CHAP. I.
1. FOrasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a de∣claration of those things [which* 1.1 are most surely [note a] believed among us,]
[Paraphrase] 1. which have in these late years been so illustriously act∣ed among us,
2. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the be∣ginning were eye-witnesses, and [ [note b] ministers of the word,]
[Paraphrase] 2. Instruments and actors of those things, which were the subject matter of this following history.
3. It seemed good to me also, having* 1.2 had perfect understanding of things from the very first, to write unto thee in order,] most [note c] excellent Theophilus,
[Paraphrase] 3. I thought fit also, having gotten exact knowledge of the several passages, to set them down by way of history.
4. That thou mightst know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been† 1.3 instructed.]
[Paraphrase] 4. That thereby thou may∣est be confirmed in the belief of those things which are supposed to have been taught thee, and received by thee to prepare thee for baptisme, viz. the principles of Christianity.
5. There was in the daies of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, [of the [note d] course of Abia,] and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
[Paraphrase] 5. of the family of Abia, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chron. 24. 10. that is, of the eighth of the 24. courses of the Priests, which ministred in the temple by their weekes.
6. And they were both [righteous before God, walking in all the commande∣ments and ordinances of the Lord, blamelesse.]
[Paraphrase] 9. sincere, upright persons, which so lived in obedience to Gods will in all matters of duty (without indulgence in any known sinne) and to all the Jewish observances, as with Gods mercifull allowance to humane frailties, is sure to be acceptable in Gods sight.
7. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.]
[Paraphrase] 7. And they were childlesse in the same manner as Abra∣ham was, for beside the barrennels of the wife they were both of an age conceived to be past child-bearing.
8. And it came to passe that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
9. According to the custome of the priests office, [his lot was to burn incense when he went into the Temple of the Lord.]
[Paraphrase] 9. it was his course to go into the Sanctuary, and offer incense there.
10. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the [note e] time of incense.]
[Paraphrase] 10. And while the Priest offered incense within, the peo∣ple, according to the custome, were praying without.
11. And there appeared unto him an Angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense,
12. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13. But the Angel said unto him, Fear not Zacharias, for [thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.]
[Paraphrase] 13. thy prayer for the people (joyned with the in∣cense, Lev. 16. 17.) and for the whole world (as Josephus and Philo say) is now most effectually heard, God meaning now suddenly to send the Messias, and before him his forerunner, who shall be born of thy wife Elizabeth, and called John.
14. And thou shalt have joy and gladnesse, and many shall rejoyce at his birth.]
[Paraphrase] 14. And this birth of a son to thee in thy old age by a barren wife, shall not only be matter of joy and exultation to thee, but to many others also, all that expect the Messias, shall rejoyce at this coming of Elias his forerunner.
15. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he shall be filled with the holy Ghost, even from his mo∣thers womb.]
[Paraphrase] 15. For he shall be a very eminent person, abstaining after the manner of the Naza∣rites, and the power of the holy Ghost shall be discern'd to be upon him very early, v. 80.
16. And many of the children of Israel shall ••e turn to the Lord their God.]
[Paraphrase] 16. And being a Preacher of repentance to the Jewes, he shall work upon many of them, and bring them to repentance and new life.
17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to* 1.4 the [note f] wisdome of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.]
[Paraphrase] 17. And he shall go before the Messias, as his harbinger, with the same affections of zeal and courage against sinne, (see note on ch. 9. d.) of earnest calling for repentance, (and reproving even Herod himself) and with the same authority and prophetick power, which toward Ahab was observable in Elias (to whom he hath a greater resem∣blance then to any of the old Testament) to work an universall reformation among the Jewes, to bring them to the minding of those things which tend to true justice, and not only of externall legall observances, to sincere reformation and change of all their evil waies; and so fit men to receive Christ on his conditions, and to render themselves capable of his mercies.
18. And Zacharias said unto the Angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and [my wife well stricken in years.]
[Paraphrase] 18. my wife beside that she hath all her time been barren▪ grown in years also, past bearing of children.
19. And the Angel answering said unto him, [I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.]
[Paraphrase] 19. My name is Gabriel, and I am an officer or atten∣dant that wait on God, by whom I was dispatcht on this good message to thee.