1. Since many have attempted to compile an account concerning the events that have been fulfilled among us,
2. just as those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning passed on to us,
3. it seemed best to me also—because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning—to write them down in orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4. so that you may know the certainty concerning the things about which you were taught.
5. It happened that in the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest, Zechariah by name, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6. And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.
7. And they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren. And they were both advanced in years.