–ALL THE DAYS THAT HE SEPARATETH HIMSELF UNTO THE LORD HE SHALL COME AT NO DEAD BODY. 7–HE SHALL NOT MAKE HIMSELF UNCLEAN FOR HIS FATHER, OR FOR HIS MOTHER, FOR HIS BROTHER, OR FOR HIS SISTER, WHEN THEY DIE: BECAUSE THE CONSECRATION OF HIS GOD IS UPON HIS HEAD. 8–ALL THE DAYS OF HIS SEPARATION HE IS HOLY UNTO THE LORD
    Judges 13:5, regarding Samson, it is written–FOR, LO, THOU SHALT CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON; AND NO RAZOR SHALL COME ON HIS HEAD: FOR THE CHILD SHALL BE A NAZARITE UNTO GOD FROM THE WOMB: AND HE SHALL BEGIN TO DELIVER ISRAEL OUT OF THE HAND OF THE PHILISTINES.
    Amos 2:11–AND I RAISED UP OF YOUR SONS FOR PROPHETS, AND OF YOUR YOUNG MEN FOR NAZARITES. IS IT NOT EVEN THUS, O YE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL? SAITH THE LORD.
    The discipline of the Nazarites was a life of self–denial, a life of not yielding to the pleasures of sense, a life of keeping the mind from those worldly things that would cause darkness.
    It was a life totally dedicated to serving and pleasing God.
    #10–AND HE SHALL BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST (or Spirit). Both Zechariah and Elizabeth became filled with the Holy Ghost–Lk 1:41,67, but John would be filled–
    #11–EVEN FROM HIS MOTHER’S WOMB. The angel announces that the baby John would be filled with the Holy Ghost even before he is born. This is most unusual, as a person normally would not receive the Holy Spirit until they believed in Jesus; as it is written in Eph 1:13–AFTER THAT YE BELIEVED, YE WERE SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE. The Spirit was given through faith; as it is written in Gal 3:14–THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH. It may be noted that even before John was born, he leaped in the womb when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary–ref Lk 1:41. The verses continue–

    Lk 1:16.                    #12–AND MANY OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL HE (BRING BACK) TO THE LORD THEIR GOD. Many “children” (or childlike) people of Israel shall come back to God because of John. In other words, he shall be instrumental in leading many people to being saved through faith in Jesus Christ. He shall lead many people to repent. He shall turn their hearts to Jesus Christ. This did come to pass–note Mt 3:5,6; Mk 1:4,5.
    The spiritual condition and blindness in Israel, at this time, was so bad that John the Baptist said in Mt 3:7 and Lk 3:7–O GENERATION OF VIPERS. Jesus also used the same words in Mt 12:34. Jesus said in Mt 23:23–YE SERPENTS, YE GENERATION OF VIPERS. They did not even know or recognize Jesus, their Messiah, or believe His Word when He came later on, even though He did many incredible miracles including raising the dead. It is written in Lk 19:44–THOU KNEWEST NOT THE TIME OF THY VISITATION. The angel continues–

    Lk 1:17.                    #13–AND HE SHALL GO (out) (as a forerunner) BEFORE HIM (or ahead of) (the Lord). John will go out before or ahead of the Messiah to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
    This was a fulfillment of Isa 40:3–THE VOICE OF HIM THAT CRIETH IN THE WILDERNESS, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT IN THE DESERT A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD–ref Mt 3:3. This appears in similar form in Mk 1:2,3; Lk 3:4; and Jn 1:23. Zechariah, the father of John, would prophesy this shortly after John was born in Lk 1:76. This indicates that Zechariah might have understood that his son would be fulfilling the words of Malachi. John’s greatness was reflected in that he was the chosen messenger to prepare the way of the Son of God Himself–Jesus Christ.
    It was a partial fulfillment of Mal 3:1–BEHOLD, I WILL SEND MY MESSENGER, AND HE SHALL PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE ME: AND THE LORD, WHOM YE SEEK, SHALL SUDDENLY COME TO HIS TEMPLE, EVEN THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, WHOM YE DELIGHT IN: BEHOLD, HE SHALL COME, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS. The final and complete fulfillment of this and the rest of the verse shall come when Jesus returns.
    John would go before the Lord–#14 & 15–IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH. (Note the similarity with Elijah–Mt 3:4 and Mk 1:6 with 2 Ki 1:8). John shall go in the spirit and the power of Elijah.

ELIJAH’S SPIRIT–A DOUBLE PORTION

    It is written in Mal 4:5–BEHOLD, I WILL SEND YOU ELIJAH THE PROPHET BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD. The “great and dreadful day of the Lord” is the Battle of Armageddon. Elijah will indeed come during the Tribulation period. The angel tells Zechariah, however, that John will go before the Messiah in the “spirit” and “power” of Elijah. It does not say that he would be “Elijah.” This is possible because a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was given in 2 Ki 2:9–15. John the Baptist receives one portion of the spirit of Elijah. Elijah will indeed come in his own spirit during the Tribulation. John the Baptist will announce the first coming of the Messiah. Elijah along with another prophet will announce the second coming–ref Rev 11:3.
    #16–                    TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS (back) TO THE CHILDREN. It is written in Mal 4:6–AND HE SHALL TURN THE HEART OF THE FATHERS TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE HEART OF THE CHILDREN TO THEIR FATHERS, LEST I COME AND SMITE THE EARTH WITH A CURSE. The angel announces to Zacharias what John will do. This will fulfill part of the prophecy of Malachi. The angel continues.
    #17–                    AND THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM (or attitude) OF THE (RIGHTEOUS). The wisdom or attitude of the just or righteous is that of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is having a Godly attitude one toward another and treating each other the way God would have us do. John shall be used to help awaken the hearts of the disobedient to a desire for righteousness–to a different attitude–to that of the righteous. The domination of the world’s thinking in our mind and our ungodly, fleshly desires need to be repented of and overcome. These ungodly yokes of the old man or old nature need to be put off, and a new man or new nature needs to be put on. The new yoke is that of the Lord Jesus Christ.
    John taught, Lk 3:8–PRODUCE FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE–NIV. When the crowd, the tax collectors, and soldiers asked him what they should do, he told them to do those things which were right in the eyes of God, but sometimes difficult for people to do, such as Lk 3:11, 13, 14–HE THAT HATH TWO COATS, LET HIM IMPART TO HIM THAT HATH NONE; AND HE THAT HATH MEAT, LET HIM DO LIKEWISE. To the tax collectors he said, EXACT NO MORE THAN THAT WHICH IS APPOINTED YOU. To the soldiers, he said, DO VIOLENCE TO NO MAN, NEITHER ACCUSE ANY FALSELY; AND BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WAGES. Soldiers wages are usually very low. The angel continues.
    #18–                    TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD. John was to prepare the people for the coming of and the teaching of the Messiah–the Lord Jesus Christ.
    When the yoke and bondage of sin becomes a burden and grievous, then the Lord Jesus Christ becomes precious. The Scriptures show us TO WHOM LITTLE IS FORGIVEN, THE SAME LOVETH LITTLE–Lk 7:47. Indeed, to the one that is forgiven much, will they not love much?
    The angel of the Lord tells Zechariah approximately 18 things starting with “FEAR NOT,” to the fact that his son that is to be born shall make the people ready for the Lord. In Daniel chapter 9, hundreds of years before, God had told of the future coming of the Messiah and given a time period. Now the angel of the Lord appears to Zechariah and tells him that the Lord is coming and that his yet to be born son shall be the very one that will go before the Lord to prepare the people for this very purpose. At this time not even Mary (the mother of Jesus) knew that the Messiah would be coming and be born of her.
    The whole purpose of the birth of John would be to do the will of God. His whole life was predetermined by God and for God’s purpose.
    God has a mission for all born–again Christians to perform in the same way. A born–again Christian’s whole life has been laid out or predetermined by God and for God’s purpose. The highest calling a person can receive is to serve the living God. Some will obey with joy. Some will obey grudgingly. Some will obey for a while and then turn away. Some will not obey at all.
    BIBLE STUDY–Elijah, as pertaining to the double spirit. Lk 1:17; Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1, 4:5; Mt 11:10–12, 14; Mk 9:11–13; Mt 17:9–14 (11–13); Jn 1:21; 2 Ki 2:9–12; Lk 7:27.
    BIBLE STUDY–Just. Lk 1:17; Gen 6:9; Deut 16:20, 32:4; 2 Sam 23:3; Neh 9:33; Job 9:2, 12:4; Ps 7:9, 37:12; Pv 3:33, 4:18, 9:9, 10:6, 10:7, 10:20, 10:31, 11:9, 12:13, 12:21, 17:15, 17:26, 21:15, 24:16, 29:10, 29:27; Ecc 7:15, 7:20, 8:14; Isa 26:7; Lam 4:13; Ezek 18:59; Hos 14:9; Amos 5:12; Hab 2:4; Zeph 3:5; Zech 9:9; Mt 1:19, 5:45, 13:49, 27:19, 27:24; Mk 6:20; Lk 2:25, 14:14, 20:20, 23:50; Jn 5:30; Acts 10:22, 22:14, 24:15; Ro 1:7, 2:13, 3:26, 7:12; Gal 3:11; Phili 4:8; Titus 1:8; Heb 10:38, 12:23; Ja 5:6; 1 Pe 3:18; 2 Pe 2:7; 1 Jn 1:9; Rev 15:3. The verses continue–

