Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abstinence » Total abstinence » Strong Drink » John the baptist a total abstainer
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
Total abstinence » From intoxicating beverages
Do not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to desire strong drink.
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
Jehovah said to Aaron: Never drink beer or wine when you or your sons enter the sacred tent. If you do, you will die right there! This is a long lasting law from generation to generation. You must learn the difference (distinction) between what is holy and what is not holy and between the clean and the unclean.
Nazirites must never drink wine, liquor, vinegar made from wine or liquor, or any kind of grape juice. They must never eat fresh grapes or raisins. As long as they are Nazirites they must never eat anything that comes from a grapevine, not even grape seeds or skins.
Jehovah's angel answered: Your wife must be sure to do everything I told her. She must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine. She must not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. She must do everything I told her to do.
The drinking was in keeping with the law. No one was forced: for the king gave orders to all the chief servants of his house to do as was pleasing to every man.
Do not associate with drunkards or gluttons.
Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it shines in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.
But they answered: No! The ancestor of our clan, Jonadab son of Rechab, made a rule that we must obey. He said: 'Do not ever drink wine or build houses or plant crops and vineyards. Instead, you must always live in tents and move from place to place. If you obey this command, you will live a long time.' We have obeyed all the instructions that Jonadab gave us. We never drink wine, and neither do our wives, our sons, or our daughters.
Jonadab, Rechab's son, ordered his descendants not to drink wine. This order has been carried out. His descendants have not drunk any wine to this day, because they have obeyed their ancestor's order. I have spoken to you again and again, but you have refused to listen to me.
Total abstinence » Instances of » John the baptist
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
John the Baptist came fasting and drinking no wine and you say he has a demon.
Angel (a spirit) » Appearances of » To zacharias
God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. read more.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this.
The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. read more.
She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11)
She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11)
Angel (a spirit) » Functions of » Announces the birth of john the baptist
God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. read more.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this.
Barrenness » Miraculously removed, instances of » Elisabeth
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. They blamelessly obeyed all the commandments and ordinances of God (Greek: kurios: God). They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years. read more.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11)
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11)
Children » Early piety of » John the baptist
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
Elisabeth (elizabeth) » The wife of zacharias and the mother of john the baptist
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. They blamelessly obeyed all the commandments and ordinances of God (Greek: kurios: God). They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years. read more.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11) The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11) Mary traveled with haste to the city of Judah in the hill country. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elisabeth. When Elisabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. She shouted loudly: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When I heard your greeting the baby leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she that believes. That which God spoke will be fulfilled. Mary said: My life magnifies Jehovah my God. (1 Samuel 2:1) My heart and mind rejoice in God my Savior. He has looked on the low position of his servant. All generations from now on will call me blessed. He that is mighty has done great things to me. Holy is his name. His mercy is to all generations for all who respect him. He shows strength with his arm. He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their heart. He removes rulers from their thrones and exalts the humble. He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty handed. He has helped Israel his servant that he might remember mercy. He spoke to our fathers. To Abraham and his seed forever. Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months, and returned to her house. Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth. She gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they circumcised the child. They planned to call him Zechariah, after the name of the father. His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11) The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11) Mary traveled with haste to the city of Judah in the hill country. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elisabeth. When Elisabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. She shouted loudly: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When I heard your greeting the baby leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she that believes. That which God spoke will be fulfilled. Mary said: My life magnifies Jehovah my God. (1 Samuel 2:1) My heart and mind rejoice in God my Savior. He has looked on the low position of his servant. All generations from now on will call me blessed. He that is mighty has done great things to me. Holy is his name. His mercy is to all generations for all who respect him. He shows strength with his arm. He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their heart. He removes rulers from their thrones and exalts the humble. He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty handed. He has helped Israel his servant that he might remember mercy. He spoke to our fathers. To Abraham and his seed forever. Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months, and returned to her house. Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth. She gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they circumcised the child. They planned to call him Zechariah, after the name of the father. His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John.
