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Luke Chapter
One
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Preparation before the Birth of the Son
of Man the Savior
I. The foreword of this book (1-4).
II. The prophecy of birth and conception of the
forerunner John the Baptist (5-25).
III. The prophecy of the conception and birth of Jesus
by Gabriel the Angel (26-38).
IV. The meeting between Jesus’ mother and John the
Baptist’s mother who were both pregnant and their praise (39-56).
V. The birth and growing up of John the
Baptist (57-80).
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Luke. 1:1-2 “Inasmuch as many have
taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been
fulfilled among us
just as those who from the
beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us
”
YLT: “Seeing that many
did take in hand to set in order a narration of the matters that have been
fully assured among us
as they did deliver to us
who from the beginning
became eye-witnesses
and officers of the Word
”
Meaning of Words: “many”: plenteous;
“have taken in hand”: go about
take in hand (upon); “fulfilled”: completely
assure
entirely accomplish; “ministers of word”: the minister to deliver the
word (message); “delivered”: give
hand over.
Literal Meaning: “many have taken in
hand to set in order a narrative” This sentence shows that Luke was neither the
only nor the first one that wrote the Gospel.
“Those things which have been fulfilled
among us” “us” indicates believers of the Lord Jesus; “things which have been fulfilled”
indicates the deeds that had been fully fulfilled
according to the prophecies
of the Old Testament
including the birth
work
teachings
death and the life
story of the Lord Jesus and John the Baptist.
“Ministers of the word” indicate the disciples
who had been called by the Lord
and had been with the Lord and had been sent
to work by the Lord.
“Eyewitnesses” shows that what they are
preaching are not the cunningly devised fables but the facts that they have
witnessed with their eyes (See 2Pet. 1:16; 1John. 1:1-4). “Eyewitnesses” is a
medical term in the original and it is related to “autopsy”
showing that their
knowledge about the deeds of the Lord Jesus is not common
but the first-hand
and real material of witness through personal and carful check and watch.
“Delivered them to us” “deliver” in the original is
a technical term and it means to deliver the material that could be treated as
authority. This also indicates that the author of this book admitted that he
himself was not the first-hand witness.
Luke. 1:3 “it seemed good to me
also
having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first
to
write to you an orderly account
most excellent Theophilus
”
YLT: “it seemed good also
to me
having followed from the first after all things exactly
to write to
thee in order
most noble Theophilus
”
Meaning of Words: “the very first”:
above; “Theophilus”: friend of God
the one whom God loves
the one whom God
treasures;
Literal Meaning: “most excellent
Theophilus”
“most excellent” is the appellation of those who have high social
positions (See Acts. 23:26; 24:3; 26:25).
This verse shows three special points of
Luke’s writing:
1) “From the very first” It traces back to the
beginning of Jesus as a man instead of the time when He started to preach.
2) “Having had perfect understanding” Details had
been researched in many ways and therefore the contents of this book are full
and accurate.
3) “An orderly account” It is arranged according to
the order in which things happened and therefore it is in good order.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) “Having had perfect understanding of all things
from the very first” The meaning of “the very first” in the original implies
that “the Gospel of Luke” is not merely the study of Luke
but actually the
revelation from above.
2) If men do not have had perfect understanding
the Holy Spirit won’t often reveal without foundation. Men should make effort
to act in concert with the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
3) All scripture is given by inspiration of God
(2Tim. 3:16)
and it does not completely exceed men’s thoughts
abilities and
effort. God’s revelation must show His will through the thoughts
abilities and
effort of men that have been devoted to God. Therefore the individual character
of the author is shown vividly in the Bible.
4) God’s will need men’s cooperation with the
“determined willingness”; anyone that is weak-minded and inconstant is of
little use in God’s hand.
5) God’s guidance is always in “order” and
spiritual things are in order too. In the church
let all things be done
decently and in order (1Cor. 14:40).
Luke. 1:4 “that you may know the
certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”
YLT: “that thou mayest
know the certainty of the things wherein thou wast instructed.”
Meaning of Words: “certainty”: safety
security.
Literal Meaning: “those things in
which you were instructed” This sentence indicates that Theophilus may be a
believer.
“The certainty” shows that the contents
of the Gospel that we believe are certainly reliable and they are definitely
not unreal
ridiculous
screwy or wrong things
because:
1) What had been written are not suppositions but
actual persons and events.
2) These facts have been witnessed personally by
ministers of word and their witnesses are reliable.
3) These have been perfectly understood and written
in order.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) It is more accurate to spread message by
writings than oral instructions.
2) The foundation of Christians’ faith is built
upon the absolutely true facts.
Luke. 1:5 “There was in the days of
Herod
the king of
YLT: “There was in the
days of Herod
the king of Judea
a certain priest
by name Zacharias
of the
course of Abijah
and his wife of the daughters of Aaron
and her name
Elisabeth;”
Meaning of Words: “Zacharias”:
remembrance of God; “
The
Background: “the division of
Ajijah” There were twenty-four divisions of the Priests of the Old Testament
and “the division of Ajijah” was the eighth division (See 1Cor. 24:4-16) and
priests in every division worked seven days.
Literal Meaning: “there was in the
days of Herod
the king of Judea”
“the king of Judea”
also called “Herod the
Great” by historians
was an Edomite and was tetrarch of Judea under the
“His wife was of the daughters of Aaron”
means that she was the daughter of the priest because the offspring of Aaron is
the priest and therefore Aaron is the synonym of the priest.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Believers should not be unequally yoked together
with unbelievers (2Cor. 6:14); believers should not only chose believers to get
married and it would be best that two parties love the Lord.
2) Young believers should not merely choose their
spouses by appearance and they should observe the condition of the family of
the other (especially one’s parents) before God.
Luke. 1:6 “And they were both
righteous before God
walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the
Lord blameless.”