    Lk 1:18.                    AND ZACHARIAS SAID (TO) THE ANGEL,
    (HOW CAN I BE SURE OF THIS–NIV)? Zacharias should have glorified God for what he had just heard. He should have shouted for joy. It is as if he forgot that he was talking to an angel of God in the Temple, which in itself should have been a sufficient sign. Yet what he did was to express doubt. Doubting God’s Word is an insult to God. Zacharias heard another voice in his head. It was a voice of doubt. It was the same voice that Eve heard in the Garden when Satan had said to her in Gen 3:1–YEA, HATH GOD SAID? Even though Zacharias undoubtedly knew these Scriptures, when Satan put the wrong thoughts in his mind, he did not recognize it was Satan.
    Zacharias appears to be seeking for a sign. It is written in 1 Cor 1:22–FOR THE JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN. Mt 12:38 shows us the scribes and Pharisees wanted to see a sign. In Mt 16:1, the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted a sign from heaven. In Jn 2:18, the Jews wanted a sign. In Jn 6:24 and 30, the people wanted a sign. In Mt 24:4, the disciples of Jesus said, WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN OF THY COMING, AND OF THE END OF THE WORLD? (Also see Jn 2:11). The verse continues–
    FOR I AM AN OLD MAN. This is the first excuse he made to justify why he doubted what the angel of the Lord had said. He continues–
    AND MY WIFE WELL (ADVANCED) IN YEARS. This is excuse number two he gave for his unbelief. He may have also thought that what the angel had said seemed ridiculous as his wife had been barren all the days that they had been together. First Satan sowed doubts in Zacharias’ thoughts, and then he put thoughts in his head as to why this could not happen. He put two thoughts in Zacharias’ head beyond the fact that she had been barren. #1–Zacharias apparently thought it was not possible for his wife to have a child as he was an old man. #2–His wife was well advanced in years, past the time of childbearing. In other words, it seemed ridiculous to him that he and his wife could have a child at this time in their lives. This is the same way Satan worked with Eve. Gen 3:4,5–AND THE SERPENT SAID UNTO THE WOMAN, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE: FOR GOD DOTH KNOW THAT IN THE DAY YE EAT THEREOF, THEN YOUR EYES SHALL BE OPENED, AND YE SHALL BE AS GODS, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL.
    Even though Zacharias undoubtedly knew the Scriptures about how Eve was deceived by the serpent, he seemed more willing to believe the lying thoughts of Satan in his mind than the true words of the angel which miraculously was there and personally talked with him. He apparently didn’t even believe that his prayer had been heard, and now God, in His mercy, was going to give him an answer. He surely must have also known about the miracle birth of Sara. It is written, Heb 11:11–THROUGH FAITH ALSO SARA HERSELF RECEIVED STRENGTH TO CONCEIVE SEED, AND WAS DELIVERED OF A CHILD WHEN SHE WAS PAST AGE, BECAUSE SHE JUDGED HIM FAITHFUL WHO HAD PROMISED.
    He surely must have known the Scriptures about Manoah who was the father of Samson. His wife had also been barren. His attitude in Judges 13:12 toward the angel of the Lord regarding the miracle birth of Samson was NOW LET THY WORDS COME TO PASS. HOW SHALL WE ORDER THE CHILD, AND HOW SHALL WE DO UNTO HIM?
    Yet Zacharias looked at the situation in a carnal or worldly way, not considering THAT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE–ref Mt 19:26.
    Zacharias had doubted what the angel had said to him. He wanted some sort of a sign. He staggered at the promise of God which was delivered by the angel.
    The angel’s response was as follows.

    Lk 1:19.                    AND THE ANGEL ANSWERING SAID (TO) HIM, I AM GABRIEL, The name Gabriel means “God is mighty” or the “power of God” or the “mighty one of God.” It appears that there are two righteous angels (Michael and Gabriel) and two fallen angels (Lucifer and Abaddon) mentioned in the Scriptures. Others appear to be mentioned but not named. It appears that when the angel said, “I am Gabriel”, he said it with force because of Zacharias’ doubts.
    Regarding the angel Gabriel, he would appear to Mary about six months after he appeared to Zacharias’ref Lk 1:26–28. Verse 26’AND IN THE SIXTH MONTH THE ANGEL GABRIEL WAS SENT FROM GOD UNTO A CITY OF GALILEE, NAMED NAZARETH
    The first time that the angel Gabriel is mentioned in the Scriptures is in Dan 8:16’AND I HEARD A MAN’S VOICE BETWEEN THE BANKS OF ULAI, WHICH CALLED, AND SAID, GABRIEL, MAKE THIS MAN TO UNDERSTAND THE VISION. He was summoned to help Daniel understand.
    He is also mentioned in Dan 9:21–YEA, WHILES I WAS SPEAKING IN PRAYER, EVEN THE MAN GABRIEL, WHOM I HAD SEEN IN THE VISION AT THE BEGINNING, BEING CAUSED TO FLY SWIFTLY, TOUCHED ME ABOUT THE TIME OF THE EVENING OBLATION.
    Zacharias, being a priest and having studied the Scriptures, certainly should have recognized the name of Gabriel as the same angel that had been sent to Daniel.
    Each time that Gabriel appears it seems he gives instructions. The angel continues–
    (I STAND) IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. Gabriel’s authority was from God Himself. There seems to be a certain forcefulness in these words after Zacharias’ doubting attitude. Note, it does not say he “sits” but rather he “stands” in the presence of God. Angels stand in the presence of God. The saints can sit. It is written, Eph 2:6–AND HATH RAISED US UP TOGETHER, AND MADE US SIT TOGETHER IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS. Rev 3:21–TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GRANT TO SIT WITH ME IN MY THRONE, EVEN AS I ALSO OVERCAME, AND AM SET DOWN WITH MY FATHER IN HIS THRONE.
    The angel continues–
    AND (I) AM SENT. Gabriel was obedient to the Lord to go where he was sent. He was sent to Zacharias from the presence of God. He continues by saying–
    TO SPEAK (TO) (YOU). Gabriel is relating that he is sent to speak specifically to Zacharias from God Himself. The angel continues–
    AND TO SHOW (YOU) THESE GLAD TIDINGS (or Good News). The angel Gabriel had been sent to bring the good news that Zacharias’ prayer had been answered, that he would have a son, what that son would do, and that that son would prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He seems to be indicating very clearly to Zacharias that he should have believed the words that were spoken to him, but Zacharias had doubted. As a result, the angel announces the following to Zacharias.

