Luk 1 | TFG | STEP | #Lu 1:1| I. LUKE'S PREFACE AND DEDICATION. #Lu 1:1-4| Forasmuch as many . Of whom we know nothing and have even no tradition. Those matters which have been fulfilled among us. Completed, or accomplished according to the divine will. (TFG 1) See Introduction to The Fourfold Gospel 9001

Luke 1

#Lu 1:1| I. LUKE'S PREFACE AND DEDICATION. #Lu 1:1-4| Forasmuch as many. Of whom we know nothing and have even no tradition. Those matters which have been fulfilled among us. Completed, or accomplished according to the divine will. (TFG 1) See Introduction to The Fourfold Gospel 9001 #Lu 1:2| Who from the beginning were eyewitnesses. The apostles were necessarily such and there were some few others (#Ac 1:21-23|) . And ministers of the word. The apostles were ministers, and not ecclesiastical dignitaries. (TFG 1) #Lu 1:3| Having traced the course of all things accurately from the first. And being therefore thoroughly fitted to write the gospel. To write unto thee in order. Not in chronological, but in topical order. Most excellent Theophilus. Luke also dedicated the Book of Acts to this man. Nothing is known of Theophilus, but he is supposed to have been a Greek of high official rank. (TFG 1) #Lu 1:4| That thou mightest know the certainty. Might have a fixed written record, and not trust to a floating, variable tradition or a treacherous memory. Concerning the things. The gospel facts. (TFG 2) #Lu 1:5| V. ANNUNCIATION TO ZACHARIAS OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. (At Jerusalem. Probably B.C. 6.) #Lu 1:5-25| Herod, king of Judaea. A Jewish proselyte, an Idumaean or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judaea from B.C. 40 to A.D. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Caesar. (See TFG "#Mt 2:1|".) Of the course of Abijah. David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple (#1Ch 24:3-19|). Of these courses that of Abijah was the eighth. And he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. The Baptist was of the priestly race by both parents, a family distinction much esteemed among the Jews. He who was thus doubly a priest proclaimed Him who changed the priesthood. And her name was Elisabeth. She was named after her ancestress Elisheba, the wife of Aaron. (TFG 9) #Lu 1:6| And they were both righteous before God. That is, truly righteous, or righteous in God's judgment, and not in mere appearance (#Ge 7:1|). The commandments and ordinances. Strictly construed, commandments would refer to moral, and ordinances to ceremonial laws. The two words include all the positive and negative precepts. (TFG 9) #Lu 1:7| And they had no child. This fact was a reproach and shame to her, barrenness being considered even a punishment for sin by many. Because that Elisabeth was barren. The births of Isaac (#Ge 17:17 21:2|), Samson (#Jud 13:2,24|), Samuel (#1Sa 1:2,5,20|) and the Baptist were all contrary to nature, and were faint foreshadowings of the greater miracle which took place in the birth of our Lord. (TFG 9) #Lu 1:8| While he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course. That is, when it came the turn of his course to minister in the temple. (TFG 10) #Lu 1:9| According to the custom of the priest's office. There were many duties in the temple service, and the priests in each course daily drew lots for these duties. His lot was to enter into the temple. Not that group of buildings, courts, and enclosures which was all called the temple; but the real sanctuary itself, the small but holy building which took the place of the tabernacle of the wilderness. And burn incense. Made of a mixture of sweet spices. The temple incense was made of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, in equal parts, beaten very small (#Ex 30:7,8,34-38|). (TFG 10) #Lu 1:10| The whole multitude. The presence of the multitude indicates that it was a sabbath or a feast day. Were praying. Incense is a symbol of prayer (#Ps 141:1,2 Re 8:3|). Each of the multitude prayed in silence. Without. Outside the sanctuary, in the temple courts, particularly the court of the women. At the time of incense. Incense was offered evening and morning (#Ex 30:1-8|). Probably at 9 A.M. and at 3 P.M. Compare #Ac 3:1|. The text favors the idea that Zacharias' vision came in the morning. (TFG) #Lu 1:11| And there appeared unto him. One of God's invisible messengers who came visibly (#2Ki 6:17 Ps 34:7|). An angel of the Lord. Luke frequently tells of the ministration of angels (#Lu 1:26 2:9,13,21 12:8 15:10 16:22 22:43 24:4,23|). They are also often mentioned in the Book of Acts (#Ac 5:19 8:26 10:3,7,22 11:13 12:7,8,9 12:10,11,15,23 27:23|). There had been no appearance of an angel for about four hundred years. Standing on the right side. The place of honor and dignity (#Ac 7:56|). Of the altar of incense. The altar on which Zacharias was burning incense. It stood in the Holy Place in front of the veil which hung between the holy and the most holy places. It was a small table twenty-two inches in breadth and length and forty-four inches in height. It was made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold (#Ex 37:25|). (TFG 10) #Lu 1:12| And Zacharias was troubled. As men always are at the sight of heavenly beings (#Ge 3:9,10 Da 10:7-12 Re 1:17,18|). (TFG 10-11) #Lu 1:13| Fear not. These are the first words of the gospel which began at that hour to unfold itself. (Also see TFG "Lu 1:30".) John. This name means "the Lord is gracious," or "the Lord is merciful." (TFG 11) #Lu 1:14| And thou shalt have joy and gladness. Thou shalt feel as Abraham did when he named his new-born son Isaac (#Ge 21:3|); that is, "Laughter." And many. But not all. (TFG 11) #Lu 1:15| For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord. Compare #Lu 1:6|. And he shall drink no wine nor strong drink. Strong drink is any other fermented liquor. Wycliffe's version calls it "syder," and the Anglo-Saxon version calls it "beor," of which palm wine was the most common kind. As to the temperance of the Baptist, compare the history of Samson (#Jud 13:3-5|) and the law of the Nazarite (#Nu 6:2-4|). And he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit. The stimulation of the Spirit is elsewhere thus contrasted with alcoholic stimulants (#Ac 2:15-18 Eph 5:18|). Even from his mother's womb. See #Lu 1:41|. (TFG 11) #Lu 1:16| And many of the children of Israel shall he turn unto the Lord their God. These words were quoted from #Mal 4:6|, and resumed the thread of prophecy which had been broken nearly four centuries before. Roman rule had brought in the vices and profligacy of Italy and Greece, and the nation needed to turn back to its former godly life. (TFG 11) #Lu 1:17| And he shall go before his face. The face of Messiah, who is also the Lord God (#Mal 3:1|). In the spirit and power of Elijah. And thus in fulfillment of the prophecy that Elijah should come again (#Mal 4:6 Mt 17:9-13|). The Jews still expect Elijah as the forerunner of Messiah. John showed the spirit of Elijah in his ascetic dress and life (#2Ki 1:8 Mt 3:4|) and in his message of repentance (#1Ki 18:21-40|). To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children. "These are the last words of the Old Testament, there used by a prophet; here expounded by an angel; there concluding the law; here beginning the gospel." The phrase may mean 1. John will restore unity to the families of Israel, now divided into political factions, as Herodians or friends of Rome, and zealots or patriots; and into religious factions, as Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, etc.; or more likely it may mean, 2. That John would restore the broken relationship between the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their degenerate descendants (#Isa 29:22,23 63:16 Joh 8:37-40|). To make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him. As in the East the "friend," or go-between, prepares the bride to understand and appreciate her bridegroom (#Joh 3:28,29|). (TFG 11-12) #Lu 1:18| Whereby shall I know this? In asking for a sign Zacharias showed his unbelief (#Mt 12:38,39|). His question in the original is in four words. Four faithless words cost him forty weeks of silence. For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. So said Abraham (#Ge 17:17|). The law which retired Levites from service at the age of fifty years (#Nu 8:25,26|) did not apply to priests. They served to extreme old age. (TFG 12) #Lu 1:19| I am Gabriel. This name means "hero, or mighty one, of God." Gabriel announced to Daniel the time of Christ's birth and death (#Da 9:21,25,26|), and the overthrow and final restoration of the Jewish nation (#Da 8:16,23-25|). He also announced the birth of Jesus to Mary (#Lu 1:26|). The Bible gives the name of but one