Bible Groups - Digests of Bible Commentaries

Gospel of Luke - Chapter 1:1-25 - Baptist's Annunciation

1-4: Luke's prologue formally states his purpose in writing: so that believers may be sure they have been given the gospel, = good news, correctly. He indicates what this good news is: "events that have been fulfilled among us". Perhaps we can interpret this as the facts of Jesus' incarnation, suffering, death on a cross and Resurrection - and the subsequent birth and development of a believing community, the Church. Theophilus = Friend of God - may be a real person or not, but addressing him as "Your Excellency" adds dignity.
5-9: The elderly couple, Zechariah and his barren wife Elizabeth, are clearly modelled on Abraham and Sarah, etc. Immediately we are reminded of OT Israel, reinforced later by Simeon and Anna. These are OT figures deliberately linking Jesus to Israel's history and God's eternal plan.
As a priest Zechariah would take his turn twice a year to serve in the Temple for a week, but his turn to enter the sanctuary, very close to - but not in - the Holy of Holies, would occur only once in his life, so this timing is special. The couple were both righteous and blameless, and appeared to have been desiring a son, without which their lives might seem pointless, in spite of their service to God. They are going about their ordinary lives as usual. Both belonged to the most sacred line of the Jewish people. Meanwhile the whole assembly of people are praying outside - perhaps, like Simeon, praying "for the consolation of Israel" (2:25), or Anna "awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem" (2:38) - prayers about to be granted.
10-17: As is usual when an angel appears, Zechariah was troubled by his appearance! So - as usual - the angel says "Do not be afraid". They will have a son, to be named John, meaning "grace of God", who would also one day serve in the Temple. He will bring much joy, drink no wine (like Samuel), be filled with the Holy Spirit, compared to Elijah, he is to "turn" (repent) many in Israel to God - "to prepare a people fit for the Lord". Jews listening to this gospel might ponder that John had not succeeded in "turning" many Jews.
Placing John the Baptist's annunciation and birth before that of Jesus' shows Jesus superiority as the long-promised Messiah, part of God's plan. Also emphasised by the angel appearing alongside the altar of incense, rising to God to mask the scent of animal sacrifices; and the angel's name, Gabriel, meaning warrior of God. Gabriel also appears in Dan 8:17-26). It all prepares us for the even more miraculous birth of Jesus. John's birth is the climax of the OT, preparing us for the new. Both the gospels of Luke and John seem to hint at some friction between the followers of John and of Jesus, and so appear to be at pains to show the superiority of Jesus, while no gospel is able to ignore the Baptist.
18-20: Not unreasonably Zechariah is surprised, and asks for proof, so he is given a sign: he is struck dumb - and deaf, since the people can communicate only by signs (1:62) until the child is named. Perhaps as an experienced priest he might be expected to believe that his barren wife could conceive, with ample biblical precedents. The young virgin Mary has no such guidance, but even so she believes, and is treated more leniently. Faith is needed, but is not easy. Sometimes our faith has to be wrapped in silence until understanding comes.
21-25: Zechariah is unable to speak and so give the usual blessing when he comes out, and is unable to explain his long time in the sanctuary, but the people seem to realise that this and his inability to speak indicates a vision. Suggests a pre-disposition to believe in visions - which we have lost? Fortunately Elizabeth joyfully conceives: a woman, she is allowed to interpret her own experience - her disgrace is removed. But she remains in seclusion for 5 (lunar) months so her pregnancy is not broadcast: it will then come as news to Mary from the angel. [Usual reckoning of pregnancy was by lunar month, ie 10*4=40 weeks] God can also reward ordinary people within his great plan, which does not depend on human acts, and often uses "has-beens" like this elderly couple.
Note how from v5 Luke uses biblical, story-telling phrases to evoke OT times, and his lively dialogues. Each scene is neatly rounded, with intro and ending. Cf Mt where no humans speak to each other, not even for Mary to be told why they must go to Egypt! The similarities of the 2 infancy narratives, which appear to be derived from independent sources, suggest that they were based on facts in the tradition.