YLT: “and they were both
righteous before God
going on in all the commands and righteousnesses of the
Lord blameless
”
Meaning
of Words: “righteous”: just;
“commandments”: commands; “ordinances”: judgment
regulation
determination.
Literal Meaning: “they were both
righteous before God.” It does not mean that they were perfect and sinless so
that they could be justified before God (See Rom. 3:10). It means that they
obeyed the commandments and ceremonies of the Law (See Pill. 3:6).
“Ordinances of the Lord” “ordinance”
should be translated as “judgment” according to the original. The Law of the
Old Testament could be divided into three parts: commandments
statutes and
judgments. “Commandments” are the basic commands and there are Ten Commandments
(See Exod. 20:2-17); “statutes” could also be translated as regulations and
ordinances. They are the explanations in detail and complementary details of
commandments (See Exod. 20:22-26); “judgments” are fundamentally same with
ordinances
however
judges are added besides the explanations in detail and
complementary details of commandments (See Exod. 21:1-23:19).
“Blameless” indicates that they were
blameless in the ceremonies of the Law rather than that they were perfect and
blameless in all aspects.
Luke. 1:7 “But they had no child
because
YLT: “and they had no
child
because that Elisabeth was barren
and both were advanced in their
days.”
The
Background: the Jews behold that
it is one’s greatest regret that he could not have a son to carry on the family
name and it is shameful for a women who could not have a child (See v.25; Gen.
30:23; 2Sam. 6:23).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Though Zacharias and Elizabeth were pious and
served God in the order (See v.6
8)
they had “no child” and
2) In the church one should not merely care about one’s
own spiritual growth
one should care about the spiritual
“bearing”------bearing spiritual offspring through spreading the glad tidings.
Luke. 1:8 “So it was
that while he
was serving as priest before God in the order of his division
”
YLT: “And it came to
pass
in his acting as priest
in the order of his course before God
”
Literal Meaning: “division” indicates
the order for priests to serve in turn in the
Luke. 1:9 “according to the custom
of the priesthood
his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of
the Lord.”
YLT: “according to the
custom of the priesthood
his lot was to make perfume
having gone into the
sanctuary of the Lord
”
The
Background: there was a golden
altar of incense between the holy and the holies of all in the Holy Temple and
one of the duties of priests was to make sure that the incense in the alter
burn day and night and change the new incense before the sacrifice of morning
and after the sacrifice of evening (See Exod. 30:6-8; 1Sam. 2:28; 1Cor. 23:13;
2Cor. 29:11). There were several priests in one division and not everyone was
allowed to enter in to carry out this duty and therefore they gave forth their
lots and the one who got the lot was allowed to enter in. At that time
there
were more than ten thousand priests and therefore one may have one chance at
most to enter the
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Priests should always burn incense in the holy
and it is full of sweet odour. We
serving God in the church
should always
pray and deliver our thanks
praise and supplications to God.
2) It is the easiest for men to have revelation of
God in their prayers (See v.11).
Luke. 1:10 “And the whole multitude
of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.”
YLT: “and all the
multitude of the people were praying without
at the hour of the perfume.”
Literal Meaning: “the whole multitude
of the people was praying outside” “outside” indicates the courtyard that is
outside of the holy and inside of the wall of the temple.
Spiritual Meaning: “incense” symbolizes
the reality of prayer (See Rev. 5:8).
Luke. 1:11 “Then an angel of the Lord
appeared to him
standing on the right side of the altar of incense.”
YLT: “And there appeared
to him a messenger of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of the
perfume
”
The
Background: “the altar of
incense” is inside of the holy and common ones are not allowed to enter
in.
Spiritual Meaning: “standing on the
right side of the altar of incense” “the altar of incense” is the place of
praying; “right side” is the place to be blessed. This verse symbolizes that
their prayers are acceptable to God.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Praying is to draw near to God and have
communion with God; only those who always pray to God could often see heavenly
visions.
2) No prayer
no answer. Fewer prayers
fewer
answers. More prayers
more answers.
Luke. 1:12 “And when Zacharias saw
him
he was troubled
and fear fell upon him.”
YLT: “and Zacharias
having seen
was troubled
and fear fell on him;”
Meaning of Words: “fell upon”: fall
down
light on; “was troubled”: worried
stir; “fear”: be afraid
reverence.
Enlightenment in the Word: heavenly visions are incomprehensible to men in
their natural concepts (See 2:9) and therefore unavoidably “he was troubled and
fear fell upon him.”
Luke. 1:13 “But the angel said to
him
‘Do not be afraid
Zacharias
for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a
son
and you shall call his name John.”
YLT: “and the messenger
said unto him
`Fear not
Zacharias
for thy supplication was heard
and thy
wife Elisabeth shall bear a son to thee
and thou shalt call his name John
”
Meaning of Words: “Zacharias”: remembrance
of God; “
Literal Meaning: “for your prayer is
heard” “prayer” in the original means the special appeal to God instead of
common “prayer” (See v.10).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) God’s grace (the meaning of “John”) is the
result that He remembers (the meaning of “Zacharias”) His oath (the meaning of
“
2) The prayers of believers are to let God “hear”;
only the prayers that God “hears” could be answered by God. Unfortunately
our
many prayers are only to let men hear.
Luke. 1:14 “And you will have joy and
gladness
and many will rejoice at his birth.”
YLT: “and there shall be
joy to thee
and gladness
and many at his birth shall joy
”
Literal Meaning: “you will have joy
and gladness” “joy” is one of the special points of this book and it is the
main tone of the first several chapters.
Luke. 1:15 “For he will be great in
the sight of the Lord
and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will
also be filled with the Holy Spirit
even from his mother's womb.”
YLT: “for he shall be
great before the Lord
and wine and strong drink he may not drink
and of the
Holy Spirit he shall be full
even from his mother`s womb;”
The
Background: Nazarites were
separated to Jehovah in the Jews and they vowed the vow that they would not
drink wine all their life (See Num. 6:1-4).
