3. It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus,
4. so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
5. In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6. Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.
7. But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
8. When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,
9. it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.
10. At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.
11. An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
12. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear.
13. But the angel said to him:Do not be afraid, Zechariah,because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,and you will name him John.
14. There will be joy and delight for you,and many will rejoice at his birth.
15. For he will be great in the sight of the Lordand will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
16. He will turn many of the sons of Israelto the Lord their God.
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.”