32 Bible Verses about Joy

Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy.

Then he brought them up into his house and prepared a meal for them. So, he and everyone in his household, who had believed in God [and were immersed], rejoiced greatly.

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,

So, what [should I think about the situation]? Just this: I am happy and will continue to be happy that, in every way, Christ is being preached, [regardless of] whether it is in pretense or with sincerity. For I know that, through your requests [in prayer] for me and the help provided by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, this situation will result in my being rescued [i.e., released from imprisonment].

And bring the fattened calf, kill it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves. For my son here was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again. He was lost [from me], but [now] is found.' And they began to celebrate.

And the light of a lamp will never shine in you again. And the voices of the groom and bride will never be heard in you again. For your [retail] merchants were the great men of the earth, and all the nations were deceived by your sorceries.

Be distressed and grieve and cry [over your sins]; your laughter should turn into grieving and your joy [should turn] into sorrow.

It is too bad for you people who have plenty to eat now, because you will be hungry [later on]. It is too bad for you people who are laughing now, because you will grieve and cry [later on].

So, the seventy-two disciples returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the evil spirits submitted to us in your name [i.e., by your authority]."

When he got there and saw how God was favoring the people [with salvation] he was very happy and [stayed on and] encouraged everyone to remain close to the Lord with a heartfelt purpose.

For my son here was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again. He was lost [from me], but [now] is found.' And they began to celebrate.

And not only is this true, but we also rejoice in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have been restored to fellowship with God.

I have great confidence in talking to you; I have great pride in you and I am full of encouragement [over you]. In all of our troubles I am overflowing with joy.

For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

I do not have any greater joy than to hear that my [spiritual] children are living according to the truth.

Truly, truly, I tell you, you will cry and mourn [i.e., over my suffering and death], but the world will be glad [about it]. You will be sad, but your sadness will turn to joy [i.e., when learning of my resurrection].

And pray that I will [be able to] come to you joyfully, if it is God's will, and have a refreshing visit with you.

So, we have been encouraged, and in addition to [our] encouragement, we were very glad that Titus was so happy [also], because you had refreshed his spirit.

So, [i.e., because of your enthusiastic response to this need. See verse 10], we urged Titus, who had previously begun [taking up this collection], to help you also complete this favorable work [i.e., by finalizing it].

For they cheered me up, as they have cheered [or, will cheer] you up [also]. [Note: How these three men did this for Paul and the Corinthians is not known]. You should give recognition to such men.

Be happy and very glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. For they persecuted the prophets [who lived] before you in the same way.

Be happy at that time and jump for joy and realize that your reward in heaven will be great, for the forefathers [i.e., of your corrupt Jewish leaders] treated the prophets the same way.

Remembering how you cried [Note: This was probably when Paul and Timothy last parted], I long to see you [again], so that I can be filled with joy.

We declare to you what we have seen and heard [concerning Christ], so that you also may share a relationship with us. And indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. We are writing to you about these things, so that [together] our joy may be [completely] full.

I have many [more] things to write to you about, but will not do so with paper and ink, since I hope to visit you [soon] and speak to you in person, so that our joy may be complete.

So, my dearly loved brothers, those whom I long to see, [who are] my [reason for] being glad and [who are] my crown of victory; stand firm in [your devotion to] the Lord, my dear ones.

For you people are [indeed] our [occasion for] honor and joy.

So, being convinced of this, I know I will remain [in my body] and continue with all of you for your spiritual progress and joy in the faith,

For we do not have [the right to] rule over your faith [i.e., to dictate concerning your personal relationship with God], but we want to work with you for your happiness. For you are [already] standing firm in your faith. [Note: This whole narrative alludes to some unresolved problems still existing there in Corinth].

sad and yet always joyous; poor and yet making many people [spiritually] rich; destitute and yet possessing everything.

Now I rejoice in [spite of] my sufferings for your sake, and I am filling up [i.e., completing] in my physical body what was lacking in the afflictions Christ endured for His body's sake, the church.