    Lk 1:20.                    AND, BEHOLD, (YOU) (SHALL) BE DUMB (or silent, or mute), AND NOT ABLE TO SPEAK. In doubting the words of God that were delivered by Gabriel, Zacharias was made mute. His doubting mouth was silenced very abruptly.
    He had asked how he could be sure that what Gabriel said would happen. His being made mute was both for a sign to confirm the angel’s words, as a punishment for his doubt, and to silence his doubting tongue. Unbelief of God’ss Word can bring judgment. Doubting God’s Word regarding as to how to be saved brings eternal judgment in the lake of fire.
    He may have also been made deaf at the same time, as it is written in Lk 1:62–AND THEY MADE SIGNS TO HIS FATHER. It appears people had to make signs or perhaps write notes to Zacharias to communicate. The angel continues–
    UNTIL THE DAY THAT THESE THINGS SHALL (TAKE PLACE). Indeed, it came to pass that Zacharias was unable to speak, and perhaps hear, for more than 9 months. For many months to come, every time he would try to speak he would be reminded of the reality of the angel’s message. He was only able to speak after three things had happened. 1–The baby had been born, 2–he was brought to be circumcised on the eighth day, and 3–Zacharias wrote that his name is John–ref Lk 1:59–64. The angel now goes on to tell Zacharias why he would not be able to speak–it is–
    BECAUSE (YOU) (DID NOT BELIEVE) MY WORDS. The result of not believing God’s Word can often be disastrous. Jesus relates doubt with having little faith, as it is written in Mt 14:31–O THOU OF LITTLE FAITH, WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT? The angel continues–
    WHICH SHALL BE FULFILLED (or come true). Gabriel emphasizes that what he said will surely come to pass–
    IN THEIR (PROPER TIME). The various things that Gabriel said would happen covered a period of many years. In their proper time, these things would, indeed, come to pass despite Zacharias’ unbelief. The next time Zacharias is able to open his mouth will be to praise God. It appears the last words Zacharias would hear for more than 9 months was MY WORDS…SHALL BE FULFILLED IN THEIR PROPER TIME.

    Lk 1:21.                    AND (meanwhile) THE PEOPLE WAITED FOR ZACHARIAS. Outside the people were waiting for Zacharias to come out from burning the incense. They had been praying–ref Lk 1:10. They may have also been waiting for a blessing. It is written in Num 6:22–26–AND THE LORD SPAKE UNTO MOSES, SAYING, SPEAK UNTO AARON AND UNTO HIS SONS, SAYING, ON THIS WISE YE SHALL BLESS THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, SAYING UNTO THEM, THE LORD BLESS THEE, AND KEEP THEE: THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON THEE, AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO THEE: THE LORD LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON THEE, AND GIVE THEE PEACE. The verse continues–
    AND (WERE WONDERING) (or surprised). The people had apparently waited longer than usual for Zacharias to come out. They were wondering or surprised about his delay–
    THAT HE (STAYED) SO LONG IN THE TEMPLE. All that had happened took time, and in addition Zacharias might have tarried in the temple a long time after (perhaps in a state of shock over what had been told to him and also what had happened to him for his unbelief).

    Lk 1:22.                    AND WHEN HE CAME OUT, HE COULD NOT SPEAK (TO) THEM. When he came out he was unable to speak even as the angel had said, because of his unbelief. The verse continues–
    AND THEY (REALIZED) THAT HE HAD SEEN A VISION IN THE TEMPLE: FOR HE BECKONED (or kept making signs, or communicated.with signs) (TO) THEM. Being there was no way Zacharias could speak to the people, or perhaps even hear them, he made gestures to the people to try and communicate with them. It is difficult to comprehend what he night have tried to say. It appears he had no blessing for the people that had been praying at this time. The verse continues–
    AND REMAINED SPEECHLESS (or unable to speak). One might wonder if Simeon and Anna were there among the people that were waiting–ref Lk 2:25–38. They both saw Jesus when he was brought to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord.

    Lk 1:23.                    AND IT CAME TO PASS,
    THAT, AS SOON AS THE DAYS OF HIS MINISTRATION (or priestly, or Temple service) WERE ACCOMPLISHED (or ended). The days of his priestly service should have lasted one week. It is not known at what point during Zacharias’ Temple service that the angel appeared to him. Apparently he had more days to go. After this, he continued faithfully in his service despite the fact that he could no longer talk and was probably deaf. It is not recorded that he made any more excuses. It is written of Jesus in Heb 5:8–THOUGH HE WERE A SON, YET LEARNED HE OBEDIENCE BY THE THINGS WHICH HE SUFFERED. Undoubtedly, at this time, Zacharias greatly feared God. How regretful it is that so many Christians murmur and complain and make excuses over trivial things to justify themselves for not being faithful in serving or believing God. After this–
    HE DEPARTED TO HIS OWN HOUSE. The location of his house is not given. One can only imagine what shock Elizabeth must have had when her husband arrived and could not speak or possibly even hear, but what joy she must have had when she learned she was to have a child.

    Lk 1:24.                    AND AFTER THOSE DAYS. HIS WIFE Elizabeth (BECAME PREGNANT). Exactly as the angel had said, it came to pass. The verse continues–
    AND (REMAINED.IN SECLUSION) FIVE MONTHS, SAYING. The reason she remained in seclusion for five months is not given. It is possible she did this, as she did not want the neighbors to know or to ask her about what had happened to her husband. Lk 1:36 shows us that her cousin, Mary, did not even know she was going to have a son, even up to six months after she conceived. It might have been so she could seek the Lord in prayer and glorify Him or that she was in awe over all that had happened.

NAZARITE (See Lk 1:15)

    It may be because the child to be born was to be a Nazarite. Thus, she may have followed the same instructions given to the mother of Samson who was also a Nazarite. It is written in Judges 13:3–5–AND THE ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED UNTO THE WOMAN, AND SAID UNTO HER, BEHOLD NOW, THOU ART BARREN, AND BEAREST NOT: BUT THOU SHALT CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON. NOW THEREFORE BEWARE, I PRAY THEE, AND DRINK NOT WINE NOR STRONG DRINK, AND EAT NOT ANY UNCLEAN THING: FOR, LO, THOU SHALT CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON; AND NO RAZOR SHALL COME ON HIS HEAD: FOR THE CHILD SHALL BE A NAZARITE UNTO GOD FROM THE WOMB.
    It may be that Mary and Joseph were the first people to know she was going to have a child–ref Lk 1:36. The verses continue–

    Lk 1:25.                    THUS (HAS) (or this is the way–NASB)
    THE LORD DEALT WITH ME (AT THIS TIME)
    WHEREIN HE LOOKED (with favor) ON ME. Elizabeth exalts the Lord in saying that he had looked on her with favor. The verse continues–
    TO TAKE AWAY MY REPROACH (or public disgrace) AMONG (THE PEOPLE). To be childless was a disgrace among the people. Some might have thought she was childless as it was a judgment from the Lord, perhaps for sin. Now that disgrace would be taken away. It appears that Elizabeth was very relieved and grateful that she was due to have a baby. This miracle happened to her, not because she had been in sin, but because she had been righteous before God–ref Lk 1:6.