Literal Meaning: “he will be great in
the sight of the Lord.” It means that he will be a useful man before God.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) It is of no value to be great before men and it
is of true value to be great before God.
2) “Being full of wine” seems to be similar to
“being full of the Holy Spirit” in appearance (See Acts. 2:13-18). Actually
the former enables men to debauch (Eph. 5:18) and the latter enables men to be
controlled by God.
3) It is hopeless for those who are full of wine to
be full of the Holy Spirit. We must purge ourselves from things of dishonor
(what the wine symbolizes) and then we will be sanctified and meet for the
master’s use (2Tim. 2:21).
Luke. 1:16 “And he will turn many of
the children of
YLT: “and many of the
sons of
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) In order to make men turn from the wrong ways
what’s the most important is to make them turn to God; unfortunately
many
Christians turn to reasons
doctrines and good behaviors but put God aside.
2) The turn that one has not turned to God is not
the true turn.
Luke. 1:17 “He will also go before
Him in the spirit and power of Elijah
‘to
turn the hearts of the fathers to the children
' and the disobedient to the
wisdom of the just
to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’”
YLT: “and he shall go
before Him
in the spirit and power of Elijah
to turn hearts of fathers unto
children
and disobedient ones to the wisdom of righteous ones
to make ready
for the Lord
a people prepared.’”
Meaning of Words: “turn”: convert
return;
“wisdom”: intellectual insight
intelligence
prudence.
The
Background: “He will also go
before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah” “Elijah” was the most famous
prophet in the Old Testament. He fought against several hundreds of Baal’s
prophets and killed all of them (See 1Kings. 18:19-40) and changed the age of
“To turn the hearts of the fathers to
the children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just” This sentence is
quoted from the book of Malachi in which it was predicted that Elijah the
prophet would be sent to retrieve men’s hearts
lest Jehovah comes and smites
the earth with a curse (Mal. 4:5-6). However
Luke had changed “to turn the
heart of the children to their fathers” into “the disobedient to the wisdom of the
just”.
Literal Meaning: “He will also go
before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah” John the Baptist did not come
with the flesh of Elijah (See John. 1:21)
however
he was in “the spirit and
power” of Elijah and made the Jews who were with him in that age repent and
turn to God.
“To turn the hearts of the fathers to
the children
and the disobedient to the
wisdom of the just
” has two meanings:
1) The last half sentence was changed from “to turn
the heart of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6) and therefore according
to paired comparison
this sentence indicates that
“the righteous fathers care
about rebellious children and the rebellious children turn to the wisdom of the
righteous fathers”. It means that the rebellious people (children) of this age
who do not fear God turn to the right way
like the pious ancestors (fathers)
of
2) If we explain “the heart of fathers” as “the
hard hearts” of the ancestors of Israel and “the children” as “humbleness and
gentleness” of children. This sentence means that
“turn the hard hearts to be
gentle and the rebellious and unrighteous ones to the wisdom of the just.”
“To
make ready a people prepared for the Lord” “a people prepared for the Lord” indicate those
who turn to the wisdom of the just
i.e. those who turn to the Lord and are
willing to be sent and used by Him.
Luke. 1:18 “And Zacharias said to the
angel
‘How shall I know this? For
I am an old man
and my wife is well advanced in years.’”
YLT: “And Zacharias said
unto the messenger
‘Whereby shall I know this? for I am aged
and my wife is
advanced in her days?’”
Literal Meaning: “How shall I know
this?” Since one already has the appearing of the angel
his unbelief is shown
by asking evidence again (See v.20).
Luke. 1:19 “And the angel answered
and said to him
‘I am Gabriel
who stands in
the presence of God
and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad
tidings.”
YLT: “And the messenger
answering said to him
`I am Gabriel
who have been standing near before God
and I was sent to speak unto thee
and to proclaim these good news to thee
”
Meaning of Words: “Gabriel”: man of
God
God my hero
God the mighty warrior.
The
Background: “I am Gabriel
who
stands in the presence of God.” “Gabriel” may be one of the archangels who once
was sent by God to explain to Daniel the vision that Daniel saw and revealed
him things of the Messiah (See Dan. 8:15-26; 9:21-27).
Luke. 1:20 “But behold
you will be
mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place
because you
did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.’”
YLT: “and lo
thou shalt
be silent
and not able to speak
till the day that these things shall come to
pass
because thou didst not believe my words
that shall be fulfilled in their
season.’”
Literal Meaning: “because you did not
believe my words” Here “did not believe” indicates that men doubt the word of
God and do not treat what God is going to do as true.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) “Which will be fulfilled in their own time” If
the words of God have not be fulfilled
the reason must be that the time has
not come yet. Therefore we should wait by faith with patience.
2) Believing enables us to open our mouth to praise
and bear witness (See 2Cor. 4:13) and unbelieving enables us to be speechless.
3) Zacharias hardly believed in God’s power of
resurrection because he paid heed to his own weakness ------oldness (See v.18)
all the time and therefore he became speechless and could not bear witness to
God. If we are willing to bear witness to God
we should turn our eyes to God
from ourselves.
4) There was at least nine months from the time
Zacharias became speechless to the time John the Baptist was born. This period
of time may be a good chance for him to be blessed because he was unable to
communicate with men and this impelled him to turn to God
have communion with
God
know God more and experience Him. Therefore after he was recovered and was
able to speak
the first thing he did was to praise God (See v.64).
Luke. 1:21 “And the people waited for
Zacharias
and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.”
YLT: “And the people were
waiting for Zacharias
and wondering at his tarrying in the sanctuary
”
Literal Meaning: “the people waited
for Zacharias” This means that they waited him to come out of the holy and
declared the blessing of the priest Aaron (See Num. 6:24-26).