other angel; namely: Michael (#Da 10:13,21 12:1 Jude 1:9 Re 12:7|), meaning "Who is like God?" Since Gabriel was the messenger who announced God's merciful and gracious purposes, and Michael the one who executed his decrees and punishments, the Jews had a beautiful saying that "Gabriel flew with two wings, and Michael with only one." The very ancient book of Enoch (#Jude 1:14|) gives us the name of two other archangels; namely: Uriel, meaning "God is light"; and Raphael, meaning "healer of God." That stand in the presence of God. Seven angels are spoken of as standing in the presence of God (#Re 8:2|) and may probably be called "angels of the presence" (#Isa 63:9|). But to see the face of God is no doubt accorded to all angels (#Mt 18:10|). One who stands in the presence of God should be believed by men without approving signs. These good tidings. Our word "gospel" means good tidings. (TFG 12-13) #Lu 1:20| Thou shalt be silent and not able to speak. It was a sign; and also a punishment for having sought a sign. (TFG 13) #Lu 1:21| They marvelled while he tarried in the temple. The Jews considered slow service as irreverent and displeasing to God. The punishment attached to displeasing service made them fearful (#Le 16:13|). (TFG 13) #Lu 1:22| And when he came out, he could not speak unto them. Could not dismiss them with the usual blessing (#Nu 6:23-26|). Disbelief is always powerless to bless. And they perceived. Probably by his excited manner. That he had seen a vision. The most vivid and objective of all spiritual phenomena (#Lu 24:23 Ac 26:19 2Co 12:1 Da 9:23|). (TFG 13) #Lu 1:23| When the days of his ministration were fulfilled. They are said to have lasted from the evening of one Sabbath (Friday at sundown) to the morning of the next. Though doubtless chagrined at the punishment which had come upon him, the old priest remained at his post, and dwelt in the temple until his week was finished. He departed unto his house. Some guess that he lived at Hebron, others at Jutta, five miles south of Hebron, others at Ain Karim, four miles west of Jerusalem, but no one knows. (TFG 13) #Lu 1:24| And after these days Elisabeth his wife conceived; and she hid herself. Probably through mingled feelings of modesty, humility, devotion, and joy. Five months. At the end of which time her seclusion was interrupted by the visit of Mary. (TFG 13-14) #Lu 1:25| Thus. Graciously and mercifully. My reproach. The reproach of being childless (#Ge 30:23|). (TFG 14) #Lu 1:26| VI. ANNUNCIATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS. (At Nazareth, B.C. 5.) #Lu 1:26-38| Now in the sixth month. This is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus. The angel Gabriel was sent from God. See TFG "#Lu 1:19|". Unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth. Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The way in which Luke introduces Galilee and Nazareth shows that he wrote to those unfamiliar with Palestine. Compare the conversation at #Joh 1:45,46|. Galilee comprised the lands of Zebulun, Naphtali, Issachar and Asher. It was rich in trees and pastures. Its people were hardy and warlike. (TFG 14) #Lu 1:27| To a virgin betrothed. In the East, the betrothal or engagement was entered into with much ceremony, and usually took place a year before the marriage. It was so sacred that the parties entering into it could not be separated save by a bill of divorcement (#Mt 1:19|). A man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. That is, Joseph was of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. The same as Miriam (#Ex 15:20|). (TFG 14) #Lu 1:28| Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee. See #Lu 1:42|. #Lu 1:29| But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be. Whether it meant a present sorrow or joy, for God's salutations all mean joy, but usually is in the distant future (#Heb 12:11 2Co 4:17,18|). (TFG 14-15) #Lu 1:30| Fear not. The gospel is full of "Fear nots" (#Mt 1:20 10:28,31 14:27 17:7 28:5,10 Mr 5:36 6:50| #Lu 1:13,30 2:10 5:10 8:50 12:4,7,32 Joh 6:20 12:15 Ac 18:9,19 27:24| #1Pe 3:14 Re 1:17 2:10|); it teaches us that perfect love which casts out fear (#1Jo 4:18|). (TFG 15) #Lu 1:31| And shalt call his name JESUS. The same as Hoshea (#Nu 13:8|), Joshua, and Jeshua (#Zec 3:1|). It means the "salvation of Jehovah." It was one of the most common Jewish names, but was