Luke begins his Gospel account with a preface to a man called Theophilus, whose name means: “friend of God.”

Luke 1:5-7 dates the beginning of his gospel account to the days of King Herod. There was an old, common priest at that time named Zacharias who was married to his wife Elizabeth. This couple was righteous and devout to follow the Lord’s commandments and lived by faith, but they were old and childless.

Luke 1:8-12 records how when Zacharias’s priestly division takes its turn to perform their priestly service, he is chosen by lot to be the priest who burns the incense in the temple. While entering the temple, the people prayed outside, creating a solemn moment of worship. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to him near the altar of incense, and Zacharias was gripped with fear at this unexpected divine encounter.

Luke 1:13-17 details the conversation between the angel and Zacharias. The angel assures Zacharias that he has not come to destroy him. Instead, he tells the priest wonderful news—that he and Elizabeth will have a son, who is to be called “John.” And even more incredibly, John will be dedicated to the Lord, full of the spirit, and a prophet. Indeed, John will be the promised forerunner to the Messiah who will make ready a people prepared for His coming.

Luke 1:18-20 shows that Zacharias doubts the angel’s announcement that he and his wife would have a son in their old age. Zacharias asks for a sign so he can know for certain that the message is true. In response to his lack of faith, Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, rebukes the priest and declares that because of his unbelief, he will be unable to speak until the prophecy is fulfilled. This temporary muteness serves as both a fitting judgment against Zacharias and a confirmation that God's word will come to pass in its appointed time.

Luke 1:21-25 describes how the people outside the temple waited in wonder as Zacharias took longer than expected to emerge from burning incense. When he finally came out, he was unable to speak, and they realized he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. Zacharias returned home, and soon after, his wife Elizabeth conceived, just as the angel had foretold. For five months, she remained in seclusion, rejoicing that the Lord had removed her reproach (of being barren) from among the people.

Luke 1:26-30: The Annunciation: “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin named Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph of the house of David, in the city of Nazareth. Gabriel greeted her, calling her “favored one,” and told her that the Lord was with her, which greatly troubled Mary as she wondered about the meaning of his words. The angel reassured her, saying, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

Luke 1:31-33: The Annunciation: Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive a son, whom she is to name Jesus, and that He will be great and called the Son of the Most High. Gabriel declares that the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David, establishing Him as the rightful, eternal King. His reign will extend over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will never end, fulfilling the long-awaited promises of a divinely appointed Messiah who will establish an everlasting dominion.

Luke 1:34-38: The Annunciation: Mary asks how she could conceive a child since she is a virgin. The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, making the conception a divine miracle. He assures her that nothing is impossible with God, citing Elizabeth’s own miraculous pregnancy as a sign. Mary responds with humble faith, calling herself the bondslave of the Lord and accepting the message as God's will.

Luke 1:39-45 portrays Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. Mary quickly travels from Nazareth to the hill country of Judah to visit her relative Elizabeth after learning from the angel Gabriel that she, too, is miraculously pregnant. When Mary greets her, Elizabeth’s baby leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. She then blesses Mary, calling her the mother of her Lord, and praises her for believing that God’s word to her would be fulfilled.

Luke 1:46-56: The Magnificat: Mary responds with a song of praise, exalting the Lord for His mercy, power, and faithfulness. She celebrates how God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud, fulfilling His promises to Israel. After staying with Elizabeth for about three months, Mary returns to her home.

Luke 1:57-66 describes how Elizabeth gives birth to a son, and her neighbors and relatives rejoice with her, recognizing the LORD’s great mercy. Eight days later, when it is time to name the child, Zechariah confirms in writing that his name will be John, in obedience to the angel’s message. Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was opened, he began to speak in praise of God, and great fear came upon all who witnessed these events.

Luke 1:67-75 records how Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied about recent events and those that would soon take place among that generation. He blessed the LORD God of Israel for raising up a horn of salvation from the house of David and he declared that this salvation would fulfill God’s covenant promises to deliver His people and enable them to serve Him without fear.

Luke 1:76-79 continues Zacharias’ prophecy. Zacharias speaks over his newborn son, calling him a prophet of the Most High who would go before the Lord to prepare His ways and guide people to peace through the forgiveness of their sins. Zacharias ends his prophecy describing the Messiah as the Sunrise and the blessings He will bring.

Luke 1:80—The childhood of John the Baptist: Zacharias and Elizabeth’s child John grew and became strong in spirit, remaining in the wilderness until the time appointed for his public ministry to Israel.