“Marveled that he lingered so long in
the temple” indicates that he lingered in the temple longer than the regular
time.
Luke. 1:22 “But when he came out
he
could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the
temple
for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.”
YLT: “and having come
out
he was not able to speak to them
and they perceived that a vision he had
seen in the sanctuary
and he was beckoning to them
and did remain dumb.”
Luke. 1:23 “So it was
as soon as the
days of his service were completed
that he departed to his own house.”
YLT: “And it came to
pass
when the days of his service were fulfilled
he went away to his house
”
The
Background: priests worked in
the
Luke. 1:24 “Now after those days his
wife
YLT: “and after those
days
his wife Elisabeth conceived
and hid herself five months
saying”
Literal Meaning: “she hid herself
five months” The first five months are the critical days for elder pregnant
women and it is very easy to miscarry. Probably she waited and made the public
know that she was pregnant until the fact was manifest undeniably.
Luke. 1:25 “‘Thus
the Lord has dealt with me
in the days when He looked on me
to take away my
reproach among people."”
YLT: “`Thus hath the Lord
done to me
in days in which He looked upon [me]
to take away my reproach
among men.’”
Meaning of Words: “looked on”: behold
look upon
look after; “had dealt with”: make or do.
The Background:
the Jews held that someone was punished by
God if she was barren (See Exod. 23:36; Deut. 7:14; 1Sam. 1:6) and therefore
they thought it was the reproach.
Luke. 1:26 “Now in the sixth month
the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of
YLT: “And in the sixth
month was the messenger Gabriel sent by God
to a city of
The
Background: out of Galilee arose
no prophet (See John. 7:52) and
Literal Meaning: “in the sixth month”
indicates that it was accounted from the day John the Baptist was conceived in
his mother’s womb.
Luke. 1:27 “to a virgin betrothed to
a man whose name was Joseph
of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.”
YLT: “to a virgin
betrothed to a man
whose name [is] Joseph
of the house of David
and the name
of the virgin [is] Mary.”
The
Background: in ancient times
the Jewish girls were engaged (betrothed) in their teens and they got married
about one year later after their engagements.
Literal Meaning: “to a virgin” “a
virgin” indicates a young girl who had not got married.
Spiritual Meaning: “a virgin” typifies
the one who loves the Lord with pure heart and is unspotted by sin and the
world.
Luke. 1:28 “And having come in
the
angel said to her
‘Rejoice
highly favored
one
the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’”
YLT: “And the messenger
having come in unto her
said
`Hail
favoured one
the Lord [is] with thee;
blessed [art] thou among women;’”
Literal Meaning: “highly favored one”
indicates the girl who received God’s grace and was chosen to bear the certain
mission.
“The Lord is with you” means that “the
Lord’s favor falls in you”.
Luke. 1:29 “But when she saw him
she
was troubled at his saying
and considered what manner of greeting this was.”
YLT: “and she
having
seen
was troubled at his word
and was reasoning of what kind this salutation
may be.”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) When we encounter new things
we should not set
a conclusion immediately. We should put it in our hearts
“consider” it and
quietly wait for God’s next guidance. Maybe we could become God’s vessel and
fulfill His will.
2) “Considering” the things of the Lord is to give
the Lord a chance to lead us.
Luke. 1:30 “Then the angel said to
her
"Do not be afraid
Mary
for you have found favor with God.”
YLT: “And the messenger
said to her
`Fear not
Mary
for thou hast found favour with God;”
Luke. 1:31 “And behold
you will
conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son
and shall call His name JESUS.”
YLT: “and lo
thou shalt
conceive in the womb
and shalt bring forth a son
and call his name Jesus;”
Meaning of Words: “Jesus” Jehovah the
savior
the salvation of Jehovah.
Literal Meaning: “shall call His name
JESUS” “Jesus” the name shows that He is Jehovah Himself who came to be our
Savior and made us receive the salvation of God.
Luke. 1:32 “He will be great
and
will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne
of His father David.”
YLT: “he shall be great
and Son of the Highest he shall be called
and the Lord God shall give him the
throne of David his father
”
Literal Meaning: “the Son of the
Highest” “the Highest” indicates the most high and it is used to call God in
the New and Old Testament (See Gen. 14:18).
“Throne of His father David” indicates
the throne that was promised to the coming Messiah. The Messiah is the Son of
David (See 2Sam. 7:13
16; Ps. 2:6-7; 89:26-27; Is. 9:6-7).
The Lord Jesus is both “the Son of the
Highest” and “the Son of David”
showing His identity of both the Son of God
and the Son of Man.
Luke. 1:33 “And He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever
and of His kingdom there will be no end.’”
YLT: “and he shall reign
over the house of Jacob to the ages; and of his reign there shall be no end.’”
Literal Meaning: “He will reign over
the house of Jacob forever” indicates that He will be the king of God’s elect;
“the house of Jacob” is another name of
“And of His kingdom there will be no
end.” Please see the fifteenth verse in the eleventh chapter in revelation.
Spiritual Meaning: “He will reign over
the house of Jacob” “the house of Jacob” symbolizes the church because
Christians are the true Jews (See Rom. 2:28-29).
Luke. 1:34 “Then Mary said to the
angel
‘How can this be
since I do
not know a man?’”
YLT: “And Mary said unto
the messenger
‘How shall this be
seeing a husband I do not know?’”
Literal Meaning: “How can this be
since I do not know a man?” Her saying is to ask the way to conceive and bear a
son and this does not indicate that she did not believe in the word of the
angel (See v.20). Therefore she was called “she who believed” (See v.45).
Luke. 1:35 “And the angel answered
and said to her
‘The Holy Spirit will come
upon you
and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore
also
that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”
YLT: “And the messenger
answering said to her
‘The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee
and the power of
the Highest shall overshadow thee
therefore also the holy-begotten thing shall
be called Son of God;”
Literal Meaning: “the Holy Spirit
will come upon you” indicates that the conception was the work of the Holy
Spirit (See Matt. 1:18
20).
