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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:2

As they delivered them - As they narrated them. As they gave an account of them.From the beginning - From the commencement of these things - that is, from the birth of John, or perhaps from the beginning of the ministry of Jesus.Eye-witnesses - Who had seen those things themselves, and who were therefore proper witnesses.Ministers of the word - The term “word” here means the “gospel.” Luke never uses it, as John does, to denote the second Person of the Trinity. These eye-witnesses and ministers... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:3

It seemed good - I thought it best; or, I have also determined. It seemed “to be called for” that there should be a full, authentic, and accurate account of these matters.Having had perfect understanding ... - The literal translation of the original here would be, “having exactly traced everything from the first;” or, “having, by diligent and careful investigation, “followed up” everything to the “source,” to obtain an accurate account of the matter.” This much better expresses the idea. Luke... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:4

The certainty - Have full evidence or proof of.Been instructed - By the preachers of the gospel. The original word is the one from which is derived our word “catechism - been catechized;” but it does not denote here the “manner” in which the instruction was imparted, as it does with us, but simply the fact that he had been taught those things. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:5

In the days of Herod - See the notes at Matthew 2:1.Of the course of Abia - When the priests became so numerous that they could not at once minister at the altar, David divided them into 24 classes or courses, each one of which officiated for a week, 1 Chronicles 24:0. The class or course (shift) of Abia was the “eighth” in order, 1 Chronicles 24:10. Compare 2 Chronicles 8:14. The word “course” means the same as “class,” or order. The Greek-based word “Abia” is the same as the Hebrew-based word... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:6

Both righteous - Both “just” or holy. This means here more than external conformity to the law. It is an honorable testimonial of their “piety” toward God.Walking in ... - Keeping the commandments. To walk in the way that God commands is “to obey.”Ordinances - Rites and customs which God had ordained or appointed. These words refer to all the duties of religion which were made known to them.Blameless - That is, no fault or deficiency could be found in them. They were strict, exact, punctual.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:7

Well stricken in years - Old or advanced in life, so as to render the prospect of having children hopeless. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:8

Before God - In the temple, where God dwelt by the symbols of His presence. The temple was regarded by the Jews as the “house” or dwelling of God; and in the “first” temple there was, in the most holy place, a “cloud” called the Shechinah, or a visible sign of the presence of God. It was thus “before God” that Zechariah offered incense. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:9

According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was. - The Jewish writers inform us that it was customary for the priests to divide their daily task by “lot.”To burn incense - Incense is an aromatic or white rosin procured from trees, chiefly in Arabia. It is obtained by making incisions in the tree, and the gum flows out. It is distinguished for an especially pleasant “smell” when burned, and was therefore used in ancient worship. It was burned by the priest twice a day Exodus 30:7,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:10

The whole multitude - This was the regular time of evening prayer, and multitudes came up to the temple to worship.Praying without - That is, in the courts around the temple, particularly in the court of the women. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:11

An angel - An “angel” is a messenger sent from God. See the notes at Matthew 1:20. It had now been about 400 years since the time of “Malachi,” and since there had been any divine revelation. During that time the nation was looking for the Messiah, but still with nothing more than the ancient prophecies to direct them. Now that he was about to appear, God sent his messenger to announce his coming, to encourage the hearts of his people, and to prepare them to receive him.On the right side ... -... read more

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