Gabriel » Appeared to » Zacharias
God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. read more.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news.
God, greatness of » True, general references to
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
The greatest among you will be your servant.
Whoever disobeys even the least of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand whoever obeys and teaches others to obey the Law will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
But it will not be so among you. He who will be great among you must be your servant.
Holy spirit » The comforter » Filling saints
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him,
When they prayed, the place where they assembled together was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Jesus was full of God's Holy Spirit when he returned from the Jordan. Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Holy spirit » Baptism of » Men filled with
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him,
When they prayed, the place where they assembled together was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Jesus was full of God's Holy Spirit when he returned from the Jordan. Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
John » Mission of
Paul said: John baptized with the baptism of repentance. He told the people they should believe in Jesus, the one who came after John.
This was according to the words of Isaiah the prophet: The voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make ready the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled. Every mountain and hill shall be brought low. The crooked shall become straight and the rough ways smooth. All flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Isaiah 40:3-6)
The prophet Isaiah wrote: I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of Jehovah (YHWH), make his paths straight. (Isaiah 40:3) John the Baptist was in the desert (wilderness) telling people to repent (turn away from sin) and be baptized for forgiveness of sins. read more.
People from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. John was clothed in camel's hair with a leather belt about his loins. He ate locusts and wild honey. He told the people: The man who comes after me is greater than I am. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie his shoes. I baptized (immersed) you with water, but he will baptize (Greek: baptizo: immerse, submerge) you with Holy Spirit.
People from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. John was clothed in camel's hair with a leather belt about his loins. He ate locusts and wild honey. He told the people: The man who comes after me is greater than I am. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie his shoes. I baptized (immersed) you with water, but he will baptize (Greek: baptizo: immerse, submerge) you with Holy Spirit.
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1)
Your child will be called the prophet of the Most High. You will go in advance of Jehovah God to make his ways ready. (Malachi 3:1) To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sins. A rising of light will visit us from on high because of the tender mercy of our God. read more.
The light will shine on them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. It will guide our feet into the way of peace.
The light will shine on them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. It will guide our feet into the way of peace.
He came to tell (witness) (testify) about the light and help people have faith. Not being the light he came to give a witness of it.
John spoke about him and declared: He is the one I said would come after me. He is greater than I am because he lived before me.
They said to him: Who are you? We need to know so we can tell the ones who sent us. He said: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Isaiah the prophet said: 'Make straight the way of Jehovah (YHWH).' (Isaiah 40:3) They were sent from the Pharisees. read more.
They said to him: Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the prophet? John answered: I baptize in water. There is one in your midst whom you do not know. I am not worthy to fasten his shoes. These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
They said to him: Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the prophet? John answered: I baptize in water. There is one in your midst whom you do not know. I am not worthy to fasten his shoes. These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
I did not know him. I came baptizing in water so that everyone in Israel will come to know him. John said: I saw the spirit descending as a dove out of heaven upon him. I did not know he was the one. God sent me to baptize in water and said: 'You will see one upon whom the spirit descends. The same is he who baptizes in Holy Spirit.' read more.
I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.
I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.
There is another who testifies about me. I know that his evidence about me is true. You sent people to John the Baptist and he has witnessed about the truth. The testimony I receive is not from man. However I say these things that you may be saved. read more.
He was the lamp that burns and shines. You were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.
He was the lamp that burns and shines. You were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.
Before Jesus came John preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. As John accomplished his purpose he asked: Who do you think I am? I am not that one. One comes after me whose shoes I am not worthy to untie.
John » The baptist » Prophecies concerning
A voice of one calling: In the wilderness prepare the way for Jehovah. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Behold! I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible Day of Jehovah comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers and bring them together again before I come and strike the earth with destruction (a curse).
God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. read more.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1)
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1)
John » A nazarite
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
John the Baptist came fasting and drinking no wine and you say he has a demon.