    Lk 1:26.                    AND IN THE SIXTH MONTH. The time is counted from the time that Elizabeth became pregnant–ref Lk 1:36. As a result, John was approximately 6 months older than Jesus. The verse continues–
    THE ANGEL GABRIEL WAS SENT FROM GOD. Once again, we note Gabriel is sent on a mission from God.
    (TO) A (TOWN) OF GALILEE. Galilee means “circle.” It was one of the largest Roman districts of Palestine. A statement made by the Pharisees reflect their opinion of Galilee. It is written in Jn 7:52–ART THOU ALSO OF GALILEE? SEARCH, AND LOOK: FOR OUT OF GALILEE ARISETH NO PROPHET. Israel was under Roman domination. The Galilee territory was the area that once consisted of the tribes of Zebulun, Naphtali, and Asher. The verse continues–
    NAMED NAZARETH. Nazareth means “sanctified.” It is located in the lower Galilee in the mountains. The words of Nathanael may reflect the people’s opinion of the town of Nazareth. It is written in Jn 1:46–CAN THERE ANY GOOD THING COME OUT OF NAZARETH? It was such an obscure village, it is not even mentioned in the Old Testament. Note, the angel obeyed God.

STATISTICS OF DISTANCES FROM NAZARETH

    In a straight line, Nazareth is approximately 66 miles north of Jerusalem (or about an 88 mile drive), about 56 miles north–northeast of Tel Aviv, about 21 miles east–southeast of Haifa, about 16 miles west–southwest of Tiberias, and about a 20 mile drive southwest of Capernaum. The verses continue–

    Lk 1:27.                    TO A VIRGIN. The woman that the angel Gabriel was sent to had never known a man.
    Never in the history of the world had such a thing ever taken place. The birth of Christ had to come through a virgin to fulfill Scripture. It is written in Isa 7:14–BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE.

INCARNATION

    Being born of a virgin would mean that Christ would not be a new person, but the incarnation of a person that already existed.
    He had to come forth from a virgin to avoid having an earthly father, as he already had a Father–God the Father in heaven.
    This birth also had to come through a virgin, so Christ would not inherit the sinful nature passed down through Adam. Note Lk 1:42.
    This woman was–
    ESPOUSED (or engaged, or pledged) TO A MAN. This pledge was much stronger than the so–called engagement of American society today. The two were almost considered to be husband and wife, but they did not live together or have sexual relations until after the wedding. The verse continues–
    WHOSE NAME WAS JOSEPH. Joseph means “Increaser.” The man she was pledged to was named Joseph. He was–
    OF THE HOUSE (or descendants) OF DAVID. Joseph was a direct descendant of David through Solomon–ref Mt 1:6–16. Joseph needed to be of the house of David; as it is written in Isa 9:6,7 and 2 Sam 7:16 and many other verses–AND THINE HOUSE AND THY KINGDOM SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EVER BEFORE THEE: THY THRONE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EVER. The verse continues–
    AND THE VIRGIN’S NAME WAS MARY. Mary is the Greek form of Miriam, which means “strong” and signifies a great elevation or exalted. Mary was also of the house of David, but through Nathan, another of David’s sons. She was of a low (or humble position)–ref Lk 1:48. The lineage of Jesus, given in Lk 3:23–31, is Mary’s line. The reason Joseph is mentioned as being a son of Heli is that he was a son–in–law of Heli. Heli was the father of Mary, but may have had no sons; thus, Joseph, who married Mary, would become the son of Heli as ordained in Num 36:1–13. Because of this, he is listed as having two fathers–Jacob, ref Mt 1:16 and Heli, ref Lk 3:23.
    To summarize, the woman that God chose to be the mother of Jesus was residing in a district that was not highly regarded by the Pharisees and in a town that did not seem to be highly esteemed among the people. She was a humble person that was of a low or humble position or estate. Yet, this is the woman that was highly favored by God. The verses continue–

    Lk 1:28.                    AND THE ANGEL CAME IN (TO) HER,
    #1–AND SAID, HAIL (or Greetings, or Rejoice, or Shalom),
    #2–(YOU) THAT (ARE) HIGHLY FAVORED. The JNT translates this as favored lady. In other word, the angel is greeting the favored lady. The angel continues–
    #3–THE LORD IS WITH (YOU). This may have been a result of her humble, childlike attitude. The angel continues–
    #4–BLESSED (ARE) (YOU) AMONG WOMEN. Mary, as should be noted, in Lk 1:34 and 38, had a very humble, childlike attitude. Now she is chosen to fulfill an incredible calling of God. The verse continues–

    Lk 1:29.                    AND WHEN SHE SAW HIM,
    SHE (Mary) WAS (greatly) TROUBLED AT HIS SAYING (or words). It may be said that she was very uptight. Perhaps his sudden appearance startled her, and then his words after greatly troubled her. The verse continues–
    AND CAST IN HER MIND (or wondered)
    WHAT (KIND) OF SALUTATION (or greeting) THIS (MIGHT) BE. It appears she did not understand why the angel said these things to her. Perhaps, the angel’s greeting troubled her more than the actual words that were to follow. It is not recorded that she spoke any words at this time.

    Lk 1:30.                    AND THE ANGEL SAID (TO) HER,
    #5–FEAR NOT, MARY. The angel addresses her by name. The term “Fear not” appears in the Bible about 63 times. The angel had also told Zacharias to fear not in Lk 1:13. The angel continues–
    #6–FOR (YOU) (HAVE) FOUND FAVOR WITH GOD. In Lk 1:28, the angel had told Mary that she was highly favored. Here he tells her she found favor with God. The angel seems to waste no time in getting right to the point of why he came.
    Beginning in the next verse, verse 31 and continuing through verse 33, the angel covers #7 to #15 which is approximately 9 things. He tells her–

    Lk 1:31.                    #7–AND, BEHOLD, (YOU) (WILL) CONCEIVE IN (YOUR) WOMB (or become pregnant).
    #8–AND BRING FORTH A SON,
    #9–AND (SHALL) CALL HIS NAME JESUS. It is written in Isa 9:6–FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN. Mary would be the virgin God called to fulfill this prophecy.
    Before Mary even becomes pregnant, the angel gives her the name that her son is to be called. The reason he would be called Jesus is in Mt 1:21–FOR HE SHALL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.
    In Mt 1:16–JESUS,…IS CALLED CHRIST (or the Messiah).
    In Mk 1:1–JESUS CHRIST, is called THE SON OF GOD.
    John the Baptist called Jesus in Jn 1:36–THE LAMB OF GOD! In Jn 1:29–Jesus is called THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.
    Indeed, when Jesus was born, it is written in Lk 2:21–AND WHEN EIGHT DAYS WERE ACCOMPLISHED FOR THE CIRCUMCISING OF THE CHILD, HIS NAME WAS CALLED JESUS, WHICH WAS SO NAMED OF THE ANGEL BEFORE HE WAS CONCEIVED IN THE WOMB.
    The Bible uses many other names for Jesus. Following is a list of nearly all of them in the Bible.

