Luk 1:11-22 | TNotes

Summary for Luke 1:12-13: 1:12-13 ^a Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear: Fear and awe are common reactions when someone sees an angel or experiences the presence of God (Judg 6:22-23 ^b; 13:22 ^c; Isa 6:5 ^d). The person is often reassured by a saying such as Don’t be afraid.

• you are to name him John: John means “the Lord has shown favor.” This favor came to Elizabeth and Zechariah through their son and to the Israelite nation through the Messiah, whose coming John would announce.
1:15 ^e He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks: In the Old Testament, abstaining from alcohol was part of the Nazirite vow of special dedication to God (see Num 6:1-21 ^f). This vow was usually temporary (see Acts 18:18 ^g; 21:23 ^h, 26 ⁱ); for some individuals such as Samson (Judg 13:4-7 ^j), Samuel (cp. 1 Sam 1:11 ^k), and John the Baptist, it was a lifelong commitment.

• filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth: See Luke 1:41 ^l, 44 ^m.
1:17 ⁿ He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah: The prophet Malachi predicted that God would send Elijah before the time of God’s salvation (see Mal 3:1 ^o; 4:5-6 ^p). John fulfilled this role by preparing the way for the Lord’s coming.
1:19 ^q I am Gabriel! Two angels are named in Scripture: Gabriel (Dan 8:16 ^r; 9:21 ^s) and Michael (Dan 10:13 ^t; 12:1 ^u; Jude 1:9 ^v; Rev 12:7 ^w).
1:20 ^x now ... you will be silent and unable to speak: This discipline for Zechariah’s lack of faith was also a sign that confirmed the prophecy. The Greek word translated silent in 1:22 ^y can also mean “deaf” (7:22 ^z; cp. 1:62 ^aa).

• Zechariah is contrasted with Mary, who responded with faith (1:38 ^ab).