In the time of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a certain priest, named Zacharias, of the family of Abia, whose wife; nam'd Elizabeth, was of the race of Aaron:

Zacharias startled at the sight and was seized with fear.

but the angel said to Zacharias, don't be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard: and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, whom you shall name John:

But Zacharias said to the angel, by what sign shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife is of a great age.

In the mean time the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wonder'd at his tarrying so long in the temple.

where entring into the house of Zacharias, she saluted Elizabeth.

and on the eighth day were present at the circumcision of the child. but upon their proposing to call him by his father's name, Zacharias: his mother objected to it,

Then Zacharias his father, inspired by the holy spirit, vented his divine enthusiasm in these words.

under the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas, JOHN, the son of Zacharias, received his divine commission in the wilderness.

from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all.