NAMES AND REFERENCES OF JESUS

(Including Who and What Jesus Is From the Revelation)

Page 32

Page 33

Page 34

Page 35

Page 36

(Alphabetized)
ALIVE FOR EVERMORE
THE ALMIGHTY
ALPHA
ALPHA AND OMEGA
THE AMEN
ANCIENT OF DAYS
WHICH ART

BEGINNING
BEGINNING AND THE END
BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD
MY BELOVED
BLESSED
BLESSED HOPE
BRANCH
BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
BREAKER
BRIDEGROOM
BRIGHTNESS

YOUNG CHILD
CHILDREN’S BREAD
THE CHILDREN’S CRUMBS
THE CHRIST
HEAD OF THE CORNER
PRECIOUS CORNER STONE
COUNSELOR
CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
HE THAT…WAS DEAD
MY DELIVERER

THE END
THE ENDING
EMMANUEL
EVERLASTING
EVERLASTING FATHER
EVERLASTING LIGHT

FAITHFUL AND TRUE
FAITHFUL WITNESS
FATHER OF LIGHTS
THE FIRST
FIRST AND THE LAST
FIRST BEGOTTEN OF THE DEAD
MY FORTRESS
FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS
SURE FOUNDATION

A JUST GOD
EVERLASTING GOD
GOD ALMIGHTY
GOD MOST HIGH
GOD MY ROCK
GOD OF ALL FLESH
GOD OF DAVID
GOD OF GODS
GOD OF HEAVEN
GOD OF HIS FATHERS
GOD OF HOSTS
GOD OF ISRAEL

GOD OF MY ROCK
GOD OF JACOB
GOD OF OUR SALVATION
GOD OF THE HEBREWS
GOD OF THE WHOLE EARTH
GOD OF THY FATHER
GOD OF TRUTH
GOD THY GLORY
GOD WITH US
GREAT GOD
HIGH GOD
I AM GOD
LIVING GOD
THE LORD THY GOD
MIGHTY GOD
MOST HIGH GOD
MY GOD
THOU ART GOD
THY GOD
TRUE GOD
YOUR GOD
GOODMAN OF THE HOUSE
GOOD MASTER
GOVERNOR
GREAT ONE

THE HEAD STONE
THE HEIR
THOU MOST HIGH
HIGH AND LOFTY ONE
THE HIGHEST
HOLY
HOLY AND REVEREND IS HIS NAME
HOLY IS HIS NAME
HOLY ONE
HOLY ONE OF GOD
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL

HOLY ONE OF JACOB
THE MOST HOLY
HORN OF MY SALVATION
HOUSEHOLDER

I THE LORD, THE FIRST AND WITH THE LAST
I AM
I AM GOD
I AM HE
I AM–SAVIOR
I AM THAT I AM
I AM THE FIRST AND THE LAST
I AM THE LORD
IMMANUEL
WHICH IS
WHICH IS TO COME

JAH
JEALOUS
JEHOVAH
JEHOVAH–JIREH
JEHOVAH–NISSI
JEHOVAH–SHALOM
JESUS
JESUS OF NAZARETH
JUDAH IS MY LAWGIVER

KEY OF KNOWLEDGE
EVERLASTING KING
GREAT KING
KING

KING, ETERNAL, IMMORTAL
KING OF ALL THE EARTH
KING OF GLORY
KING OF ISRAEL
KING OF JACOB
KING OF KINGS
KING OF PEACE
KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
KING OF SAINTS
KING OF SALEM
KING OF SALEM, PRIEST
KING OF THE JEWS
YOUR KING

LAMB
LAMB AS IT HAD BEEN SLAIN
LAMB OF GOD
MY LAMP
THE LAST
THE LIFE
LIGHT
EVERLASTING LIGHT
A GREAT LIGHT
TRUE LIGHT
LION
LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH
YOUNG LION
HE THAT LIVETH
HIM THAT LIVETH FOR EVER AND EVER
THE LORD

FIRST LOVE
LORD GOD
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY
LORD GOD…OF ABRAHAM
LORD GOD OF ISRAEL
LORD GOD OF THE HOLY PROPHETS
LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT
LORD MOST HIGH
LORD OF ALL THE EARTH
LORD OF GLORY
LORD OF HOSTS

LORD OF LORDS
LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS
LORD OF THAT SERVANT
LORD OF THE HARVEST
LORD OF THE VINEYARD
LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
LORD THY GOD

MAJESTY
MAKER
A MAN
MESSENGER
MESSIAH
MESSIAH THE PRINCE
MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL
MIGHTY ONE OF JACOB

OFFSPRING OF DAVID

THE PEACE
PHYSICIAN
HIGH PRIEST
PRIEST FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
PRINCE OF PEACE
PRINCE OF PRINCES
PRINCE OF THE HOST
PRINCE OF THE KINGS OF THE EARTH
JESUS THE PROPHET OF NAZARETH OF GALILEE
PROPHET

REDEEMER OF ISRAEL
MY REFUGE
RIGHTEOUS BRANCH
ROCK
ROCK OF THY STRENGTH
ROD OF THE STEM OF JESSE
ROOT AND THE OFFSPRING OF DAVID
ROOT OF DAVID
ROOT OF JESSE

THE SAVIOR
MY RIGHTEOUS SERVANT
MY SERVANT
HAVING SEVEN HORNS AND SEVEN EYES
SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL
MY SHIELD
BELOVED SON

LORD THOU SON OF DAVID
KISS THE SON
MY SON
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD
SON OF GOD
SON OF MAN
SON OF THE BLESSED
SON OF THE HIGHEST
SON OF THE LIVING GOD
THOU ART MY SON
THOU SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD
WHAT IS HIS SON’S NAME
BRIGHT…STAR
MORNING STAR
A STONE
A TRIED STONE
STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED
THE STONE
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
SHARP SWORD

A STRONG TOWER
MY HIGH TOWER
THE TRUTH

MOST UPRIGHT

WHICH WAS
THE WAY
HIS WELLBELOVED
TRUE WITNESS
WONDERFUL
WORD
THE WORD OF GOD

YES
These are repeated at Pg 85. The verses continue–

Rev 1:18
Rev 1:8
Rev 1:8
Rev 22:13
Rev 3:14
Dan 7:9,22
Rev 11:17

Rev 1:8
Rev 22:13
Rev 3:14
Mt 12:18
Ps 72:17; 89:52
Titus 2:13
Zech 3:8; 6:12
Jere 33:15
Mic 2:13
Mk 2:20; Mt 25:1,6; Lk 5:34
Isa 60:3

Mt 2:9
Mt 15:26; Mk 7:27
Mk 7:28
Mt 16:16,20; Mk 8:29; 14:61; Lk 4:41
Mt 21:42; Mk 12:10
Isa 28:16
Isa 9:6
Isa 40:28
Rev 1:18
2 Sam 22:2

Rev 21:6
Rev 1:8
Mt 1:23
Isa 63:16
Isa 9:6
Isa 60:19,20

Rev 19:11
Rev 1:5; 3:14
Ja 1:17
Rev 1:11; Isa 41:4
Rev 2:8; 22:13
Rev 1:5
2 Sam 22:2
Jere 2:13; 17:13
Isa 28:16

Isa 45:21
Isa 40:28
Ex 6:3
Ps 57:2; 91:1; 92:1,8
Ps 42:9
Jere 32:27
Isa 38:5
Ps 136:2; Dan 11:36
Ps 136:26; Dan 2:18,19,37
Dan 11:37
Ps 80:7,14,19
Ex 5:1; Isa 21:10; 24:15; 37:16; 41:17; 45:3,15; 48:1,2;
52:12;Ps 68:8;72:18; Jere 7:3,21;29:4,8,25; 30:2; 31:23;
32:14,36; 34:13; 35:13,17,19 plus many more
2 Sam 22:3
Ps 46:7,11; 75:9; 81:1,4; 84:8; 94:7
Ps 65:5; 79:9; Isa 17:10
Ex 5:3
Isa 54:5
Ex 3:6; Gen 46:3
Ps 31:5; Isa 65:16
Isa 60:19
Mt 1:23
Pv 26:10; Titus 2:13
Dan 4:2
Ps 50:7; Isa 43:12; 45:22; 46:9
Isa 37:17; Jere 10:10; Hos 1:10; Dan 6:20,26
Deut 28:58
Ps 50:1; Isa 9:6
Dan 5:18
Isa 25:1,9
Ps 90:2; 100:3
Isa 41:10,13; 51:22; 54:6; 55:5
Jere 10:10
Zech 6:15
Mt 20:11
Mt 19:16
Ps 22:28; Mt 2:6
Isa 19:20