John » Miraculous birth of
God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. read more.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this.
You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this.
Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth. She gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they circumcised the child. They planned to call him Zechariah, after the name of the father. read more.
His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John. They all said: None of your relatives are called by this name. They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They were all amazed. Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God. Everyone nearby was in fear. These accounts spread abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea.
His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John. They all said: None of your relatives are called by this name. They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They were all amazed. Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God. Everyone nearby was in fear. These accounts spread abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea.
Joy » Instances of » Of elisabeth, when mary visited her
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. They blamelessly obeyed all the commandments and ordinances of God (Greek: kurios: God). They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years. read more.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11) The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11) Mary traveled with haste to the city of Judah in the hill country. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elisabeth. When Elisabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. She shouted loudly: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When I heard your greeting the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11) The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11) Mary traveled with haste to the city of Judah in the hill country. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elisabeth. When Elisabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. She shouted loudly: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When I heard your greeting the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
Nazarite » Instances of » John the baptist
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
John the Baptist came fasting and drinking no wine and you say he has a demon.
Nazarites » Different kinds of » From the womb
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
After your son is born never cut his hair. This is because from the day of his birth he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite. He will begin the work of delivering Israel from the Philistines.
Nazarites » Prohibited from » Wine or strong drink
Nazirites must never drink wine, liquor, vinegar made from wine or liquor, or any kind of grape juice. They must never eat fresh grapes or raisins.
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
Social duties » Total abstinence from strong drink » John the baptist a total abstainer
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
Spirit » Filled (men)
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him,
When they prayed, the place where they assembled together was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Jesus was full of God's Holy Spirit when he returned from the Jordan. Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Temperance » Total abstinence » John the baptist a total abstainer
He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth.
Temple » Herod the great's temple » Zacharias, officiating priest in, has a vision of an angel; receives promise of a son
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. They blamelessly obeyed all the commandments and ordinances of God (Greek: kurios: God). They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years. read more.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home.
Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth. She gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they circumcised the child. They planned to call him Zechariah, after the name of the father. read more.
His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John. They all said: None of your relatives are called by this name. They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They were all amazed. Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God.
His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John. They all said: None of your relatives are called by this name. They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They were all amazed. Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God.
Vision » Of zacharias » In the temple
Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. read more.
Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them.
Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them.
Zacharias (zechariah) » The father of john the baptist
This was in the time when Annas and Caiaphas were chief priests. The word of God was delivered to John the son of Zechariah. He was in the wilderness.
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a priest named Zechariah. He was of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God. They blamelessly obeyed all the commandments and ordinances of God (Greek: kurios: God). They had no child for Elizabeth was barren and they both were well advanced in years. read more.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11) The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11) Mary traveled with haste to the city of Judah in the hill country. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elisabeth. When Elisabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. She shouted loudly: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When I heard your greeting the baby leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she that believes. That which God spoke will be fulfilled. Mary said: My life magnifies Jehovah my God. (1 Samuel 2:1) My heart and mind rejoice in God my Savior. He has looked on the low position of his servant. All generations from now on will call me blessed. He that is mighty has done great things to me. Holy is his name. His mercy is to all generations for all who respect him. He shows strength with his arm. He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their heart. He removes rulers from their thrones and exalts the humble. He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty handed. He has helped Israel his servant that he might remember mercy. He spoke to our fathers. To Abraham and his seed forever. Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months, and returned to her house. Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth. She gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they circumcised the child. They planned to call him Zechariah, after the name of the father. His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John. They all said: None of your relatives are called by this name. They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They were all amazed. Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God. Everyone nearby was in fear. These accounts spread abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. All that heard them wondered in their heart, saying, What will this child be? For the hand of Jehovah was with him. His father Zechariah was filled with Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel. He has visited his people and brought them redemption. (Psalm 72:18) He raised up a horn of salvation (power of deliverance) for us in the house of his servant David He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from ages past. He provided salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. He shows mercy towards our fathers and remembers his holy covenant. It was the oath he spoke to Abraham our father. He gave us deliverance out of the hand of our enemies so we could serve him without fear. May we serve in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Your child will be called the prophet of the Most High. You will go in advance of Jehovah God to make his ways ready. (Malachi 3:1) To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sins. A rising of light will visit us from on high because of the tender mercy of our God. The light will shine on them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. It will guide our feet into the way of peace. The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.
