Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Agency » In salvation of men
God does speak, now one-way and then another, though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, read more.
that turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride. It is to preserve him from the pit and keep his life from perishing by the sword. On the other hand a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones. His very being finds food repulsive and he loathes the choicest meal. His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now stick out. He draws near to the pit and to the messengers of death. Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say: 'Spare him from going down to the pit. I have found a ransom for him!' His flesh is renewed like a child's. It is restored as in the days of his youth. He prays to God and finds favor with him. He sees God's face and shouts for joy! God restores him to his righteous state. He comes to men and says: 'I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved.' He redeemed me from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light. God does all these things to a man twice, even three times. He turns him back from the pit that the light of life may shine on him.
that turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride. It is to preserve him from the pit and keep his life from perishing by the sword. On the other hand a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones. His very being finds food repulsive and he loathes the choicest meal. His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now stick out. He draws near to the pit and to the messengers of death. Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say: 'Spare him from going down to the pit. I have found a ransom for him!' His flesh is renewed like a child's. It is restored as in the days of his youth. He prays to God and finds favor with him. He sees God's face and shouts for joy! God restores him to his righteous state. He comes to men and says: 'I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved.' He redeemed me from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light. God does all these things to a man twice, even three times. He turns him back from the pit that the light of life may shine on him.
From the mouths of little children and infants, you have built a fortress against your opponents to silence the enemy and the avenger.
He said to them: Follow me and I will teach you to catch people.
You are the salt of the earth. If its taste goes away, how will you restore it? It is good for nothing. All you can do is throw it on the ground and walk on it. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill may be seen by all. A light is not placed under a cover. To the contrary, it is placed on a table so all may see. read more.
Likewise, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Likewise, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
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)
So were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon: Do not fear. From now on you will catch men.
The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.
In that same hour he rejoiced in Holy Spirit and said: I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you did hide these things from the wise and the understanding and revealed them to babes. Father, it is pleasing in your sight.
You did not choose me. I chose you and appointed you. You should go and bear fruit and your fruit should remain. Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Consider your calling, brothers. Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. Instead God chose the foolish things of the world to confuse (shame) the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to confuse (shame) the things that are mighty. God also chose the base things of the world, and things which are despised, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are. read more.
No human being should boast before God.
No human being should boast before God.
We always speak, as God wants us to. He has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives (examines our hearts).
Sound teaching (doctrine) is according to the good news of the glory of the blessed (happy) God. This was committed to my trust.
O Timothy, guard that which is committed to you. Turn away from the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from opposition and from false knowledge.
let him know, that he who turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save a person from death, and cover a multitude of sins.
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)
Elijah » Antitype of john the baptist
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)
If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
His disciples asked him: Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? In answer he said: Elijah truly has to come and put all things right. I tell you that Elijah has come. They did not know him and treated him badly as they pleased. They will do the same with the Son of man.
He said: Elijah does come first and restores all things. It is written that the Son of man should suffer and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has come. They have done to him what ever they wished just as it is written about him.
They asked him: Are you Elijah? He said: I am not. Are you the prophet? He answered: No. 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) read more.
They were sent from the Pharisees. They said to him: Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the prophet?
They were sent from the Pharisees. They said to him: Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, not Elijah, and not the prophet?
Elijah » Piety of
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)
Elijah was a man of like passions with us. He prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
He said: I have been zealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts. The children of Israel have not kept your agreement (covenant). They have destroyed your altars. They killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I, am the only one living. Now they seek to take my life too.
He replied: I have been very zealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts. The children of Israel have not kept your agreement. They have torn down your altars. They killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I, am the only one living. Now they seek to take my life.
God has not rejected his people whom he first knew. Do you remember what the Scripture says about Elijah? How he made intercession to God against 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 » People of general references to » Prepared for service
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)
Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
Jews, the » Called God's people » Prepared for service
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)
Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
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 » 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.
John the baptist » Characteristics of » Called the "forerunner" of Christ
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)
Behold, I send my messenger! He will prepare the way before me. Seek Jehovah! He will suddenly come to his Temple along with the messenger of the covenant. He is one you desire, behold, he comes, said Jehovah of Hosts.
This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.'
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)
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.
divine Messenger » John the baptist as » Called the "forerunner" of Christ
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)
Behold, I send my messenger! He will prepare the way before me. Seek Jehovah! He will suddenly come to his Temple along with the messenger of the covenant. He is one you desire, behold, he comes, said Jehovah of Hosts.
This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.'
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)
God's People » General references to » Prepared for service
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)
Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
Preparation » For blessings spiritual preparation, steps required in » Returning unto the lord
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)
Preparation » Spiritual » Returning unto the lord
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)
Spiritual » Preparation steps required in » Returning unto the lord
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)
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.