Ps 118:22
Mk 12:7
Ps 56:2; 91:9; Dan 4:34
Isa 57:15
Ps 87:5; Lk 1:76
Isa 57:15
Ps 111:9
Lk 1:48,49
Isa 10:17; 40:25; 43:15; 49:7
Lk 4:34
Ps 71:22; 78:41; Isa 12:6; 29:19; 30:11,12,15; 31:1; 37:23; 41:14, 16,20; 43:14; 45:11; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5;55:5; 60:14
Isa 29:23
Dan 9:24
2 Sam 22:3
Mt 20:1

Isa 41:4
Ex 3:14; Isa 48:17; Rev 2:23; Mk 14:62
Isa 46:9
Isa 41:4; 43:10,13,25; 46:4
Isa 43:11; 45:15
Ex 3:14
Isa 44:6; 48:12
Isa 43:11
Isa 7:14
Rev 1:8
Rev 1:8

Ps 68:4
Ex 34:14
Ps 83:18; Ex 6:3; Isa 12:2; 26:4
Gen 22:14
Ex 17:15
Judges 6:24
Mt 1:21; 16:20; Lk 2:21; plus many more
Mk 14:67
Ps 60:7

Lk 11:52
Jere 10:10
Mt 5:35
Ps 89:18; Jn 18:37; 19:14; Lk 19:38; Jere 23:5;
Zech 9:9; Mt 25:34
1 Tim 1:17
Ps 47:7
Ps 24:7–10
Mk 15:32; Isa 44:6
Isa 41:21
Rev 17:14; 19:16
Heb 7:2
Heb 7:2
Rev 15:3
Heb 7:2
Heb 7:1
Jn 19:21; Lk 23:38; Mk 15:26; Mt 27:37
Isa 43:15

Rev 5:6
Rev 5:6
Jn 1:29,36
2 Sam 22:29
Rev 1:11
Jn 14:6
Isa 60:3; Jn 1:5; 8:12
Isa 60:19
Isa 9:2; Mt 4:16
Jn 1:9; 1 Jn 2:8
Hos 5:14
Rev 5:5
Hos 5:14
Rev 1:18
Rev 5:14
Jere 16:21; Isa 25:9; 37:20; 40:28; 45:3,5–8,17;
plus many more
Rev 2:4
Isa 48:16; Rev 18:8
Rev 11:17
Gen 24:27
Isa 17:6; 37:21; Ex 5:1; Lk 1:68
Rev 22:6
Rev 19:6
Ps 47:2
Zech 6:5
Ja 2:1
Jere 31:35; Isa 2:12; 3:1,15; 48:2; 51:15; 54:5; Ps 24:10;
46:7; 84:8,12
Ps 136:3; Rev 17:14; 19:16
Rev 17:14
Mt 18:27
Mt 9:38
Mk 12:9; Mt 20:8
Zech 4:14
Jere 23:6
Isa 51:15

2 Pe 1:16
Isa 17:7; 45:9; 54:5; Pv 14:31
Mt 25:14; Mk 12:1
Mal 3:1
Dan 9:26
Dan 9:25
Isa 30:29
Isa 49:26; 60:16

Rev 22:16

Mic 5:5
Lk 4:23; 5:31
Heb 8:1
Ps 110:4
Isa 9:6
Dan 8:25
Dan 8:11
Rev 1:5
Mt 21:11
Deut 18:15,18,19; Lk 4:24

Isa 49:7
2 Sam 22:3
Jere 23:5
Deut 32:15,30; Mt 7:24,25; 2 Sam 22:2
Isa 17:10
Isa 11:1
Rev 22:16
Rev 5:5
Isa 11:10

Isa 19:20; Jn 4:42
Isa 53:11
Isa 42:1
Rev 5:6
Ps 80:1; Ezek 34:12
2 Sam 22:3
Mt 17:5; Mk 1:11; 9:7; Mt 3:17; Lk 3:22; 9:35; 20:13; 2 Pe 1:17

Mt 15:22; 20:30
Ps 2:12
Mk 12:6
Jn 3:18
Dan 3:25; Lk 1:35; 4:41; Rev 2:18
Mt 16:13
Mk 14:61
Lk 1:32
Mt 16:16
Ps 2:7
Mk 5:7
Pv 30:4
Rev 22:16
Rev 22:16
Isa 28:16
Isa 28:16
Mk 12:10
Ps 118:22; Zech 3:9; Mt 21:42.
Mal 4:2
Isa 49:2

Pv 18:10
2 Sam 22:3
Jn 14:6; 2 Jn 2

Isa 26:7

Rev 1:8
Jn 14:6
Mk 12:6
Rev 3:14
Isa 9:6
Jn 1:1,14
Rev 19:13

2 Cor 1:19 NIV

Lk 1:32.

Page 37

Lk 1:33.

Page 38

Lk 1:34

Page 39

Lk 1:35.

Page 40

Lk 1:36.

Lk 1:37.

Lk 1:38.

Lk 1:39.

Lk 1:40.

HE SHALL BE GREAT, AND SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE HIGHEST: AND THE LORD GOD SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER (or forefather) DAVID:

AND HE SHALL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOR EVER; AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE SHALL BE NO END (or His kingdom will never end–NIV).

THEN SAID MARY (TO) THE ANGEL, HOW SHALL THIS BE, (SINCE I AM A VIRGIN–NASB)?

AND THE ANGEL ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HER, THE HOLY GHOST SHALL COME (OVER) (YOU), AND THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST SHALL OVERSHADOW (or cover) (YOU): (FOR THAT REASON) THAT HOLY THING (or Child) WHICH SHALL BE BORN OF (YOU) SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD.

AND, BEHOLD, (YOUR) COUSIN (or relative) Elizabeth, SHE ALSO (IS GOING TO HAVE) A SON IN HER OLD AGE: AND THIS IS THE SIXTH MONTH WITH HER, WHO WAS CALLED BARREN.

FOR WITH GOD NOTHING (IS) IMPOSSIBLE.

AND MARY SAID, BEHOLD THE HANDMAID (or bondslave, or servant) OF THE LORD; BE IT (done) (TO) ME ACCORDING TO (YOUR) WORD. AND THE ANGEL DEPARTED FROM HER.

MARY GOES TO THE HOUSE OF
ZACHARIAS
8 MONTHS
PRIOR TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS

AND (without delay) (at this time) MARY AROSE IN THOSE DAYS, AND WENT INTO THE HILL COUNTRY WITH HASTE, INTO A CITY OF (JUDAH) (or Judea);

AND ENTERED INTO THE HOUSE OF ZACHARIAS, AND (GREETED) ELISABETH.

    Lk 1:32.                    #10–HE SHALL BE GREAT.
    #11–AND SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE HIGHEST (or the Most High). This is another way of saying he will be called the Son of God.
    The angel brought to Mary the fantastic news of the birth of the long awaited Messiah. With the fall of Adam and starting with Gen 3:15, the coming of the Messiah was revealed. Enoch also prophesied about the Messiah even before the days of Noah–ref Jude 14. Many writers of the Old Testament prophesied of His coming. Now, after thousands of years, the angel Gabriel comes to the virgin Mary to tell her that she is the one chosen by God to bring forth a son, and that son will be the Son of God. These words were also used by others later in the Scriptures.
    Note the words that the unclean spirit, called legion, said in Mk 5:7–WHAT HAVE I TO DO WITH THEE, JESUS, THOU SON OF THE MOST HIGH GOD? and in Lk 4:41–AND DEVILS ALSO CAME OUT OF MANY, CRYING OUT,…THOU ART CHRIST THE SON OF GOD…THEY KNEW THAT HE WAS CHRIST.
    #12–AND THE LORD GOD SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM
    THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER (or forefather) DAVID. This is yet to come to pass. It will happen when Jesus Christ returns to this earth to reign and rule at the time of the Battle of Armageddon, which is immediately after the Tribulation that is yet to come. At His second coming, Jesus does not come as a humble servant to give his life a ransom for many. That is already done. Rather, He comes in power and great glory to receive the promised Kingdom and to reign and rule on the throne of His father, David. Those that have part in the first resurrection shall reign and rule with Him for a thousand years–ref Rev 20:4 and 6.

DAVID, AND THE THRONE OF DAVID

    David became the second king of Israel. Bath–sheba, his wife, bear a son, whose name was Solomon. And the Lord spoke to David by Nathan, the prophet, saying, I WILL SET UP THY SEED AFTER THEE...AND I WILL ESTABLISH HIS KINGDOM. AND THINE HOUSE AND THY KINGDOM SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EVER BEFORE THEE: THY THRONE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EVER–2 Sam 7:12,16.
    Again we read, THE THRONE OF DAVID SHALL BE ESTABLISHED BEFORE THE LORD FOR EVER–1 Ki 2:45. From the reign of David and thereafter, the throne was often referred to as the throne of David.
    When Jesus returns, He shall reign and rule on the throne of David.     Lk 1:31,32–it is written, THOU SHALT…BRING FORTH A SON, AND SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS…AND THE LORD GOD SHALL GIVE UNTO HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID.
    Isa 9:7–OF THE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT AND PEACE THERE SHALL BE NO END, UPON THE THRONE OF DAVID, AND UPON HIS KINGDOM, TO ORDER IT, AND TO ESTABLISH IT WITH JUDGMENT AND WITH JUSTICE FROM HENCEFORTH EVEN FOR EVER.
    Jere 33:17–FOR THUS SAITH THE LORD; DAVID SHALL NEVER WANT A MAN TO SIT UPON THE THRONE OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL.
    Jere 33:20,21–THUS SAITH THE LORD; IF YE CAN BREAK MY COVENANT OF THE DAY, AND MY COVENANT OF THE NIGHT, AND THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE DAY AND NIGHT IN THEIR SEASON; THEN MAY ALSO MY COVENANT BE BROKEN WITH DAVID MY SERVANT, THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE A SON TO REIGN UPON HIS THRONE; AND WITH THE LEVITES THE PRIESTS, MY MINISTERS.

THRONE IS ALSO KNOWN BY OTHER NAMES
JESUS RECEIVES A KINGDOM

    Ps 47:8–GOD REIGNETH OVER THE HEATHEN: GOD SITTETH UPON THE THRONE OF HIS HOLINESS.
    Ps 132:11–THE LORD HATH SWORN IN TRUTH UNTO DAVID; HE WILL NOT TURN FROM IT; OF THE FRUIT OF THY BODY WILL I SET UPON THY THRONE.
    Dan 2:44–AND IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these are the ten kings of Antichrist’s empire) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM.
    Dan 7:14–AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM (Jesus) (1) DOMINION (or authority), (2) AND GLORY, (3) AND A KINGDOM (or sovereign power), THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND (men of every) LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE (or worship) HIM. Jesus reigns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is given complete authority.
    Dan 7:27–AND THE KINGDOM AND DOMINION, AND THE GREATNESS OF THE KINGDOM UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN, SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH.
    Ps 2:8–As it is written, I SHALL GIVE THEE...THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY POSSESSION.
    Jere 33:15–IN THOSE DAYS, AND AT THAT TIME, WILL I CAUSE THE BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO GROW UP UNTO DAVID. The angel continues–

    Lk 1:33.                    #13–AND HE SHALL REIGN
    #14–OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOR EVER. The house of Jacob does not mean all Christians. He will rule over the house of Israel according to the promise. Jesus Christ will reign as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
    #15–AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE SHALL BE NO END (or His kingdom will never end–NIV). That reign over the house of Jacob and of His kingdom begins when He returns and will continue forever.
    Up to this time the angel had said 15 things to Mary. Four were part of the greeting. Then she was told 2 more things, including to fear not. Then she was told 9 things concerning her becoming pregnant and the birth of her son.
    Jesus will reign and rule as King of kings and Lord of lords over all the nations and over all the earth for 1000 years. There will be peace on the earth. The angels shall ascend and descend upon Jesus. There will be great rejoicing!

MILLENNIUM–WHO IS DOING WHAT?

    David will reign as the king of Israel.
    The twelve apostles shall be judges over the twelve tribes of Israel.
    The saints shall inherit the earth and shall reign as kings and priests with Christ for one thousand years.
    The judges and counselors shall be restored as at the beginning. There will be a continuing judgment of Israel during the Millennium. There will be a continuing judgment of the Gentiles during the Millennium.
    The Lord shall judge among the people.
    The former and latter rain comes in the first month.
    The Lord will raise up the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down. Jesus will dwell in the holy mountain, Mount Zion. Mount Zion will be in the height of Israel, and all nations shall flow unto it. All kings and nations shall worship and serve Jesus. The Law shall go forth from Jerusalem, and the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord. Offerings will also be brought.
    Ps 2:8–I SHALL GIVE THEE…THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH FOR THY POSSESSION.
    Jesus returns to the earth and reigns, THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND (men of every) LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE (or worship) HIM. Jesus reigns as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is given complete authority.

KINGDOM SHALL NEVER END

    HIS KINGDOM WILL NEVER END.
    2 Sam 7:13–AND I WILL STABLISH THE THRONE OF HIS KINGDOM FOR EVER.
    Dan 2:44–THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM, WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED: AND THE KINGDOM SHALL NOT BE LEFT TO OTHER PEOPLE.
    Dan 7:14–HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM (is one) THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED.
    Dan 7:27– WHOSE KINGDOM IS AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM, AND ALL DOMINIONS SHALL SERVE AND OBEY HIM.

    Up to this time, it appears that Mary had not spoken any words to the angel. It is amazing that Mary was even able to speak after seeing the angel and then hearing what he had said. Mary did seem to understand what the angel had said, but how deeply she comprehended the magnitude of it all is difficult to know. In Lk 2:46,48–51–it is noted that about 13 years later she was looking for Jesus and FOUND HIM IN THE TEMPLE, SITTING IN THE MIDST OF THE DOCTORS, BOTH HEARING THEM, AND ASKING THEM QUESTIONS. AND WHEN THEY SAW HIM, THEY WERE AMAZED: AND HIS MOTHER SAID UNTO HIM, SON, WHY HAST THOU THUS DEALT WITH US? BEHOLD, THY FATHER AND I HAVE SOUGHT THEE SORROWING. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, HOW IS IT THAT YE SOUGHT ME? WIST YE NOT THAT I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS? AND THEY UNDERSTOOD NOT THE SAYING WHICH HE SPAKE UNTO THEM…BUT HIS MOTHER KEPT ALL THESE SAYINGS IN HER HEART. It appears she did not fully comprehend the magnitude of what Jesus had said to her until later. The verses continues–

    Lk 1:34.                    THEN SAID MARY (TO) THE ANGEL. She seemed to completely keep her composure and asked a very good question. She said—
    HOW SHALL THIS BE, (SINCE I AM A VIRGIN–NASB)? Mary had been much troubled at the angel’s greeting, but seemed to have no doubt regarding what the angel had just said. This is confirmed in verse 38. She responded in an attitude of faiMary had been much troubled at the angel’s greeting, but seemed to have no doubt regarding what the angel had just said. This is confirmed in verse 38. She responded in an attitude of faith and asked how could this happen seeing she was a virgin. Mary’s response seems to indicate that she had a good knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures and humbly understood what was being told to he; as is written in Isa 7:14–THEREFORE THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL GIVE YOU A SIGN; BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON, AND SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL. She presumably knew and understood that the Messiah had to come from the tribe of Judah. Gen 49:10–THE SCEPTRE SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, NOR A LAWGIVER FROM BETWEEN HIS FEET, UNTIL SHILOH COME; AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE. She may have also known it was the right time for the Messiah the Prince to come, as it is written in Dan 9:25,26. It is noted in Lk 3:15 that the PEOPLE WERE IN EXPECTATION (or waiting eagerly–NIV). It appears that many people understood that it was the right time for the Messiah to come.
    There is a total absence of pride and self–exaltation by Mary.
    Earlier, Zacharias had doubted what the angel said.
    Faithful Abraham at first laughed at the thought that He and Sara might have a child in their very old age. It is written in Gen 17:17–THEN ABRAHAM FELL UPON HIS FACE, AND LAUGHED, AND SAID IN HIS HEART, SHALL A CHILD BE BORN UNTO HIM THAT IS AN HUNDRED YEARS OLD? AND SHALL SARAH, THAT IS NINETY YEARS OLD, BEAR?
    Through faith Sara received strength to conceive seed and she judged God faithful–ref Heb 11:11, but yet laughed at the thought that she could have a child in her very old age. It is written in Gen 18:12–THEREFORE SARAH LAUGHED WITHIN HERSELF, SAYING, AFTER I AM WAXED OLD SHALL I HAVE PLEASURE, MY LORD BEING OLD ALSO?