He faithfully executed the priest's duties before God. The custom was to draw lots to see who served in the temple. It was his turn to enter into the temple of God and burn incense. The whole crowd of people prayed outside at the hour of incense. God's angel appeared to him when he was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled. When he saw the angel he was filled with fear. Have no fear Zechariah, said the angel, for God has heard your prayer. Your wife Elisabeth will have a son and his name will be John. You will be filled with joy, and many will be happy at his birth. He will be great in the eyes of God. He will not drink wine or strong drink and he will be full of Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Great numbers of the children of Israel will return to Jehovah their God because of him. (1 Samuel 7:3) He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and wrongdoers to the way of righteousness. This will make ready a people whose hearts have been directed to Jehovah (YHWH). (Malachi 3:1) Zechariah asked: How might I be certain of this for my wife and I are old? The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news. You will be without voice or language till the day when these things happen. Your lack of faith in what I say has caused this. The people were waiting for Zechariah. They were surprised he was in the Temple for such a long time. When he came out he could not speak to them. They realized he saw a vision in the temple. Instead of talking he made signs to them. When the days of his priestly service ended he went home. His wife Elisabeth became pregnant. She remained in seclusion for five months. She said: This is the way God has dealt with me by taking away my reproach among men. (1 Samuel 1:11) The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11) Mary traveled with haste to the city of Judah in the hill country. She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elisabeth. When Elisabeth heard the greeting from Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. Elisabeth was filled with Holy Spirit. She shouted loudly: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord should come to me? When I heard your greeting the baby leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she that believes. That which God spoke will be fulfilled. Mary said: My life magnifies Jehovah my God. (1 Samuel 2:1) My heart and mind rejoice in God my Savior. He has looked on the low position of his servant. All generations from now on will call me blessed. He that is mighty has done great things to me. Holy is his name. His mercy is to all generations for all who respect him. He shows strength with his arm. He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their heart. He removes rulers from their thrones and exalts the humble. He fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty handed. He has helped Israel his servant that he might remember mercy. He spoke to our fathers. To Abraham and his seed forever. Mary stayed with Elisabeth about three months, and returned to her house. Now it was time for Elisabeth to give birth. She gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah magnified his mercy towards her; and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they circumcised the child. They planned to call him Zechariah, after the name of the father. His mother spoke up and said: He shall be called John. They all said: None of your relatives are called by this name. They made signs to his father, what he would have him called. He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, His name is John. They were all amazed. Immediately his tongue loosed, his mouth opened and he spoke, blessing God. Everyone nearby was in fear. These accounts spread abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. All that heard them wondered in their heart, saying, What will this child be? For the hand of Jehovah was with him. His father Zechariah was filled with Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel. He has visited his people and brought them redemption. (Psalm 72:18) He raised up a horn of salvation (power of deliverance) for us in the house of his servant David He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from ages past. He provided salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. He shows mercy towards our fathers and remembers his holy covenant. It was the oath he spoke to Abraham our father. He gave us deliverance out of the hand of our enemies so we could serve him without fear. May we serve in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Your child will be called the prophet of the Most High. You will go in advance of Jehovah God to make his ways ready. (Malachi 3:1) To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the remission of their sins. A rising of light will visit us from on high because of the tender mercy of our God. The light will shine on them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. It will guide our feet into the way of peace. The child grew and became spiritually strong. He lived in the deserts till the time came to show himself to Israel.