given to Jesus by divine direction because of its fitness (#Mt 1:21|). (TFG 15) #Lu 1:32| He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High. A common Hebrew way of saying "He shall be." Even the evil spirits called Jesus by this name (#Mr 5:7|). And the Lord God shall give unto him. He shall not receive his kingdom as a bribe from Satan (#Mt 4:9|), nor win it by force of arms (#Joh 18:10,11,36 Mt 26:53|), but as the gift of God (#Ac 2:32-36 Php 2:9-11 Mt 28:18|). The throne. See #Ps 132:11|. Of his father David. This must refer to Mary's descent from David, for she is expressly told in #Lu 1:35| that her son would have no earthly father. (TFG 15) #Lu 1:33| And he shall reign over the house of Jacob. That is, over the family or descendants of Jacob; but the expression includes his spiritual, rather than his carnal, descendants (#Ga 3:7,28,29|). This name therefore includes the Gentiles as the name of a river includes the rivers which flow into it. Forever. #Da 2:44 7:13,14,27 Mic 4:7 Ps 45:6 Heb 1:8 Re 11:15|. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. #Isa 7:9|. Christ shall resign his mediatorial kingdom to the Father at the close of this dispensation (#1Co 15:24-28|); but as being one with his Father he shall rule forever. (TFG 15) #Lu 1:34| And Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Her question indicates surprise, not disbelief. Unlike Zacharias (#Lu 1:18|), she asked no sign. The youthful village maiden, amid her humble daily duties, shows a more ready faith in the far more startling message than the aged priest in the holy place of the temple in the atmosphere of the sacred incense. (TFG 15-16) #Lu 1:35| The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow. The Spirit of God is thus spoken of as "brooding over" or overshadowing creation to develop it (#Ge 1:2|). Thee. This indicates that the Holy Spirit himself created the body of Christ (#Heb 10:5|). The spirit, or divine nature, of Christ was from the beginning, and was unbegotten--that is, in the sense of being created. Wherefore also the holy thing. The body of Jesus (#Heb 7:26 1Pe 2:22|). Which is begotten. #Ga 4:4|. Shall be called the Son of God. As the Evangelist is here talking about the bodily and human nature of Jesus, it is possible that he may here speak of Jesus as the Son of God in the same sense in which he called Adam the son of God (#Lu 3:38|); that is, his body and human nature were the direct and miraculous production of the divine power. If so, we find Jesus called the Son of God in three several senses: 1. Here, because he was born into the world in a supernatural manner. 2. Elsewhere, because by his resurrection he was begotten from the dead (#Ro 1:4 Ac 13:33 Ps 2:7|). 3. Also elsewhere, because of the eternal, immutable, and unparalleled relationship which he sustains to the Father (#Joh 1:1,14,18|). (TFG 16) #Lu 1:36| And behold, Elisabeth thy kinswoman, she also hath conceived a son in her old age. The angel tells of Elisabeth's condition, that it may encourage the faith of Mary, and lead her to trust in Him with whom nothing is impossible (#Jer 32:17,27 Ge 18:14 Mt 19:26 Mr 10:27 Lu 18:27|). (TFG 16) #Lu 1:37| For no word from God shall be void of power. #Isa 55:11|. (TFG 16) #Lu 1:38| Behold, the handmaid of the Lord. Literally, "slave" or "bondservant." It is the feminine form of the word which Paul so often applies to himself (#Ro 1:1 Tit 1:1|). Mary uses it to indicate her submissive and obedient spirit. Be it unto me according to thy word. In great faith she not only believes the promise, but prays for its fulfillment. She bowed to the will of God like Eli (#1Sa 3:18|), and became the mother of Him who prayed, "Not my will, but thine, be done" (#Lu 22:42|). (TFG 17) #Lu 1:39| VII. MARY, FUTURE MOTHER OF JESUS, VISITS ELISABETH, FUTURE MOTHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. (In the Hill Country of Judaea, B.C. 5.) #Lu 1:39-56| And Mary arose in these days. Within a week or two after the angel appeared to her. And went into the hill country. The district of Judah lying south of Jerusalem, of which the city of Hebron was the center. With haste. She fled to those whom God had inspired, so that they could understand her condition and know her innocence--to those who were as Joseph needed to be inspired, that he might understand (#Mt 1:18-25|). Into a city of Judah. Where Zacharias dwelt. See TFG "#Lu 1:23|". (TFG 17) #Lu 1:41| The babe leaped in her womb. See #Lu 1:15|. And Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Sufficiently to have a supernatural knowledge of things and to utter prophecy. (TFG 17) #Lu 1:42| And she lifted up her voice with a loud cry. Indicating intense, ecstatic joy. What joy must have filled the hearts of these two women as they realized that one was to be the mother of the long-expected Messiah, and the other of his Elijah-like forerunner! Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. See #Lu 1:28|. (TFG 17) #Lu 1:43| And whence is this to me? Why am I thus honored? (#Mt 8:7,8|). My Lord. This word imported sometimes divinity, and sometimes mere superiority. The Jews employed this term in connection with the Messiah; but in which sense can not now be determined. Inspired writers employ it in the higher sense when applying it to Jesus (#Mt 22:41-45|), and in that sense it is no doubt used here. (TFG 17-18) #Lu 1:45| And blessed is she that believed. Elisabeth may have here remembered how her own husband failed to believe. (TFG 18) #Lu 1:46| And Mary said. She speaks in poetic strain. Her song closely resembles that of Hannah (#1Sa 2:1-10|). Magnify. Mary's song is called "The Magnificat" from this word. (TFG 18) #Lu 1:48| For he hath looked upon the low estate of his handmaid. This refers to the contrast between her present condition and that of the former glories of David's house, from which she sprang. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Here ends the first section of her song. In it she speaks of herself, and her adoration toward God for his condescending blessing. Mary was blessed in her motherhood, Abraham in his covenant and promises, Paul in his apostleship, etc., but none of these human beings are to be worshiped because of the blessings which they received. Rather should we bestow the more worship on God, from whom these their blessings flow (#Jas 1:17|). (TFG 18) #Lu 1:49| And holy is his name. See #Ex 20:7|. (TFG 18) #Lu 1:50| And his mercy is unto generations and generations. That is, it is unceasing (#Ex 20:6|). On them that fear him. Here ends the second division of her song. In it Mary glorifies God for his power, holiness and mercy. (TFG 18) #Lu 1:51| He hath showed strength with his arm. God's efficacy is represented by his finger (#Ex 8:19|); his great power by his hand (#Ex 3:20|); and his omnipotence by his arm (#Ex 15:16|). (TFG 18) #Lu 1:53| The hungry he hath filled with good things; And the rich he hath sent empty away. These expressions (#Lu 1:51-53|) are hyperboles for the disappointment of the proud, the princely, and the rich, in whose families the Messiah was expected. God has passed these by, and exalted a lowly one. Here ends the third section or verse of the hymn. It speaks of the changes which the Messiah should work as if he had already worked them. (TFG 19) #Lu 1:55| Toward Abraham. #Mic 7:20 Ga 3:16|. And his seed for ever. The hymn closes with an expression of gratitude to God for his faithfulness in keeping his covenants. (TFG 19) #Lu 1:56| Mary abode with her about three months. Or until John was born. Returned. A favorite word with Luke, used twenty-one times in his Gospel (#Lu 1:56 2:39,43,45 4:1,14 7:10 8:37,39,40 9:10 10:17 11:24| #Lu 17:15,18 19:12 23:48,56 24:9,33,52|). (TFG 19) #Lu 1:57| VIII. THE BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. (Hill Country of Judaea, B.C. 5.) #Lu 1:57-80| #Lu 1:58| And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her. Mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child. (TFG 19) #Lu 1:59| On the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child. See #Ge 17:12 Le 12:3 Php 3:5|. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably because at that time the names of Abram and Sarai had been changed (#Ge 17:5,15|). Females were named when they were weaned. (TFG 19) #Lu 1:60| He shall be called John. Zacharias had evidently written, and thus communicated to his wife all that the angel had told him, and how the child was to be named John. (TFG 19-20) #Lu 1:61| There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. Family names were even more thought of, and honored, among the Jews than among us. They had no taste for romantic and eccentric names. (TFG 20) #Lu 1:62| And they made signs. This seems to indicate that Zacharias was deaf as well as dumb. (TFG 20) #Lu 1:63| And he asked for a writing tablet. Tablets were sometimes made of lead, but were usually small wooden boards, either smeared with wax, or having sand sprinkled over them, on which words were written with an iron stylus or pencil. And they marvelled all. Being surprised that both parents should thus unite upon an unexpected name. (TFG 20) #Lu 1:64| And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed. See #Lu 1:20|. The angel's words were now completely fulfilled, therefore the punishment for disbelief was removed. And he spake, blessing God. Probably the words recorded in #Lu 1:68-79|. (TFG 20) #Lu 1:65| And fear came on all that dwelt round about them. The miraculous phenomena attending the birth of John made the people so conscious of the presence of God as to fill them with awe. The influence of this fear spread far and wide until the chills and tremors of expected changes and revolutions were felt even by the citizens of Rome, as their poets and historians testify. (TFG 20) #Lu 1:66| What then shall this child be? We probably find an echo of this question thirty years later when John entered upon his ministry (#Joh 1:19|). (TFG 20) #Lu 1:67| And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied. This his prophecy is the last of the old dispensation, and the first of the new, or Christian, era. It also is poetry, and is a hymn of thanksgiving for the time of Messiah's advent. (TFG 20-21) #Lu 1:68| Blessed. The hymn gets its name from this word, and is called the Benedictus. For he hath visited. Come back, in the person of his Spirit, to his people. After some four hundred years of absence the Holy Spirit, as the spirit of prophecy, had again returned to God's people. Malachi, the last of the prophets, had been dead about four centuries. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:69| And hath raised up a horn of salvation. The horn is a symbol of power (#Da 7:7,8 8:21|). In the house of his servant David. This also indicates that Mary was of the house of David. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:70| (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old). #Ge 3:15 22:18 49:10 Nu 24:17 2Pe 1:21 Heb 1:1|. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:71| Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. Not only Rome, the enemy of Israelitish prosperity, but also those evil agencies which wage ceaseless warfare against the souls of men (#Eph 6:12|). (TFG 21) #Lu 1:72| His holy covenant. Contract or agreement. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:73| The oath which he sware unto Abraham our father. See #Ge 12:3 17:4 22:16,17|. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:75| In holiness and righteousness. Holiness is good conduct toward God, righteousness is good conduct toward men. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:76| Yea and thou, child. The rest of the psalm is addressed to the infant John. Shalt be called the prophet. See #Mt 11:9 Lu 20:6|. For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ. To make ready his ways. #Isa 40:3 Mt 3:3|. (TFG 21) #Lu 1:77| To give knowledge of salvation unto his people. Israel had a false idea that the Messiah's salvation would be from political evil. John was needed to tell them that it was from sin that God proposed to deliver them. Perdition does not consist in political wrongs, but in divine condemnation. In the remission of their sins. Through Christ's work (#Ac 5:31|). (TFG 21) #Lu 1:78| The dayspring from on high. One of the many names for Jesus or his kingdom. The prophets loved to picture Messiah's advent as a sunrise (#Isa 9:2 60:1-3 Mal 4:2 Mt 4:16 Joh 1:4,5|). Christ's coming was the dawn of a new day for Israel and for mankind. (TFG 22) #Lu 1:79| To guide our feet into the way of peace. Travelers in the Judaean mountains often waited patiently for the morning light, lest they should lose their lives by a false step taken in the darkness (#Isa 59:8|). (TFG 22) #Lu 1:80| And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit. #1Sa 2:26 Lu 2:40,52|. And was in the deserts. The thinly settled region west of the Dead Sea. In #1Sa 23:19| it is called Jeshimon, or "the Horror." Till the day of his showing unto Israel. The day when he commenced his ministry and declared his commission as Messiah's forerunner. (TFG 22)