    Lk 1:35.                    AND THE ANGEL ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HER. The angel now explains to Mary how the great miracle birth of Jesus shall come to pass. The verse continues–
    #16–THE HOLY GHOST SHALL COME (OVER) (YOU),
    #17–AND THE POWER OF THE HIGHEST SHALL OVERSHADOW (or cover) (YOU). There are two parts mentioned here. #1–The Holy Ghost. #2–The Power of the Highest. Two actions are mentioned. #1–come over you. #2–overshadow or cover you.
    The Holy Spirit would come over Mary and bring about the supernatural conception that would result in the birth of Jesus by the virgin Mary. This was necessary, because of the deity of Jesus and because of His preexistence. It is written, Gal 4:4–BUT WHEN THE FULNESS OF THE TIME WAS COME, GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON, MADE OF A WOMAN, MADE UNDER THE LAW.
    Mary would not become pregnant from a human seed or from knowing a man. Never before, or since, has such a thing ever happened. It might have even happened as the angel was talking to her.
    There are some that say Mary is the mother of God. This is absolutely wrong. Mary was the mother of Jesus (the man). God has no mother. He always was and always shall be. God created Mary, Mary did not create God. Jesus came to this earth and took on human form, nurtured in the body of Mary for 9 months. Jesus, Who is God, also became man. Thus, it is written, Heb 10:5–WHEREFORE WHEN HE COMETH INTO THE WORLD, HE SAITH, SACRIFICE AND OFFERING THOU WOULDEST NOT, BUT A BODY HAST THOU PREPARED ME. It may be worded this way. God prepared a body for Jesus, His Son, to be placed inside of Mary to fulfill God’s purpose on this earth. It is not recorded that Jesus called Mary, "mother." As an adult, he addressed her as woman. The verse continue–
    #18–(FOR THAT REASON)
    THAT HOLY THING (or Child). He would be holy, because the sin nature handed down from Adam was not transferred to Christ, as Mary did not become pregnant from a human being. She did not become pregnant from anyone from the lineage of Adam. God would become man. Jesus was fully God and also fully man. The holy child–
    WHICH SHALL BE BORN OF (YOU)
    #19–SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD. The angel revealed to Mary how it was possible for God to take on human form and become a man. JESUS CHRIST (the Messiah) IS COME IN THE FLESH–2 Jn 1:7.
    The birth of Jesus through the virgin Mary was the fulfillment of Isa 7:14–BEHOLD, A VIRGIN SHALL CONCEIVE, AND BEAR A SON, AND SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL...WHICH BEING INTERPRETED IS, GOD WITH US–ref Mt 1:23. Jesus Christ was so much human that the people of the area where He grew up, in Mk 6:3,–called Him the carpenter, the son of Mary; yet, He was so much God that the angel called Him the SON OF GOD.
    This is explained in the Old Testament, as it is written Isa 49:5–AND NOW, SAITH THE LORD THAT FORMED ME FROM THE WOMB TO BE HIS SERVANT, TO BRING JACOB AGAIN TO HIM, THOUGH ISRAEL BE NOT GATHERED, YET SHALL I BE GLORIOUS IN THE EYES OF THE LORD, AND MY GOD SHALL BE MY STRENGTH. The Angel continued–

    Lk 1:36.                    #20–AND, BEHOLD, (YOUR) COUSIN (or relative) Elizabeth. Elizabeth was Mary’s elderly cousin or relative. The angel continues–
    SHE ALSO (IS GOING TO HAVE) A SON IN HER OLD AGE. This is the first time that Mary had heard that Elizabeth was going to have a son. The angel continues–
    #21–AND THIS IS THE SIXTH MONTH WITH HER. This shows that the angel appeared to Mary during the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. The verse continues–
    #22–WHO WAS CALLED BARREN. This miracle of the Lord might have encouraged Mary. A barren woman suddenly having a child at such an old age as Elizabeth was impossible, except by a miracle of God. The angel continues–

    Lk 1:37.                    #23–FOR WITH GOD NOTHING (IS) IMPOSSIBLE. The last words the angel is recorded as saying to Mary are these–FOR WITH GOD NOTHING (IS) IMPOSSIBLE.

    Lk 1:38.                    AND MARY SAID, BEHOLD THE HANDMAID (or bondslave, or servant) OF THE LORD. The words she spoke to the angel were words of complete humility. She considered herself as nothing more than a bondslave or a servant of the Lord, even after what she had been told. In other words, she humbled herself in such a way as to make herself totally available to the Lord to be used whenever or however He desired. There appeared to be no pride in her, yet the angel spoke of her as one that was highly favored and favored with God. She never brought up the fact that she was engaged to be married to the angel. She never complained by saying, “But what about my upcoming marriage and Joseph?” She simply humbled herself and left the other issues in the hands of the Lord. Mary’s humble attitude is further understood in Lk 1:46–55 which occurs soon afterward. Real exaltation or promotion comes from God, not from man. Mary continued by saying–
    BE IT (done) (TO) ME ACCORDING TO (YOUR) WORD. The last words Mary is recorded as saying to the angel were words of unwavering faith. She believed what the angel had said. The verse continues–
    AND THE ANGEL DEPARTED FROM HER. With these words of faith coming forth from Mary, the angel departed. Because Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Ghost and not of the seed of man, He was without original sin. As a result, He would never have been sick as He grew up. He was not subject to the bondage of corruption–ref Ro 8:21.

    Lk 1:39.                    AND (without delay) (at this time). It appears that Mary immediately made preparation and departed. The verse continues–
    MARY AROSE IN THOSE DAYS,
    AND WENT INTO THE HILL COUNTRY WITH HASTE. It appears that Mary left Nazareth and her affairs almost immediately and went as quickly as possible. There is no mention if Joseph or anyone else was told by Mary what had happened. There is no mention that Joseph went with her. How she got there or who might have accompanied her is not mentioned. Mary went–
    INTO A CITY OF (JUDAH) (or Judea). The city is not named. Various Bible scholars have varying opinions what city it could have been. Some believe it might be Hebron based on Jos 21:10,11. Others believe it could have been Ein Karen or some area around Jerusalem. It is estimated that she may have traveled 60 to 100 miles.

    Lk 1:40.                    AND ENTERED INTO THE HOUSE OF ZACHARIAS. Note, it said the house of Zacharias not Elizabeth. The verse continues–
    AND (GREETED) ELISABETH. Why Mary went to Elizabeth is not known for sure. It may be so she could be with someone that would understand what she had gone through, to know more about what Elizabeth had gone through, and to rejoice with her. No mention is made of Zacharias at this time. He may have been in seclusion, because of being unable to talk and probably unable to hear. It appears that Mary had arrived at Zacharias’ house very shortly after the angel had talked with her.

(dd)

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