And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, and you made them into a kingdom and a priesthood for [serving] our God, and they will rule on the earth."

So, rejoice, you heavens and you who live there. It is too bad for the earth and for the ocean, because the devil has gone down to you with great rage, knowing that he has [only] a short time left."

sad and yet always joyous; poor and yet making many people [spiritually] rich; destitute and yet possessing everything.

Rejoice in [fellowship with] the Lord all the time. I will say it again: Rejoice!

as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ's [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing.

[You should] obey your leaders [Note: This probably refers to church elders] and submit to their oversight, for they look out for [the welfare of] your souls as men who will give an accounting [for your spiritual progress]. [Be obedient], so that they will be able to do this joyfully and not with sorrow, for that would be unprofitable to you.

[Then] make me completely happy by being like-minded, having the same love [for one another], being united in spirit and having the same purpose.

So, brother, I would like to have your help in [the fellowship of] the Lord; cheer me up in Christ [i.e., by welcoming Onesimus back on good terms].

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in [your relationship to] the Lord. It does not trouble me to write the same things to you again, because you will be safer if I do. [Note: These "same things" may refer to warnings against false teachers which Paul had either spoken to them or written about previously].

as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ's [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing.

So, they were sent on their way with the backing of the [Antioch] church and traveled through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling them about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great rejoicing to all the brothers [who heard about it].

Is there anyone among you who is suffering? [If so], he should pray. Is anyone happy? [Then] he should sing a psalm.

Speak to one another by using psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your hearts to the Lord.

For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real "Jews" in God's eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God's Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation].

and my spirit has rejoiced in God, my Savior.

For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By "crown" Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people? For you people are [indeed] our [occasion for] honor and joy.

For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

For I have much joy and encouragement from [observing] your love, because you have cheered the hearts of the saints [i.e., God's holy people], brother.

"The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person finding a treasure hidden in a field. After finding it, he was so happy he hid it [again], then went out and sold everything he owned so he could buy that field.

And there was much rejoicing in Samaria [over the wonderful effects of Philip's ministry].

For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By "crown" Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people? For you people are [indeed] our [occasion for] honor and joy.

Now, may there be honor and majesty and power to God, who is able to guard you people from stumbling [and falling away from Him, See Gal. 5:4], and [who is able] to place you before His glorious presence without any [moral] blemish, but with great joy.

You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor.

After beating them severely, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailor to have them securely guarded.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the [other] prisoners listened.

Because of this you can be very joyous, even though it is necessary for you to have suffered many trials for a little while.

Consider it [an occasion for] much joy, my brothers, when you experience various trials,

Be happy at that time and jump for joy and realize that your reward in heaven will be great, for the forefathers [i.e., of your corrupt Jewish leaders] treated the prophets the same way.

And the apostles worshiped Jesus, then returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

Then he brought them up into his house and prepared a meal for them. So, he and everyone in his household, who had believed in God [and were immersed], rejoiced greatly.

A large part of the crowd spread their clothing on the roadway; others cut branches from trees and spread them [also] on the roadway. And the crowds that walked ahead and followed behind Him shouted, "Hosanna to the son of David. [Note: The Syriac word 'Hosanna' originally meant 'save now' but came to be used as an expression of welcome, praise, blessing or acclamation]. May He, who comes in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord, be blessed. Hosanna in the highest [i.e., may this blessing reach to the highest heaven]."

Many people spread their clothing on the roadway, while others spread leafy branches, which they had cut from the fields. And the people who walked ahead of Him and followed behind shouted, "Hosanna [Note: The Syriac word 'Hosanna' originally meant 'save now' but came to be used as an expression of welcome, praise, blessing or acclamation], may He who comes in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord, be blessed. May the coming kingdom of our forefather David be blessed. Hosanna in the highest [i.e., may this blessing reach to the highest heaven]."

