Luk 1:13-17 | PNT | STEP | Fear not . This first celestial message at the dawning of the New Testament dispensation is one of cheer. Thy prayer is heard . The childless old priest had prayed for offspring. Shalt call his name John . That is, "the God-given".

Luke 1:13-17

Fear not. This first celestial message at the dawning of the New Testament dispensation is one of cheer.

Thy prayer is heard. The childless old priest had prayed for offspring.

Shalt call his name John. That is, "the God-given". Shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. No kind of intoxicant. Like the Nazarites (Nu 6:3). In the spirit and power of Elijah. The likeness of John the Baptist to Elijah strikes us not only in his outward appearance, his clothing and way of living, but in his spirit and character as a preacher of repentance.

Turn the hearts of the fathers. These are the last words of the Old Testament, there uttered by a prophet, here expounded by an angel; there concluding the law, and here beginning the gospel (Mal 4:6).

To make ready a people prepared for the Lord. This was his mission, but it was only partially successful. The common people, who heard him gladly, received with gladness the Messiah; the scribes and Pharisees, who rejected the forerunner, rejected also the King.