“The power of the Highest will
overshadow you” “overshadow” means to protect.
“Holy One who is to be born” “Holy one”
indicates that the Lord Jesus is separated to God and He did not know sin (See
2Cor. 5:21
Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1Pet. 2:22; 1John. 3:5)
so that He is qualified
to be the savior of sinners.
“Will be called the Son of God” “the
Son” inherits father’s life and character and therefore the son is the
manifestation of the father. The Lord Jesus is “the Son of God” and He has the
perfect divinity. He is completely “God” on one hand and on the other He is the
completely “man”.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The Lord Jesus was born after the Holy Spirit
comes upon Mary and He was conceived in her body therefore He has both the
divinity and the humanity
i.e. God has been manifested in flesh (1Tim. 3:16).
2) The Lord is both God and man and therefore He is
qualified to be the savior of men. Negatively He
replacing men
bore sins and
positively He gave the life of God to men.
3) The Holy Spirit made Mary have conceived Jesus.
Though the Holy Spirit has great power
only when we are obedient will He have
chance to work in us.
Luke. 1:36 “Now indeed
Elizabeth
your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the
sixth month for her who was called barren.”
YLT: “and lo
Elisabeth
thy kinswoman
she also hath conceived a son in her old age
and this is the
sixth month to her who was called barren;”
Literal Meaning: “Elizabeth your
relative” We have no way to research what kind of relationship is between Mary
and Elizabeth; however
according to this saying we could know that John the
Baptist was a distant relative of Jesus and he was half a year older than
Jesus.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Not only the Lord Himself was born by the Virgin
Mary
but also the Lord’s forerunner John the Baptist was born by his parents
who were too old to bear child. This shows that the origin of Christ and that
are of Christ must be God’s supernatural and infinite power of life. All that
are natural and artificial have no place here.
2) With men this is impossible
but with God all
things are possible (Matt. 19:26).
Luke. 1:37 “For with God nothing will
be impossible.’”
YLT: “because nothing
shall be impossible with God.’”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) He spoke
and it was done; he commanded
and it
stood fast; the worlds were framed by word of God (Heb. 11:3).
2) The words that are written in the Bible are
objective words to common people. Only when they become our subjective and
seasonable words will the words be effective in us.
3) If men believe in words of God
they will be
confirmed forever and let the will of God be fulfilled.
Luke. 1:38 “Then Mary said
‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me
according to your word.’ And the angel departed
from her.”
YLT: “And Mary said
‘Lo
the maid-servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to thy saying
’ and the
messenger went away from her.”
The
Background: Mary has not got
married (See v.34) and was betrothed to Joseph (See v.27). In the society at
that time
it was not only disgraceful but also the most dangerous for a girl
who did not get married to conceive and bear a son. Because she may probably be
kicked out of her family
divorced by her fiancé and stoned to death by anyone.
Literal Meaning: “behold the
maidservant of the Lord!” It means that my body and life belonged to the Lord
and she was willing to obey the Lord’s arrangement and instruction.
“Let it be to me according to your word”
It means that she was willing to lay down all the worry
even the sacrifice of
her reputation and integrity. She would pay any price to seek the fulfillment
of God’s words.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We should know that our position as “the Lord’s
maidservant (servant)” and then we will be obedient and “let” the will of God
be fulfilled on us.
2) God needs men to be His vessels to do things and
then the power of His words would be shown; therefore men’s cooperation
------receiving His words is needed for the fulfillment of God’s words
3) Only those who love God more than anything else
even more than his own life
are worthy to be useful vessels of the Lord.
4) God’s voice is always in our hearts and His word
is powerful. The moment we know that God has spoken to us
we should reply Him
that “let it be to me according to your word”.
Luke. 1:39 “Now Mary arose in those
days and went into the hill country with haste
to a city of
YLT: “And Mary having
arisen in those days
went to the hill-country
with haste
to a city of
Literal Meaning: “went into the hill
country” “the hill country” is the pronoun of the
Luke. 1:40 “and entered the house of
Zacharias and greeted
YLT: “and entered into
the house of Zacharias
and saluted Elisabeth.”
Literal Meaning: please note that in
v.39 and v.40
Luke used the skillful rhetoric------“arose…went into…to…”
(v.39)
“entered…greeted…” He used verbs to describe these step by step
from
far to near
and from large places to individual person.
Luke. 1:41 “And it happened
when
YLT: “And it came to
pass
when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary
the babe did leap in her
womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit
”
Literal Meaning: “
Luke. 1:42 “Then she spoke out with a
loud voice and said
"Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the
fruit of your womb!”
YLT: “and spake out with
a loud voice
and said
‘Blessed [art] thou among women
and blessed [is] the
fruit of thy womb;”
Literal Meaning: “the fruit of your
womb!” In the New Testament
“fruit” is translated as “son” sometimes (See
Acts. 2:30).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Christ is the fruit that is born in Mary by the
Holy Spirit; if we let the Holy Spirit work freely in us
we will bear fruits
of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
2) The angel called Mary the “highly favored one” (v.28) and
Luke. 1:43 “But why is this granted
to me
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
YLT: “and whence [is]
this to me
that the mother of my Lord might come unto me?”
Literal Meaning: this verse means
that “I am greatly honored that the mother of my Lord came to me!”
Luke. 1:44 “For indeed
as soon as
the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears
the babe leaped in my womb for
joy.”
YLT: “for
lo
when the
voice of thy salutation came to my ears
leap in gladness did the babe in my
womb;”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The sweet fellowship between Mary and Elizabeth
shows that the true fellowship among the saints depends on the indwelling
Christ. If we communicate with those who are of Christ by the indwelling
Christ
we could “leap with joy” from our hearts.
2) Deep calls unto deep (Ps. 42:7); anything that
is of the Holy Spirit could be sensed one another.
3) Only the witness that comes out of the deep of
the spirit will move men’s spirit.
Luke. 1:45 “Blessed is she who
believed
for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her
from the Lord.’”
YLT: “and happy [is] she
who did believe
for there shall be a completion to the things spoken to her
from the Lord.’”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) When all roads around us are closed and we doubt
about God’s promises
we should remember that God’s promises must be fulfilled.
Because “all the promises of God in Christ are yea
and in Him Amen
unto the
glory of God by us” (2Cor. 1:20).
2) God’s everlasting faithfulness enables the
promises in the Bible “the greatest and precious” (2Pet. 1:4). Men’s promises
are usually of no value and the breaking of promises breaks men’s hearts.
However
God has not broken His promise one time to any of His children from
world’s foundation.
Luke. 1:46 “And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord
”
YLT: “And Mary said
`My
soul doth magnify the Lord
”
Meaning of Words: “magnify”: enlarge
exaggerate
praise.
Literal Meaning: “my soul magnifies
the Lord” “My soul” indicates all the awareness of soul
including the
thoughts
feelings and will; “magnifies the Lord” means to venerate the Lord
and let Him have the preeminence in all things (Col. 1:18).
Enlightenment in the Word: our true service to the Lord origins from our
hearts that “magnify the Lord”.
Luke. 1:47 “And my spirit has
rejoiced in God my Savior.”
YLT: “And my spirit was
glad on God my Saviour
”
Meaning of Words: “rejoiced”: exult.
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the tenth verse in the sixty-first chapter of the book of Isaiah.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Mary also needs a Savior like us and therefore
we do not need to worship Mary.
2) Mary’s soul first magnifies the Lord (v.46) and
then her spirit has rejoiced in God her Savior. The fearing of God in one’s
heart is the reason of joy in spirit.
3) When our hearts and spirits are full of the Holy
Spirit
our mouths will be full of the voice of joy and praise.
4) The reason why Mary could sing such beautiful
praise is that she was willing to receive Christ even at the sacrifice of her
own virtue and fame. It is real that the true praise is sung by those who would
sacrifice themselves to obtain Christ.
Luke. 1:48 “For He has regarded the
lowly state of His maidservant; For behold
henceforth all generations will
call me blessed.”
YLT: “Because He looked
on the lowliness of His maid-servant
For
lo
henceforth call me happy shall
all the generations
”
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the eleventh verse in the first chapter of the first book of Samuel.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Humbleness and obedience are the prerequisite to
be blessed
2) We should know that humbleness is the
requirement to be exalted (See 14:11; Pill. 2:5-10).
Luke. 1:49 “For He who is mighty has
done great things for me
And holy is His name.”
YLT: “For He who is
mighty did to me great things
And holy [is] His name
”
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the third verse of the one hundred and twenty-sixth chapter of the book of
Psalms.
Luke. 1:50 “And His mercy is on those
who fear Him From generation to generation.”
YLT: “And His kindness
[is] to generations of generations
To those fearing Him
”
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the seventeenth verse of the one hundred and third chapter in the book of
Psalms.
Enlightenment in the Word: fearing God is the best way to be blessed by God.
Luke. 1:51 “He has shown strength
with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.”
YLT: “He did powerfully
with His arm
He scattered abroad the proud in the thought of their heart
”
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the tenth verse of the eighty-ninth chapter of the book of Psalms.
“He has scattered the proud in the
imagination of their hearts.” It indicates that the thoughts of proud were
scattered by God.
Luke. 1:52 “He has put down the
mighty from their thrones
And exalted the lowly.”
YLT: “He brought down the
mighty from thrones
And He exalted the lowly
”
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the eleventh verse of the fifth chapter in the book of Job.
Enlightenment in the Word: for whosoever exalts himself shall be abased
and
he that humbles himself shall be exalted (See 14:11).
Luke. 1:53 “He has filled the hungry
with good things
And the rich He has sent away empty.”
YLT: “The hungry He did
fill with good
And the rich He sent away empty
”
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the ninth verse of the one hundred and seventh chapter of the book of
Psalms.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) “He has filled the hungry with good things.”
Only the hungry will be filled with good things. All the spiritual graces of
God are for those who are hungry in spirit (See Matt. 5:3
6).
2) The only requirement to be blessed by God
make
progress in spirit and experience the abundance of the Lord is being poor; we
should always empty ourselves.
Luke. 1:54 “He has helped His servant
YLT: “He received again
Literal Meaning: this verse is quoted
from the third verse of the ninety-eighth chapter of the book of Psalms.
Enlightenment in the Word: it is God’s help that enables believers to be able
to accomplish what God has entrusted.
Luke. 1:55 “As He spoke to our
fathers
To Abraham and to his seed forever.’”
YLT: “As He spake unto
our fathers
To Abraham and to his seed to the age.’”
Literal Meaning: this verse indicates
that God is faithful to carry out His words.
Luke. 1:56 “And Mary remained with
her about three months
and returned to her house.”
YLT: “And Mary remained
with her about three months
and turned back to her house.”
Literal Meaning: “about three months”
Mary went to live with
Luke. 1:57 “Now
YLT: “And to Elisabeth
was the time fulfilled for her bringing forth
and she bare a son
”
Luke. 1:58 “When her neighbors and
relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her
they rejoiced with
her.”
YLT: “and the neighbours
and her kindred heard that the Lord was making His kindness great with her
and
they were rejoicing with her.”
Luke. 1:59 “So it was
on the eighth
day
that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by
the name of his father
Zacharias.”
YLT: “And it came to
pass
on the eighth day
they came to circumcise the child
and they were
calling him by the name of his father
Zacharias
”
The Background:
male children of the Jews should be
circumcised on the day they are eight days old (See Gen. 17:9-14
22-27)
i.e.
cutting off the foreskin. According to the Jewish customs
they usually call
the name of the child when he is circumcised.
Luke. 1:60 “His mother answered and
said
‘No; he shall be called
John.’”
YLT: “and his mother
answering said
`No
but he shall be called John.’”
Luke. 1:61 “But they said to her
‘There is no one among your relatives who is called by
this name.’”
YLT: “And they said unto
her ‘There is none among thy kindred who is called by this name
’”
Enlightenment in the Word: John was born according to the supernatural
principle and therefore he could not be called according to the common rules.
This shows that the true spiritual outcomes always exceed the tradition and
even break the tradition.
Luke. 1:62 “So they made signs to his
father--what he would have him called.”
YLT: “and they were
making signs to his father
what he would wish him to be called
”
Luke. 1:63 “And he asked for a
writing tablet
and wrote
saying
‘His name is John.’ So they all marveled.”
YLT: “and having asked
for a tablet
he wrote
saying
`John is his name;’ and they did all wonder;”
Literal Meaning: “he asked for a
writing tablet” “a writing tablet” is a small piece of board and on which there
is a thin layer of wax.
Luke. 1:64 “Immediately his mouth was
opened and his tongue loosed
and he spoke
praising God.”
YLT: “and his mouth was
opened presently
and his tongue
and he was speaking
praising God.”
Luke. 1:65 “Then fear came on all who
dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill
country of
YLT: “And fear came upon
all those dwelling around them
and in all the hill-country of
Luke. 1:66 “And all those who heard
them kept them in their hearts
saying
‘What
kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.”
YLT: “and all who heard
did lay them up in their hearts
saying
`What then shall this child be?’ and
the hand of the Lord was with him.”
Enlightenment in the Word: God’s presence is the foundation of our life and
work. With God’s presence
we could bear witness in life and be powerful in
work.
Luke. 1:67 “Now his father Zacharias
was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied
saying:”
YLT: “And Zacharias his
father was filled with the Holy Spirit
and did prophesy
saying
”
Literal Meaning: “and prophesied
saying” “prophesied” not only predicts the things in future
but also preaches
the word of God.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The Holy Spirit inspires men to say what they
should say (See Matt. 10:19-20); therefore we should be “filled with the Holy
Spirit” and then speak for God.
2) The Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ; all that
are inspired by the Holy Spirit will praise Christ as the Lord (1Cor. 12:3).
Luke. 1:68 “‘Blessed
is the Lord God of
YLT: “`Blessed [is] the
Lord
the God of Israel
Because He did look upon
And wrought redemption for
His people
”
Luke. 1:69 “And has raised up a horn
of salvation for us In the house of His servant David
”
YLT: “And did raise an
horn of salvation to us
In the house of David His servant
”
Literal Meaning: “has raised up a
horn of salvation for us” The strength of animals is shown in their horns.
Therefore “horn” symbolizes the strength (See Deut. 33:17; Ps. 22:21; Mic.
4:13). “A horn of salvation” indicates the coming Savior of mighty (See 2Sam.
22:2-3).
Luke. 1:70 “As He spoke by the mouth
of His holy prophets
Who have been since the world began
”
YLT: “As He spake by the
mouth of His holy prophets
Which have been from the age;”
Luke. 1:71 “That we should be saved
from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us
”
YLT: “Salvation from our
enemies
And out of the hand of all hating us
”
Spiritual Meaning: “enemies” indicates
the devil Satan; “who hates us” indicates the world that are utilized by the
devil (See John. 15:18-19).
Luke. 1:72 “To perform the mercy
promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant
”
YLT: “To do kindness with
our fathers
And to be mindful of His holy covenant
”
Literal Meaning: “to remember His
holy covenant” “covenant” indicates God’s “promise” to men in His words
there
is little difference between “covenant” and “promise”; the “covenant” comes
into being when oath is added to make sure and seal the “promise” (See v.73).
It shows that promise is first and then the covenant; God’s covenant is
established upon His promise (See Heb. 8:6).
Enlightenment in the Word: God is faithful and He must remember and carry out
“the words that He has promised” to men.
Luke. 1:73 “The oath which He swore
to our father Abraham:”
YLT: “An oath that He
sware to Abraham our father
”
Literal Meaning: “oath” indicates
that God confirms in His Godhood and He must carry out His promise to men.
“Promise” becomes “covenant” after the procedure that God confirms it with oath
(See v.72).
Luke. 1:74 “To grant us that we
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies
Might serve Him without fear
”
YLT: “To give to us
without fear
Out of the hand of our enemies having been delivered
”
Enlightenment in the Word:
Luke. 1:75 “In holiness and
righteousness before Him all the days of our life.”
YLT: “To serve Him
in
holiness and righteousness Before Him
all the days of our life.”
Literal Meaning: “serve Him in
holiness and righteousness” “holiness” indicates piety
uncommon;
“righteousness” indicates equity and ingenuousness; the former is especially
towards God and the latter towards men.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The connection between v.74 and v.75 shows that
we must first be delivered from the hand of Satan (v.74) and then we might live
before God “all the days of our life”.
2) Since we have been saved
the problem is whether
we have lived well before God and served Him well.
Luke. 1:76 “‘And
you
child
will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before
the face of the Lord to prepare His ways
”
YLT: “And thou
child
Prophet of the Highest Shalt thou be called; For thou shalt go before the face
of the Lord
To prepare His ways.”
Meaning of Words: prepare: provide
make ready.
The
Background: when the king was on
a tour of inspection in ancient times
there were a group of people being sent
forward to prepare the way by crying. If the road was rugged or crooked
they
would make the road straight before the king came.
Literal Meaning: “you will go before
the face of the Lord” “the Lord” indicates Jesus Christ; this shows that John
the Baptist would be the forerunner of the Lord Jesus.