And every day they continued to meet together in the Temple [i.e., for teaching and worship]. They were enjoying their meals and the close fellowship they shared in the various homes, and were

But the [newly won] disciples [of the Lord] were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

You should be joyful at all times.

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,

sad and yet always joyous; poor and yet making many people [spiritually] rich; destitute and yet possessing everything.

And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of much rushing water, and like the sound of loud thunder. And the sound I heard was like people playing their harps. And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth.

[It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity.

Loved ones, do not be surprised that you people are undergoing extremely difficult trials, as though something strange were happening to you, for it is [only] a test [of your faith]. You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor.

Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, and the sound of much rushing water, and great rolling thunder. They shouted, "Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God Almighty rules.

You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me. Be happy and very glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. For they persecuted the prophets [who lived] before you in the same way.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

For you showed sympathy for those who were in prison and accepted it joyfully when your [own] possessions were taken away, [because] you knew that you yourselves had a better and more permanent possession [in heaven].

If you obey my commandments, [then] you will continue receiving my love; just as I have obeyed my Father's commandments and [so] continue receiving His love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in your hearts, and that your joy may be complete.

For we do not have [the right to] rule over your faith [i.e., to dictate concerning your personal relationship with God], but we want to work with you for your happiness. For you are [already] standing firm in your faith. [Note: This whole narrative alludes to some unresolved problems still existing there in Corinth].

And I wrote you this very thing so that when I did come I might not be grieved by those who should make me happy. I had confidence in all of you, that whatever makes me happy [also] makes you happy.

His master replied, 'Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, so I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master's joy.'

Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."

So, they left the grave site quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to give the message to His disciples.

And when they saw the star, they were extremely happy.

May God, [the source] of hope, fill you with complete joy and peace as you believe [in Christ], so that you may have an abundance of hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Be joyful as you hope [i.e., for future blessings]. Persevere in spite of the troubles you experience. Continue steadfastly in prayer.

And when they saw the star, they were extremely happy.

May God, [the source] of hope, fill you with complete joy and peace as you believe [in Christ], so that you may have an abundance of hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And pray that I will [be able to] come to you joyfully, if it is God's will, and have a refreshing visit with you.

We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, "our"] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God's throne.

We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, "our"] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God's throne.

For God's kingdom is not a matter of what people eat or drink, but [instead, it is a matter] of doing what is right, having peace [of heart] and having [inner] joy, which come from the Holy Spirit.

You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor.

And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for look, I am bringing good news that will cause great joy to all people. For a Savior has been born today in David's city [i.e., Bethlehem], who is Christ the Lord [i.e., God's specially chosen one].

Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy.

Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy.

And when he gets home, he calls his friends and neighbors together and says to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I found my sheep that was lost.' I tell you that, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinful person who repents [i.e., changes his heart and life], than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent.

And the news about [what was being done by] these people reached the church in Jerusalem, so that they sent Barnabas to Antioch [in Syria]. When he got there and saw how God was favoring the people [with salvation] he was very happy and [stayed on and] encouraged everyone to remain close to the Lord with a heartfelt purpose.

So, he got up and went to his father. But while he was still some distance [from the house], his father saw him and felt deep pity [for him], so ran and embraced him and kissed him [enthusiastically]. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against [the God of] heaven and against you. I do not deserve to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. read more.
And bring the fattened calf, kill it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves. For my son here was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again. He was lost [from me], but [now] is found.' And they began to celebrate. Now the father's older son was [out] in the field. And when he came in and got close to the house he heard music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants to him and asked what was going on. And the servant said to him, 'Your brother has come [home] and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he welcomed him back safe [from harm].' But the older son got angry and refused to go into [the house]. So, his father came out and pleaded with him [i.e., to come in and join the celebration]. But he replied to his father, 'Look, I have served you [as a slave] for all these years and have never disobeyed any of your orders, yet you never gave me [even] a young goat, so I could enjoy myself with my friends. But when this son of yours came [home], after having squandered all you gave him on prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.' And the father replied, 'Son, you are always [here] with me, and everything I have is yours. But it was [only] proper that we celebrate and have a good time, for this brother of yours was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again; he was lost [from me] but [now] is found.'"

