Luke
This evangelist is generally supposed to have been a physician, and a companion of the apostle
Paul. The style of his writings, and his acquaintance with the Jewish rites and usages, sufficiently
show that he was a Jew, while his knowledge of the Greek language and his name, speak his Gentile
origin. He is first mentioned Ac 16:10, 11, as with Paul at Troas, whence he attended him to
Jerusalem, and was with him in his voyage, and in his imprisonment at Rome. This Gospel appears
to be designed to supersede many defective and unauthentic narratives in circulation, and to give
a genuine and inspired account of the life, miracles, and doctrines of our Lord, learned from those
who heard and witnessed his discourses and miracles.
Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The Preface. (1–4)
Zacharias and Elisabeth. (5–25)
Christ's birth announced. (26–38)
Interview of Mary and Elisabeth. (39–56)
The birth of John the Baptist. (57–66)
The song of Zacharias. (67–80)Verses 1–4
Luke will not write of things about which Christians may safely differ from one another, and
hesitate within themselves; but the things which are, and ought to be surely believed. The doctrine
of Christ is what the wisest and best of men have ventured their souls upon with confidence and
satisfaction. And the great events whereon our hopes depend, have been recorded by those who
were from the beginning eye-witnesses and ministers of the word, and who were perfected in their
understanding of them through Divine inspiration.
Verses 5–25
The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved
in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and
it could not be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. While Zacharias was burning
incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. All the prayers we
offer up to God, are acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the temple of God
above. We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray, and pray with our spirits, and are
not earnest in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and
bring an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who ever lives, making intercession.
The prayers Zacharias often made, received an answer of peace. Prayers of faith are filed in heaven,