“To prepare His ways” Here “His ways”
are not the ways in which we walk; it indicates that the duty of John the
Baptist is to prepare the way for the Lord------make men’s thoughts turn to the
Lord and let the Lord have flat ways to enter men’s hearts for salvation (See
3:4-6).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The chief duty of the Lord’s servants is to
prepare the way for the Lord; any work that could not let the Lord have more
ways to work in men’s hearts could not be accounted to serve the Lord.
2) The Lord’s ways are not the outward teachings
regulations
ways or systems but “men”; if “men” are right
the Lord will have
ways.
Luke. 1:77 “To give knowledge of
salvation to His people By the remission of their sins
”
YLT: “To give knowledge
of salvation to His people In remission of their sins
”
Literal Meaning: this verse shows
that the origin of salvation is the remission of sins because we “have
redemption through His blood
the forgiveness of sins” (Eph. 1:7).
Luke. 1:78 “Through the tender mercy
of our God
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;”
YLT: “Through the tender
mercies of our God
In which the rising from on high did look upon us
”
Spiritual Meaning: “dayspring”
indicates the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (See 2Cor. 4:14).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) If there had not been “the tender mercy of out
God”
no one could know the Savior Christ; God’s mercy and love are the origin
of our being saved.
2) The first step of salvation is lightening and
Christ is the light (See John. 1:4
9; 9:5); the Lord comes
i.e. the light
comes and this is our glad tidings.
Luke. 1:79 “To give light to those
who sit in darkness and the shadow of death
To guide our feet into the way of
peace.’”
YLT: “To give light to
those sitting in darkness and death-shade
To guide our feet to a way of
peace.’”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We were originally “sitting in darkness and the
shadow of death” because our thoughts have been blinded by Satan (See 2Cor.
4:4). Therefore we were in darkness and did not know God or ourselves.
2) Satan makes men not only “sit in darkness” but
also “sit in the shadow of death”; it makes men fell dead
depressed
lifeless
and immovable.
3) The light is the origin of life and the light
brings in life; where there is not light there will be the scene of death.
4) Only the feet of those who have been “lightened”
by the “dayspring” (v.78) could be guided into “the way of peace”.
5) Those who have not been “lightened” by the light
of Christ
no matter they walk in the way of the world or the way of the
Spirit
they could not have “peace”.
6) The more the light of Christ lightens
the more
peaceful our ways are.
Luke. 1:80 “So the child grew and
became strong in spirit
and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation
to
YLT: “And the child grew
and was strengthened in spirit
and he was in the deserts till the day of his
shewing unto
The
Background: around the birth of
the Lord Jesus there were the Essences and they lived precisely
were assiduous
and abstinent
lived in the deserts like hermits and were self-supporting. Some
people held that John the Baptist was one of the Essences and later was called
by God to preach and became the forerunner of Jesus.
Spiritual Meaning: “was in the deserts”
The deserts are the places that are aloof from culture and religion and the
deserts typify the environment in which men are not affected by men’s culture
or religion.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
Knowledge of Jesus
Christ
I. He is the Son of Man------ you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a
Son (v.31a).
II. He came to the world to save
sinners------ and shall call His name JESUS (v.31b; See
Matt. 1:21).
III. He might have the preeminence in all
things------He will be great (v.32a; See Col. 1:18).
IV. He is the Son of God------He will be
called the Son of the Highest (v.32b).
V. He is the king to inherit the
kingdom------the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David (v.32c).
VI. Of His kingdom there will be no end
(v.33; See Rev. 11:15).
How to Manifest
Christ (v.35)
II. One has to manifest Christ by the power
of God------the power of the Highest will overshadow you.
III. One has to manifest Christ by being
separated to God------Holy One who is to be born.
IV. One has to manifest Christ by the life
of God------will be called the Son of God.
Learning to Praise
the Lord from the Praise of Mary
II. My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior
(v.47)------the praise must come out of the enjoyment of the Spirit.
III. He has regarded the lowly state of His
maidservant (v.48)------we should praise Him because of His favor.
IV. He who is mighty has done great things
for me (v.49a)------we should praise Him because of His blessing.
V. Holy is His name (v.49b)------we should
praise because of “His being”.
VI. His mercy is on those who fear Him
(v.50)-----we should praise Him because of His mercy.
VII. He has shown strength with His arm
(v.51)------we should praise Him because of His strength.
VIII. He has exalted the lowly
(v.52)------we should praise Him because of His condescendence.
IX. He has filled the hungry with good
things (v.53)------we should praise Him because of His supply.
X. He has helped His servant
XI. As He spoke to our fathers
to Abraham
and to his seed (v.55)------we should praise Him because of His faithfulness.
Knowing the
Salvation from the Praise of Zacharias
I. We should be saved from the hands of our
enemies (v.71-74)------to make us be delivered from the power of the devil.
II. To grant us to before Him all the days
of our lives (v.75a)------to make us to live before God.
III. Serve Him in holiness and righteousness
(v.75b)------to make us serve God justly.
IV. Go before the face of the Lord to
prepare His ways (v.76)------to make the Lord have flat ways.
V. To give knowledge of salvation to His
people by the remission of their sins (v.77)------to make people that God has
chosen and predestinated know the salvation subjectively through experience.
VI. Through the tender mercy of our God
(v.78a)------the salvation is of God’s mercy.
VII. The Dayspring from on high has visited
us. To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death
(v.78b-79a)------to bring the light of life and remove the shadow of death.
VIII. To guide our feet into the way of
peace (v.79b)------to make us walk on the way of peace.
The Stages for
Christians to Receive Grace
I. Preparation (v.76)------bringing us to
God.
II. Remission of sins (v.77a)------being
reconciled with God.
III. Knowledge (v.77b)------experiencing the
salvation subjectively.
IV. Walking in the way of peace
(v.78-79)------running in the way everlasting.
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Sharon Ren