"And now, look, I am going to Jerusalem, impelled by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me [when I get] there, except that the Holy Spirit reveals to me in every city [I visit] that chains and persecutions await me there. But I do not consider my life to be of value, as precious to me, [when compared to the importance of] accomplishing my task and the mission I received from the Lord Jesus to declare the good news of God's unearned favor [through Christ].

In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels [i.e., in heaven ?] over one sinful person who repents." Then Jesus said, "A certain man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, [please] give me my share of your property that I have coming.' So, the father divided up what he had to live on [with his two sons]. read more.
And a few days later, this younger son gathered everything together and traveled to a distant country where he squandered his possessions in wild living. And when he had spent everything [he had], a severe famine occurred in that country and he became desperate for food. So, he went to work for one of the citizens of that country who sent him to his fields to feed his hogs. Now he wanted to fill his stomach with the [carob] pods the hogs were eating, but no one gave him any [or perhaps, anything else]. But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread to eat, and here I am, dying from hunger! I will get up and go to my father and say to him, Father, I have sinned against [the God of] heaven and against you. I do not deserve to be called your son [anymore]. Consider me as [just] one of your hired servants.' So, he got up and went to his father. But while he was still some distance [from the house], his father saw him and felt deep pity [for him], so ran and embraced him and kissed him [enthusiastically]. Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against [the God of] heaven and against you. I do not deserve to be called your son.' But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And bring the fattened calf, kill it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves. For my son here was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again. He was lost [from me], but [now] is found.' And they began to celebrate. Now the father's older son was [out] in the field. And when he came in and got close to the house he heard music and dancing. So, he called one of the servants to him and asked what was going on. And the servant said to him, 'Your brother has come [home] and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he welcomed him back safe [from harm].' But the older son got angry and refused to go into [the house]. So, his father came out and pleaded with him [i.e., to come in and join the celebration]. But he replied to his father, 'Look, I have served you [as a slave] for all these years and have never disobeyed any of your orders, yet you never gave me [even] a young goat, so I could enjoy myself with my friends. But when this son of yours came [home], after having squandered all you gave him on prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.' And the father replied, 'Son, you are always [here] with me, and everything I have is yours. But it was [only] proper that we celebrate and have a good time, for this brother of yours was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again; he was lost [from me] but [now] is found.'"

But now I am coming to you, and I am speaking these things [while still] in the world, so that they [i.e., the apostles] may have my joy within them in all its fullness.

And the apostles worshiped Jesus, then returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

Up until now you have not asked for anything in my name. [So now] ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

Then he brought them up into his house and prepared a meal for them. So, he and everyone in his household, who had believed in God [and were immersed], rejoiced greatly.

But I do not consider my life to be of value, as precious to me, [when compared to the importance of] accomplishing my task and the mission I received from the Lord Jesus to declare the good news of God's unearned favor [through Christ].

And every day they continued to meet together in the Temple [i.e., for teaching and worship]. They were enjoying their meals and the close fellowship they shared in the various homes, and were praising God and enjoying favor with all the people [of the area]. And every day the Lord added to their number [i.e., to the church] those who were being saved [i.e., upon their obedience to the Gospel].

Simeon took Jesus in his arms, praised God and said, "Master, you may now allow your servant to be released [i.e., die] in peace, according to what you said. For my eyes have seen your salvation [i.e., Jesus], read more.
which [i.e., whom] you have prepared before all people [i.e., for their benefit], [to be] a light for revealing [God's way of salvation] to the [unconverted] Gentiles, and a [source of] glory to your people, the Israelites."

