4. [My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been orally instructed.
5. In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a certain priest whose name was Zachariah, of the daily service (the division) of Abia; and his wife was also a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6. And they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.
7. But they had no child, for Elizabeth was barren; and both were far advanced in years.
8. Now while on duty, serving as priest before God in the order of his division,
9. As was the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter [the sanctuary of] the temple of the Lord and burn incense. [Exod. 30:7.]
10. And all the throng of people were praying outside [in the court] at the hour of incense [burning].
11. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
12. And when Zachariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear took possession of him.
13. But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zachariah, because your petition was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you must call his name John [God is favorable].
14. And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth,
15. For he will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord. And he must drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit even in and from his mother's womb. [Num. 6:3.]
16. And he will turn back and cause to return many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,