Luke 1 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luke 1 |
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The beginning of the Gospel of Luke (chapter 1:1-7a), folio 102 in Minuscule 481, made in 10th century.
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| Book | Gospel of Luke |
| Category | Gospel |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
| Order in the Christian part | 3 |
Luke 1 is the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It has 80 verses, making it one of the longest chapters in the New Testament. This chapter tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist and the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
It also includes two special songs: Mary's song (called the Magnificat) and Zechariah's song (called the Benedictus). The person who wrote the Gospel of Luke wrote it for someone named Theophilus. This name means "God-lover" in Greek. The author of Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, which is like a second part to Luke's Gospel.
Contents
What is in Luke Chapter 1?
The original text of this chapter was written in Koine Greek. It is divided into 80 verses.
Many old copies of the Bible contain parts of this chapter. Some of the oldest include:
- Papyrus 4 (from about 150–175 AD)
- Papyrus 75 (from 175-225 AD)
- Codex Vaticanus (from 325-350 AD; complete)
- Codex Sinaiticus (from 330-360 AD)
- Codex Bezae (from about 400 AD)
- Codex Alexandrinus (from 400-440 AD)
Why Luke Wrote This Book (Verses 1–4)
Luke starts his book by explaining why he wrote it. He says that many people had already tried to write down the story of Jesus. Luke wanted to write an "orderly account" for Theophilus.
He wanted Theophilus to be sure about the things he had already learned about Jesus. Luke says he carefully researched everything from the beginning. He explains that he got his information from people who saw these events happen.
Scholars think Luke's writing style is similar to other important Greek historical writings from that time. He wanted to make sure his story was clear and logical.
The Parents of John the Baptist (Verses 5–25)
Luke begins his story by introducing John the Baptist's parents. They were an old couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth. Zechariah was a priest, and Elizabeth was from a priestly family too. They were both good people, but they had no children. This was a sad thing for them.
This story takes place when Herod the Great was king of Judea. One day, Zechariah was working in the Temple. He was chosen to light the incense. While he was there, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him.
Gabriel told Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son. He said they should name him John. Gabriel also said that John would be very important to God. Zechariah found it hard to believe because he and Elizabeth were so old. Because he doubted, Gabriel made it so Zechariah could not speak until the baby was born.
Zechariah left the Temple unable to talk. Soon after, Elizabeth became pregnant. She was very happy and said that God had shown her favor. This story reminds people of other Bible stories where older women, like Rachel and Sarah, had children after many years.
The Angel Visits Mary (Verses 26–38)
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After Elizabeth was six months pregnant, the angel Gabriel visited a young woman named Mary. She lived in Nazareth, a small town. Mary was a virgin and was engaged to a man named Joseph.
Gabriel greeted Mary and told her she was "highly favored" by God. Mary was confused and a little scared. But Gabriel told her not to be afraid. He said she would have a baby boy and should name him Jesus.
Gabriel told Mary that her son would be very great. He would be called the "Son of the Most High God." He would also be a king, like his ancestor David, and his kingdom would never end.
Mary asked how this could happen since she was a virgin. Gabriel explained that God's power, the Holy Spirit, would come upon her. He said that "nothing is impossible with God." To show Mary that this was true, Gabriel also told her that her older relative Elizabeth was also pregnant. Mary believed Gabriel and said she was ready to serve God.
This part of the story shows that God chooses humble people and places. Mary was a young woman from a small town, but God chose her for a very special role.
Mary Visits Elizabeth (Verses 39–56)
After Gabriel's visit, Mary traveled to visit her relative Elizabeth. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth's baby (John) moved inside her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and praised Mary. She said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will have!"
Mary then sang a beautiful song of praise to God, known as the Magnificat. In her song, Mary thanked God for choosing her, a humble servant. She also praised God for His kindness and for helping all people. She sang about how God helps those who are humble and brings down the proud.
Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months. She left shortly before John was born.
The Birth of John the Baptist (Verses 57–79)
When it was time, Elizabeth gave birth to her son. Friends and neighbors came to celebrate. On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the baby. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father.
But Elizabeth said, "No! He is to be called John." The people were surprised because no one in their family had that name. They asked Zechariah, who still could not speak. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."
As soon as he wrote this, Zechariah could speak again! He was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to sing a song of praise to God. This song is called the Canticle of Zechariah or the Benedictus.
In his song, Zechariah praised God for sending a "horn of salvation" (a strong savior) from the family of David. He also spoke about his son, John. He said John would be a prophet who would prepare the way for the Lord. Zechariah's song ends with a message of peace, which is a common theme in Luke's Gospel.
John Grows Up (Verse 80)
Luke finishes the chapter by saying that John grew up. He became strong in spirit and lived in the deserts. He stayed there until it was time for him to appear publicly to the people of Israel.
See also
- Dead Sea Scrolls 4Q521
- Related Bible parts: 1 Samuel 2, Acts 1