Then his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, "May the Lord be praised, [who is] the God of the Israelites, for He has come to [the aid of] His people and bought them back [i.e., from bondage]. He has provided a horn of salvation [i.e., His saving strength] for us from a descendant of His servant King David [i.e., Jesus, born of Mary] read more.
(as He spoke through the message of the holy prophets of long ago). [He has provided] salvation from our enemies, and from the [destructive] hand of all those who hate us, in order to show mercy to our forefathers and to remember His holy Agreement. [This Agreement was] the oath by which He swore to Abraham, our forefather, that we would be delivered from the [destructive] hand of our enemies and [then] serve Him without fear by living holy and righteous lives before Him all of our days. Yes, you [my] child [i.e., John], will be called the prophet of the Highest [i.e., God], for you will go ahead of the Lord's presence to prepare His ways. And [you will] provide the knowledge of salvation to His people, by [granting them] the forgiveness of their sins because of God's merciful compassion. Therefore, the morning sun from above will arise to shine on those who are sitting in darkness and [are under] the shadow of death, and to direct our feet into the way of peace."

Then Mary said, "My soul lifts up the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God, my Savior. For He has looked favorably on the humble circumstances of His servant-girl. And consider this, all generations of people will call me 'blessed' from now on. read more.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy. He shows mercy to generation after generation of people who have reverence for Him. He has demonstrated power with His arm. He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has dethroned rulers and has exalted humble people. He has filled the hungry with good things and has sent the rich away empty-handed. (As He said to our forefathers), He has helped His servants, the Israelites, [showing] that He remembered to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever." So, Mary stayed with [her relative] Elizabeth for about three months [i.e., until about the time John was born. See 1:26-31], and then returned to her home.

In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels [i.e., in heaven ?] over one sinful person who repents."

I tell you that, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinful person who repents [i.e., changes his heart and life], than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent.

Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."

I have said these things to you so that you can have peace in [fellowship with] me. You will have trouble in the world, but cheer up, for I have conquered the world."

Through Jesus we have also gained access by [our] faith to this unearned favor [of God]. We stand firm in it, and are glad that we have the hope of being honored by God.

Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23]."

At that very time Jesus rejoiced in [the power of] the Holy Spirit, and said [in prayer], "I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you concealed these things [i.e., His divine revelations] from those [claiming to be] wise and intelligent and have revealed them to babies [i.e., to simple, sincere, common people]. Yes, Father, this was pleasing to you.

But now I am coming to you, and I am speaking these things [while still] in the world, so that they [i.e., the apostles] may have my joy within them in all its fullness.

I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in your hearts, and that your joy may be complete.

Truly, truly, I tell you, you will cry and mourn [i.e., over my suffering and death], but the world will be glad [about it]. You will be sad, but your sadness will turn to joy [i.e., when learning of my resurrection].

When the apostles left the Council meeting, they were rejoicing over being considered worthy to suffer [such] shame for the name [of Jesus].

I tell you that, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinful person who repents [i.e., changes his heart and life], than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent.

You have made known to me what life is all about. You will make me completely happy by your very presence.'

So, they were sent on their way with the backing of the [Antioch] church and traveled through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling them about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great rejoicing to all the brothers [who heard about it].

and my spirit has rejoiced in God, my Savior.

Already the person who is harvesting [the crop] is being paid for his work, and is gathering a crop for never ending life, so that the one planting and the one harvesting [the crop] may rejoice together.

Be distressed and grieve and cry [over your sins]; your laughter should turn into grieving and your joy [should turn] into sorrow.

Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy. Your faith will [finally] bring about the salvation of your souls.

In the days of King Herod, of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias of the "Abijah" division. He had a wife named Elizabeth who was a descendant of Aaron. They both did what was right in God's sight [by] living blamelessly according to all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was unable to bear offspring due to their both being very old. read more.
Now it happened that when Zacharias' turn came in his division, to perform his customary duties as a priest before God, he drew the responsibility [that day] of entering the Temple of the Lord to burn the incense offering. [Note: This was done on a golden Altar in the Temple by a priest twice a day]. There was a whole crowd of people praying outside because it was the time for burning the incense offering. Just then an angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the incense altar. Zacharias became disturbed when he saw the angel and was gripped by fear. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid Zacharias, for your earnest prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son and you will name him John. And you will have joy and happiness and many people will rejoice when he is born. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and he will not drink any wine or intoxicating drinks [Note: This restriction suggests that John may have taken the special vow of consecration making him a "Nazarite"]. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born. And he will influence many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. He will go on ahead of the Messiah [See verse 76], in the spirit and power of Elijah, to rekindle the affections of fathers for their children, and [to influence] disobedient people to live wisely like righteous people. And he will prepare the people to be ready for [the coming of] the Lord." And Zacharias said to the angel, "How will I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is [also] very old." The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And consider this, you will [have to] remain a mute and be unable to speak until the day when these things happen because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in due time." Now the people who waited [outside] for Zacharias were very surprised that he was staying in the Temple so long. And when he [finally] came out, he was not able to talk to them. Then they realized he had seen a vision while in the Temple. So, he remained a mute and had to make [hand] signs to them [i.e., in order to be understood]. And so it happened, when he had completed the [required] days of his ministry, he went home. After those days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and she stayed in seclusion for five months, saying, "The Lord has done this for me, and at this time [in my life] He has favored me by removing the stigma placed on me by people [i.e., for not having children]." Now in the sixth month [of Elizabeth's pregnancy] the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the Galilean town of Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you are someone greatly favored [i.e., by God]; the Lord is with you." But she became very troubled by what he said and wondered what such a greeting could mean. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have received favor from God. And consider this, you will become pregnant and give birth to a son and you will name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest [i.e., God], and the Lord will give Him the throne of His forefather King David. And He will rule over the [spiritual] descendants of Jacob forever and there will be no end to His kingdom." And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have never had sex with a man?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest [i.e., God] will overshadow you. Therefore, the child you carry will be called the holy Son of God. And consider this, your relative Elizabeth is also pregnant with a son in spite of her old age, and [even though] she was said to be unable to have children, she is now six months along. For nothing that God says [will happen] is impossible." And Mary said, "Here I am, the Lord's slave-girl; let it happen to me according to what you say." Then the angel left her. About that time Mary made a hurried trip to a Judean town in the hill country. [Note: This was be the same province in which Jerusalem was located]. [Upon arriving] she entered the home of Zacharias and greeted [his wife] Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth heard Mary greet her, the baby in Elizabeth's womb "kicked," and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out in a loud voice and said, " [Mary], you are [truly] blessed [from] among [all] women, and the child you will bear [i.e., Jesus] is blessed [as well]. But why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to [visit] me? For listen, when I heard your voice greeting me, the baby in my womb "kicked" for joy.

So, they were sent on their way with the backing of the [Antioch] church and traveled through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling them about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great rejoicing to all the brothers [who heard about it].

And when he finds it, he places it on his shoulders [i.e., to return it], and is so glad.

And there was much rejoicing in Samaria [over the wonderful effects of Philip's ministry].

So, when the apostles and the brothers from Judea heard these things, they stopped arguing [See verse 2] and gave honor to God, saying, "[This means] that God has permitted the Gentiles also [as well as the Jews] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] so they, too, could have [the promise of never ending] life."

And they were there in the Temple [area] continually praising God [i.e., for the next ten days. See Acts 2].

So, the seventy-two disciples returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the evil spirits submitted to us in your name [i.e., by your authority]."

And while they still could not believe [i.e., or, could hardly believe], out of joy and wonderment, Jesus said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"

And when she recognized Peter's voice [speaking to her from outside], she ran back in [to where the prayer group was assembled] without even opening the door, and joyously told them that it was Peter [knocking].

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the [other] prisoners listened.

[It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity.