Luke 1-2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:7

Verse 7 7.And they had no child By an extraordinary purpose of God it was appointed that John should be born out of the common and ordinary course of nature. The same thing happened with Isaac, (Genesis 17:17; Genesis 21:1,) in whom God had determined to give an uncommon and remarkable demonstration of his favor. Elisabeth had been barren in the prime of life, and now she is in old age, which of itself shuts up the womb. By two hinderances, therefore, the Lord gives a twofold, surprising... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:9

Verse 9 9.According to the custom of the priest’s office The law enjoined that incense should be offered twice every day, that is, every morning and at even, (Exodus 30:7.) The order of courses among the priests had been appointed by David, as we have already explained; and, consequently, what is here stated as to incense was expressly enjoined by the law of God. The other matters had been arranged by David, (1 Chronicles 24:3,) that each family might have its own turn, though David ordained... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:12

Verse 12 12.Zacharias was troubled Though God does not appear to his servants for the purpose of terrifying them, yet it is advantageous and even necessary for them to be struck with awe, (Psalms 33:8,) that, amidst their agitation, they may learn to give to God the glory due unto his name, (Psalms 29:2.) Nor does Luke relate only that Zacharias was terrified, but adds that fear fell upon him; intimating that he was so alarmed as to give way to terror. The presence of God fills men with alarm,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:13

Verse 13 13.Fear not, Zacharias The glory of God, it ought to be observed, is not so appalling to the saints as to swallow them up entirely with dread, but only to cast them down from a foolish confidence, that they may behold him with humility. As soon, therefore, as God has abased the pride of the flesh in those who believe in him, he stretches out his hand to raise them up. He acts differently towards the reprobate; for at whatever time they are dragged before the tribunal of God, they are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:14

Verse 14 14.He shall be to thee joy The angel describes a greater joy than what Zacharias could derive from the recent birth of a child; for he informs him that he would have such a son as he had not even ventured to wish. He even proceeds farther to state that the joy would not be domestic, enjoyed by the parents alone, or confined within private walls, but shared alike by strangers, to whom the advantage of his birth should be made known. It is as if the angel had said that a son would be... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:15

Verse 15 15.For he shall be great He confirms what he said about joy, for John had been selected for a great and extraordinary purpose. These words are not so much intended to extol his eminent virtues as to proclaim his great and glorious office; as Christ, when he declares that among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist, (Matthew 11:11,) refers less to the holiness of his life than to his ministry. What follows immediately afterwards, he shall drink... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:16

Verse 16 16.And many of the children of Israel shall he bring back These words show the shamefully dissolute conduct which then prevailed in the Church, for those in whom conversion to God could take place must have been apostates. And certainly corrupt doctrine, depraved morals, and disorderly government, were such as to render it next to a miracle that a very few continued in godliness. But if the ancient Church was so awfully dissolute, it is a frivolous pretext by which the Papists defend... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:17

Verse 17 17.And he shall go before him By these words he points out what would be John’s office, and distinguishes him by this mark from the other prophets, who received a certain and peculiar commission, while John was sent for the sole object of going before Christ, as a herald before a king. Thus also the Lord speaks by Malachi, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me,” (Malachi 3:1.) In short, the calling of John had no other design than to secure for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:18

Verse 18 And Zacharias said to the angel Next follows the doubt of Zacharias, and the punishment which the Lord inflicted on his unbelief. He had prayed that he might obtain offspring, and now that it is promised, he distrusts, as if he had forgotten his own prayers and faith. It might, at first sight, appear harsh that God is so much offended by his reply. He brings forward his old age as an objection. Abraham did the same; and yet his faith is so highly applauded that Paul declares, he ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:19

Verse 19 19.I am Gabriel By these words the angel intimates that it was not his veracity, but that of God who sent him, and whose message he brought, that had been questioned; and so he charges Zacharias with having offered an insult to God. To stand before God signifies to be ready to yield obedience. It implies that he is not a mortal man, but a heavenly spirits — that he did not fly hither at random, but, as became a servant of God, had faithfully performed his duty: and hence it follows... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:15

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:17

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:18

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:19

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