17. And he will go before Himin the spirit and power of Elijah,to turn the hearts of fathersto their children, and the disobedientto the understanding of the righteous,to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
18. “How can I know this? ” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”
19. The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.
20. Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
21. Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.
22. When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless.