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J.C. Ryle · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Ryle - Christianity is a religion built upon facts. Let us never lose sight of this. It came before mankind at first in this shape. The first preachers did not go up and down the world, proclaiming an elaborate, artificial system of abstruse doctrines and deep principles. They made it their first business to tell men great plain facts. They went about telling a sin-laden world, that the Son of God had come down to earth, and lived for us, and died for us, and risen again. The Gospel, at its first publication, was far more simple than many make it now. It was neither more nor less than the history of Christ. Mark Moore - Of the four Gospels, Luke alone states his purpose in an introductory paragraph. So, we will begin with him. These first four verses make up one long, carefully constructed sentence in Greek. In fact, some think that it is the finest Greek sentence in all the NT. That is interesting since the rest of chapters 1-2 are filled with Aramaic-type phrases and are not "pure" Greek. What we have then is a formal introduction in verses one to four where Luke "struts his stuff." However, he then uses idioms appropriate to his subject matter in the material that follows. He is a literary genius. We discover right away in Luke that our intellects are in for a treat! (See context in The Chronological Life of Christ) In as much (1895)(epeideper from epeidḗ = since, and per = truly) is a conjunction since indeed, considering that, whereas, usually referring to a fact already known. It is a classical term meaning "'inasmuch as' with reference to a fact already well known." Friberg adds that it is "a causal conjunction with reference to a well-known fact." Epeideper is a reference to something which is already known to the reader, in this case to Theophilus. Abbott-Smith says that it is "a stately compound, frequent in classics and suitable for the formal introduction of Luke" BDAG adds it is an "intensified form of epeide, a marker of cause or reason." Lk 1:1 is the only use in the NT. Dr Luke uses epeideper to introduce the reason for his Gospel account. Bock on epeideper - The conditional term epeidēper, (inasmuch as) is usually causally related to the action of the main clause: “since many have undertaken” (BDF §456.3). Those accounts laid the groundwork for why Luke writes. Ancient writers loved to show that what they were doing had precedents." (See Luke: BECNT) Epeideper is "a triple compound particle (“since,” “truly,” “indeed”) expressing cause with reference to a fact already well known. (Cleon Rogers in The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament)
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Ryle adds that regarding the question of who and what were Luke's sources it is "Enough for us to know that Luke wrote by inspiration of God. Unquestionably he did not neglect the ordinary means of getting knowledge. But the Holy Spirit guided him, no less than all other writers of the Bible, in his choice of matter. The Holy Spirit supplied him with thoughts, arrangement, sentences, and even words. And the result is, that what Luke wrote is not to be read as the "word of man," but the "word of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:13.) Let us carefully hold fast the great doctrine of the plenary inspiration of every word of the Bible. Let us never allow that any writer of the Old or New Testament could make even the slightest verbal mistake or error, when, writing as he was "moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21+) Let it be a settled principle with us in reading the Bible, that when we cannot understand a passage, or reconcile it with some other passage, the fault is not in the Book, but in ourselves. The adoption of this principle will place our feet upon a rock. To give it up is to stand upon a quicksand, and to fill our minds with endless uncertainties and doubts.....Let us close the passage with thankfulness for the Bible. Let us bless God daily that we are not left dependent on man's traditions, and need not be led astray by ministers' mistakes. We have a written volume, which is "able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15+) Let us begin Luke's Gospel with an earnest desire to know more ourselves of the truth as it is in Jesus, and with a hearty determination (ENABLED BY HIS SPIRIT) to do what in us lies to spread the knowledge of that truth throughout the world. (Luke Commentary) Darrell Bock - The early origin of oral and written traditions for the life of Jesus provides evidence against three common claims among skeptics: (1) that vital biographical data about Jesus was lost before anyone managed to pen the Gospels, (2) that Jesus was an obscure figure until the canonical books were written, and (3) that Jesus never even existed, and that the biblical books represent whole-cloth fiction, the invention of a divine redeemer patterned after Greek mystery religions......If authors were actively documenting the life of Christ shortly after his resurrection, and if Luke knew (and consulted) their writings, the skeptic faces an uphill climb when he attempts to cast doubt on the accessibility of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Furthermore, early historians who were outside the Christian movement gave evidence of Jesus’ existence (Josephus, Antiquities 18.63-64).....If Luke was seeking to answer the specific questions of a particular individual and otherwise educate him about Christianity, and if he conducted research in order to do so, what does this imply about the divine inspiration of Luke’s writings? 2Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God,” but doesn’t Luke’s prologue (Lk 1:1-4) imply that his writing was engendered by more mundane factors such as oral traditions, written traditions, verbal reports, the specific interests of Theophilus, and his own desires to set out a coherent account? The problem with this line of questioning is that it assumes that the biblical writings should not bear the marks of typical human writings. It is more proper to emphasize that Scripture is a product of both human and divine involvement, resulting in books that share characteristics with other ancient writings even as they convey without error the words and propositions God willed. Very rarely do biblical authors state any kind of awareness that they were authoring divinely-inspired Scripture, and yet the Bible affirms the reality of God’s involvement—a testimony that the church has embraced from the outset. (Bold added. The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Gospels and Acts). Those who from the beginning - This time phrase begs the question "from the beginning of what?" Most observers agree that Luke means from the beginning of Jesus' ministry. For beginning see notes on arche. NET Note adds that "The location of “in the beginning” in the Greek shows that the tradition is rooted in those who were with Jesus from the start." Leon Morris on from the beginning - Historians as men who knew and lived by the word they preached. From the beginning takes us back to the ministry of John the Baptist. Luke was not missing out on anything essential but going back to the very roots of the Christian movement. (See context in Luke: An Introduction and Commentary) A T
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Ryle applies their barrenness to our lives today - The grace of God exempts no one from trouble. “Righteous” as this holy priest and his wife were, they had a “crook in their lot.” Let us remember this, if we serve Christ, and let us count trial no strange thing. Let us rather believe that a hand of perfect wisdom is measuring out all our portion, and that when God chastises us, it is to make us “partakers of his holiness.” (Heb. 12:10.) If afflictions drive us nearer to Christ, the Bible, and prayer, they are positive blessings. We may not think so now. But we shall think so when we wake up in another world. (Expository Thoughts Luke 1) There is an OT parallel in the birth of Samson Now the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, so that the LORD gave them into the hands of the Philistines forty years (Cp 400 YEARS WITH NO WORD AND NOW EVIL KING HEROD IS RULING AND ISRAEL WAS IN THE HANDS OF THE PAGAN ROMANS) . There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had borne no children. Then the angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. “Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing (cf Lk 1:15 JOHN "WILL DRINK NO WINE". “For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” (Jdg 13:1-5+) Darrell Bock - Elizabeth’s bearing of John was like the births of Isaac, Samson, and Samuel, great men of the OT who were born from formerly barren women. Their births were signs that God was doing something special in order to advance his purposes. (See The Gospels and Acts) THOUGHT on Advanced in years (This means old like yours truly!) - If you are a believer, why do you think God has left you alive on earth? Perhaps you might want to re-read the first entry in the Westminster Shorter Catechism which addresses this question and then the verses that follow: Q. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Read Eph 2:10+ (cf Jn 4:34+), Jesus' command in Mt 5:16+, Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 5:16+ and Solomon's advice in Eccl 9:10, 12:13-14. See article on Redeem the Time.. The righteous life of Zacharias and Elizabeth and their faithfulness in old age which God blessed with fruitfulness are a beautiful illustration of the truth in Psalm 92. If you are old like I am be encouraged by God's promise to the righteous aged: The righteous man (AND WOMAN) will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, (MY WIFE AND MY FAVORITE VERSE ONCE WE TURNED 70!) 15 To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. (Ps 92:12-15)
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Ryle points out that "Nowhere in the Bible do we find such frequent mention of (ANGELS), as in the period of our Lord’s earthly ministry. At no time do we read of so many appearances of angels, as about the time of our Lord’s incarnation and entrance into the world. The meaning of this circumstance is sufficiently clear. It was meant to teach the church that Messiah was no angel, but the Lord of angels, as well as of men. Angels announced His coming. Angels proclaimed His birth. Angels rejoiced at his appearing. And by so doing they made it plain that He who came to die for sinners, was not one of themselves, but one far above them, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev 19:16-note). One thing, at all events, about angels, we must never forget. They take a deep interest in the work of Christ, and the salvation which Christ has provided. They sung high praise when the Son of God came down to make peace by His own blood between God and man (Lk 2:14-note). They rejoice when sinners repent, and sons are born again to our Father in heaven (Luke 15:10). They delight to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation (Heb 1:14-note). Let us strive to be like them, while we are upon earth,—to be of their mind, and to share their joys. This is the way to be in tune for heaven. It is written of those who enter in there, that they shall be “as the angels.” (Mark 12:25.) (Expository Thoughts Luke 1) Related Resources: Angel of the LORD What does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel? What are the names of angels in the Bible? Rod Mattoon calls this "Prayer time surprise" and comments on the setting - "Zechariah proceeds toward the golden altar. He is accompanied by two assistants. One of these men is carrying a golden bowl of burning coals from the brazen altar of burnt-offering, and is spreading them out on the altar of incense. The coals had to come from the brazen altar. If the coals or fire came from another place, it was considered as strange fire. This was the deadly mistake that Nadab and Abihu made in Leviticus 10. The Lord was trying to teach His people and us, that our prayers have value and are dependent upon the atonement of blood. This is why Christians can pray and come boldly before the throne of God's grace because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. After the assistant carries the coals to the altar he withdraws. The other assistant is carrying a golden censer filled with incense. He arranges the incense upon the altar, followed by solemn silence. A signal is given. The sacred moment has arrived for Zacharias to place the incense upon the coals, causing a cloud to arise in the Temple, and its fragrance to spread as the fire unleashes the aroma of the stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense that have been mixed together (Ex 30:34-38) As the holy smoke arises, Zacharias offers a fervent prayer for the peace of Israel and gratefulness for God's blessings. (Mattoon's Treasures – Treasures from Luke, Volume 1) (Lk 1:18) Angel (32) (aggelos/angelos [gg in Greek is pronounced ng] possibly from ago = to bring) literally means a messenger (one who bears a message - Lk 1:11, 2:9, etc or does an errand). Most of the NT uses refer to heavenly angels (messengers) who are supernatural, transcendent beings with power to carry out various tasks. All uses of aggelos that refer to angels are masculine gender (the feminine form of aggelos does not occur.) The great news about angels is that they are "ministering spirits" (Heb 1:14), where the word "ministering" is leitourgikos which in Classic Greek referred especially to those who performed public duties or works of public use (public servants). The angels are literally "spirits for serving!" Vine writes that aggelos refer to "an order of created beings, superior to man, Heb 2:7; Ps. 8:5, belonging to Heaven, Mt. 24:36; Mark 12:25, and to God, Luke 12:8, and engaged in His service, Psa. 103:20. Angels are spirits, Heb. 1:14, i.e., they have not material bodies as men have; they are either human in form, or can assume the human form when necessary, cp. Luke 24:4, with Lk 24:23, Acts 10:3 with Acts 10:30." Luke mentions angels in 46 verses in his writings (out of 172 verses that use angel in the NT) -Lk. 1:11; Lk. 1:13; Lk. 1:18; Lk. 1:19; Lk. 1:26; Lk. 1:30; Lk. 1:34; Lk. 1:35; Lk. 1:38; Lk. 2:9; Lk. 2:10; Lk. 2:13; Lk. 2:15; Lk. 2:21; Lk. 4:10; Lk. 7:24; Lk. 7:27; Lk. 9:26; Lk. 9:52; Lk. 12:8; Lk. 12:9; Lk. 15:10; Lk. 16:22; Lk. 22:43; Lk. 24:23; Acts 5:19; Acts 6:15; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:35; Acts 7:38; Acts 7:53; Acts 8:26; Acts 10:3; Acts 10:7; Acts 10:22; Acts 11:13; Acts 12:7; Acts 12:8; Acts 12:9; Acts 12:10; Acts 12:11; Acts 12:15; Acts 12:23; Acts 23:8; Acts 23:9; Acts 27:23; Luke 1:11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years." 19 The angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 21 And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Luke 4:10 for it is written, 'HE WILL COMMAND HIS angels CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,' Luke 7:24 When the messengers of John had left, He began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 27 "This is the one about whom it is written, 'BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.' Luke 9:26 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. Luke 12:8 "And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; 9 but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. Luke 15:10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 16:22 "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. Luke 22:43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. Luke 24:23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Acts 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, Acts 6:15 And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel. Acts 7:30 "After forty years had passed, AN angel APPEARED TO HIM IN THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT Sinai, IN THE FLAME OF A BURNING THORN BUSH. 35 "This Moses whom they disowned, saying, 'WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE?' is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush. 38 "This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. 53 you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it." Acts 8:26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert road.) Acts 10:3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, "Cornelius!" 7 When the angel who was speaking to him had left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were his personal attendants, 22 They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you." Acts 11:13 "And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, 'Send to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; Acts 12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly." And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." 15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, "It is his angel." 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, "We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" Acts 27:23 "For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, Altar (2379)(thusiasterion from thusia = that which is offered as a sacrifice - see Altar) refers to any type of altar or object where gifts may be placed and ritual observances carried out in honor of supernatural beings. In the NT thusiasterion is employed to refer to a number of different types of altars, including the altar for burnt offerings in the Temple, the altar of incense, the altar which Abraham built, and the heavenly altar mentioned in the book of Revelation. The only other use of altar by Luke is Luke 11:51. Luke 1:12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. when he saw the angel Luke 1:29; Luke 2:9, 10. Jdg 6:22; 13:22. Job 4:14, 15. Da. 10:7. Mark 16:5. Ac. 10:4. Re. 1:17 Verse-by-Verse - Multiple Commentaries - Luke 1:12 Commentaries Luke 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
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Ryle - We learn here, for one thing, that prayers are not necessarily rejected because the answer is long delayed. Zacharias, no doubt, had often prayed for the blessing of children, and, to all appearance, had prayed in vain. At his advanced time of life, he had probably long ceased to mention the subject before God, and had given up all hope of being a father. Yet the very first words of the angel show plainly that the bygone prayers of Zacharias had not been forgotten (Expository Thoughts Luke 1) Many commentators do not think Zacharias was praying for a son but for redemption of Israel. I agree with McGee's comment that even if Zacharias was not praying for a son as he offered incense, the godly couple had persisted in their prayer for God to give them a son. In a very real since In truth God answered prayers for a Messiah as well as the parent's prayers for a miracle baby who would play a major role preparing the way for the Messiah! In short the both answers would have been interrelated! Matthew
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Ryle adds that "The measure of greatness which is common among men is utterly false and deceptive. Princes and potentates, conquerors and leaders of armies, statesmen and philosophers, artists and authors,—these are the kind of men whom the world calls “great.” Such greatness is not recognized among the angels of God. Those who do great things for God, they reckon great. Those who do little for God, they reckon little. They measure and value every man according to the position in which he is likely to stand at the last day. THOUGHT - What other kind of greatness even matters? Greatness in the sight of men is not equal to greatness in the sight of God! We each need to honestly ask ourselves, "Do I value God's opinion of my life over men's opinion? Do I seek to be a man-pleaser or a God-pleaser? These are tough questions if we are brutally honest! This is one reason I love the prayer in Colossians 1:9-10+ that we might be supernaturally enabled ("filled with [CONTROLLED BY] the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding") to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (ONLY ONE WAY = WALKING LIKE JESUS WALKED) to please Him in all respects...." One thinks of the man named "Herod the Great" who was really Herod the Great Evil" who not surprisingly fathered a child Herod Antipas who beheaded the greatest man born among women (Mt 14:3-11) and played a role in the crucifixion of Christ, the greatest Man in all eternity! So we need to be very careful in appending the term "great" to any man on earth! And John 3:30+ gives us a "clue" as to why John was great declaring "“He must increase, but I must decrease." A good attitude to emulate!
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Ryle reminds us not to be too hard on Zecharias - "The holiest actions of the holiest saint that ever lived are all more or less full of defects and imperfections. They are either wrong in their motive or defective in their performance, and in themselves are nothing more than “splendid sins,” deserving God’s wrath and condemnation." As Ray Pritchard says "Ryle has told the truth about the best of us and the rest of us! This side of heaven, we’re a pretty sorry lot, but that’s where God’s grace comes in. No one will be saved by what they do. Our only hope of heaven is to run to the cross and lay hold of Jesus Christ. And we won’t even do that unless God helps us to do it, and even then he must give us the strength to hang on and to keep believing." (Expository Thoughts Luke 1) Because - Always pause to ponder and query this term of explanation, asking at least "What is Luke explaining?" You did not believe my words (logos) - For believe see notes on pisteuo. The Greek word for not (ouk) means absolute negation. Zacharias expressed absolute unbelief! You did not believe my word is tantamount to not believing God's Words, for Gabriel's message was God's message. J C Ryle points out that "Few sins appear to be so peculiarly provoking to God as the sin of unbelief…Let us watch and pray daily against this soul-ruining sin. Concessions to it rob believers of their inward peace, weaken their hands in the day of battle, (and) bring clouds over their hopes. According to the degree of our faith will be our enjoyment of Christ’s salvation, our patience in the day of trial, our victory over the world. Unbelief, in short, is the true cause of a thousand spiritual diseases." Adrian Rogers adds that "Unbelief is what locked the doors of the Promised Land to the children of Israel. For all the grumbling, bad attitudes, and discontentment that characterized their demeanor after leaving Egypt, it was their unbelief that kept them at a distance from God's promised reward. (Heb 3:19-note and note that in Heb 3:18-note unbelief in this context equated with disobedience!) Jesus, too, allowed the people's unbelief to tie His hands on His ministry visit to His hometown. The Bible clearly says, "He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief" (Matt. 13:58). The sovereign God has limited Himself to work according to the faith and belief of the people of God. When you go to the grocery store, you use dollars to pay for your purchases. But when it comes to the Christian life, you receive from God by faith. As I said before, faith is heaven's medium of exchange. It is by far the greatest asset we have. Unbelief, on the other hand, is our greatest stumbling block in life. Unbelief is the chief wickedness. Unbelief is the mother sin, the father sin, the parent sin. It is the sin of all sins. Unbelief caused Eve to sin against God in the Garden of Eden. She failed to believe the Word of God (Ed: And as in Heb 3:18-19, she disobeyed God)."
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Ryle - When it lays its head on the pillow of God's omnipotence! "With God nothing shall be impossible!" Luke 1:37 Let us mark the mighty principle which the angel Gabriel lays down to silence all objections about the incarnation: "With God nothing shall be impossible." A hearty reception of this great principle is of immense importance to our own inward peace. Questions and doubts will often arise in men's minds about many subjects in religion. They are the natural result of our fallen estate of soul. Our faith at the best is very feeble. Our knowledge at its highest is clouded with much infirmity. And among many antidotes to a doubting, anxious, questioning state of mind, few will be found more useful than that before us now — a thorough conviction of God's omnipotence. With Him who called the world into being and formed it out of nothing — everything is possible. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. There is no sin too black and bad to be pardoned. The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. There is no heart too hard and wicked to be changed. The heart of stone can be made a heart of flesh. There is no work too hard for a believer to do. We may do all things through Christ strengthening us. There is no trial too hard to be borne. The grace of God is sufficient for us. There is no promise too great to be fulfilled. Christ's words never pass away — and what He has promised, He is able to perform. There is no difficulty too great for a believer to overcome. When God is for us — then who can be against us? The mountain shall become a plain! Let principles like these be continually before our minds. The angel's maxim is an invaluable remedy. Faith never rests so calmly and peacefully — as when it lays its head on the pillow of God's omnipotence! Henry Blackaby - Nothing Will Be Impossible “For nothing will be impossible with God.”—Luke 1:37 The angel Gabriel told Mary that God was planning to do something humanly impossible. All human logic would agree that a virgin could not give birth to a child. It was impossible. Yet this is exactly what was to happen. When God speaks of doing the impossible, it is no longer absurd. When was the last time God did the impossible in your life? When was the last time God spoke to you about what He wanted to do and you were scared to death by its magnitude? God still does the impossible! Too often we acknowledge our belief that God can do whatever He wants, then we add a safety clause: “But I just don't think God will do that with me!” We become practical atheists, believing that God can perform miracles but never expecting a miracle in our own lives. God wanted to bring salvation to all of humanity. It is critical that Mary not only believed God could perform a miracle but also adjusted her life to the awesome work He planned to do through her. The difference between a Christian and a moral person is the divine. The difference between a church and a social club is the miraculous. Some can duplicate the morality of a Christian, but no one can reproduce the miraculous that should be a part of the Christian experience. Do you believe that nothing is impossible for God? Luke 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. AMP Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her. CSB "I am the Lord's slave," said Mary. "May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel left her. ESV And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. KJV And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. NET So Mary said, "Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. NIV "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. NLT Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her. YLT And Mary said, 'Lo, the maid-servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to thy saying,' and the messenger went away from her. Behold. 2 Sa. 7:25–29. Ps. 116:16. Ro. 4:20, 21. be. Ps. 119:38. Verse-by-Verse - Multiple Commentaries - Luke 1:38 Commentaries Luke 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MARY THE BONDSLAVE SUBMITS TO HER LORD And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord - As discussed more below bondslave is the rare word doule which speaks of submission to one's master. As God's doule Mary sought no life of her own, no will of her own, no purpose of her own and no plan of her own. All of her was subject to her loving Master. Her every thought, breath, and action was subject to the will of her Master. In sum, the picture of Mary as a bondslave of the Lord is one who is absolutely surrendered and totally devoted to her Lord. Mary understood the Lordship of Christ and that it was not an option! Behold (2400) see note on idou is an interjection calculated to arrest the reader's attention! It's as if the Holy Spirit is saying to Mary "Look at this!" "Don't miss this!" Behold is used 6 times by Luke in chapter 1 - Lk 1:20, 31, 36, 38, 44, 48. MacArthur makes an excellent point - Mary was in an extremely embarrassing and difficult position. Betrothed to Joseph, she faced the stigma of unwed motherhood. Joseph would obviously have known that the child was not his. She knew she would be accused of adultery—an offense punishable by stoning (Dt 22:13–21; cf. Jn 8:3–5). Yet she willingly and graciously submitted to the will of God. (Study Bible) William
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Ryle - Those words "my Lord" are so familiar to our ears, that we miss the fullness of their meaning. At the time they were spoken they implied far more than we are apt to suppose. They were nothing less than a distinct declaration that the child who was to be born of the Virgin Mary was the long promised Messiah, the "Lord" of whom David in spirit had prophesied, the Christ of God. Viewed in this light, the expression is a wonderful example of faith. It is a confession worthy to be placed by the side of that of Peter, when he said to Jesus, "You are the Christ." (Mt 16:16, 17) Let us remember the deep meaning of the words, "the Lord," and beware of using them lightly and carelessly. Let us consider that they rightly apply to none but Him who was crucified for our sins on Calvary. Let the recollection of this fact invest the words with a holy reverence, and make us careful how we let them fall from our lips. There are two texts connected with the expression which should often come to our minds. In one it is written, "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Spirit." In the other it is written, "Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (1 Corinthians 12:3.Philippians 2:11.) (Ryle) Constable on my Lord - This title has a double meaning. It is the word the Septuagint used to translate the Hebrew “Yahweh,” and the New Testament writers used it the same way. As such, it implies deity. It also means “master” in the sense of a superior person, specifically the Messiah. This usage does not necessarily imply that the person using it believed that Jesus was God. Elizabeth apparently meant that Jesus was the Messiah at least. Luke evidently used the term “Lord” frequently because for Greek readers “Christ” or “Messiah” had little meaning. The pagan Gentiles referred to Caesar as “Lord” Caesar meaning that he was their divine sovereign. “Lord” had the same connotation for Luke’s original readers. Jesus is the divine sovereign for Christians. Matthew
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Ryle adds "we should observe in these verses, the high praise which Elizabeth bestows upon the grace of faith. "Blessed," she says, "is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" We need not wonder that this holy woman should thus commend faith. No doubt she was well acquainted with the Old Testament Scriptures. She knew the great things that faith had done. What is the whole history of God's saints in every age but a record of men and women who obtained a good report by faith? What is the simple story of all from Abel downwards but a narrative of redeemed sinners who believed, and so were blessed? By faith they embraced promises. By faith they lived. By faith they walked. By faith they endured hardships. By faith they looked to an unseen Savior, and good things yet to come. By faith they battled with the world, the flesh, and the devil. By faith they overcame, and got safely home. Of this goodly company the Virgin Mary was proving herself one. No wonder that Elizabeth said, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Do we know anything of this precious faith? This, after all, is the question that concerns us. Do we know anything of the faith of God's elect, the faith which is the working of God? (Titus 1:2. Col.2:12.) Let us never rest until we know it by experience. Once knowing it, let us never cease to pray that our faith may grow exceedingly. Better a thousand times be rich in faith than rich in gold. Gold will be worthless in the unseen world to which we are all traveling. Faith will be owned in that world before God the Father and the holy angels. When the great white throne is set, and the books are opened, when the dead are called from their graves, and receiving their final sentence, the value of faith will at length be fully known. (Rev 20:11-15-note) Men will learn then, if they never learned before, how true are the words, "Blessed are those who believed." (Ryle) There shall be a performance of those things That loving heart hath waited long to see; Those words shall be fulfilled to which she clings, Because her God hath promised faithfully; And, knowing Him, she ne’er can doubt His Word; “He speaks and it is done.” The mighty Lord! There shall be a performance of those things, O burdened heart, rest ever in His care; In quietness beneath His shadowing wings Await the answer to thy longing prayer. When thou hast “cast thy care,” the heart then sings, There shall be a performance of those things. There shall be a performance of those things, O tired heart, believe and wait and pray; At eventide the peaceful vesper rings, Though cloud and rain and storm have filled the day. Faith pierces through the mist of doubt that bars The coming night sometimes, and finds the stars. There shall be a performance of those things, O trusting heart, the Lord to thee hath told; Let Faith and Hope arise, and plume their wings, And soar towards the sunrise clouds of gold; The portals of the rosy dawn swing wide, Revealing joys the darkening night did hide. —Bessie Porter. Blessed (3107)(makarios from root makar, but others say from mak = large or lengthy) means to be happy, but not in the usual sense of happiness based on positive circumstances. From the Biblical perspective Makarios describes the person who is free from daily cares and worries because his every breath and circumstance is in the hands of His Maker Who gives him such an assurance (such a "blessing"). As discussed below makarios was used to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor. Markarios is used 50x in the NT with 17 uses by Luke - Lk. 1:45; Lk. 6:20; Lk. 6:21; Lk. 6:22; Lk. 7:23; Lk. 10:23; Lk. 11:27; Lk. 11:28; Lk. 12:37; Lk. 12:38; Lk. 12:43; Lk. 14:14; Lk. 14:15; Lk. 23:29;Acts 20:35; Acts 26:2 Who believed (4100)(pisteuo) means to be persuaded of, to place one's confidence in, to trust, to express reliance upon. Belief in the New Testament sense that effects the new birth denotes more than intellectual assent to a set of facts or truths. The demons believe but they are clearly not saved (Jas 2:19+). Genuine belief does involve an intellectual assent and consent of one's mind, but also includes an act of one's heart and will. Biblical saving faith is not passive assent but an active staking of one's life on the claims of God. The respected Greek lexicon author W E Vine defines belief as consisting of (1) a firm conviction which produces full acknowledgment of God's revelation of Truth, (2) a personal surrender to the Truth (3) a conduct inspired by and consistent with that surrender.
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Ryle on rejoicing - We see in the conduct of Eliasbeth’s neighbors and cousins, a striking example of the kindness we owe to one another. It is written that “They rejoiced with her.” How much more happiness there would be in this evil world, if conduct like that of Elisabeth’s relations was more common! Sympathy in one another’s joys and sorrows costs little, and yet is a grace of most mighty power. Like the oil on the wheels of some large engine, it may seem a trifling and unimportant thing, yet in reality it has an immense influence on the comfort and well-working of the whole machine of society. A kind word of congratulation or consolation is seldom forgotten. The heart that is warmed by good tidings, or chilled by affliction, is peculiarly susceptible, and sympathy to such a heart is often more precious than gold. The servant of Christ will do well to remember this grace. It seems “a little one,” and amidst the din of controversy, and the battle about mighty doctrines, we are sadly apt to overlook it. Yet it is one of those pins of the tabernacle which we must not leave in the wilderness. It is one of those ornaments of the Christian character which make it beautiful in the eyes of men. Let us not forget that it is enforced upon us by a special precept: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Rom. 12:15.) The practice of it seems to bring down a special blessing. The Jews who came to comfort Mary and Martha at Bethany, saw the greatest miracle that Jesus ever worked.—Above all, it is commended to us by the most perfect example. Our Lord was ready both to go to a marriage feast, and to weep at a grave. (John 2:1, &c. John 11:1, &c.) Let us be ever ready to go and do likewise. (Luke 1) Luke 1:59 And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. Luke 2:21. Ge. 17:12; 21:3, 4. Le. 12:3. Ac. 7:8. Phi. 3:5. Verse-by-Verse - Multiple Commentaries - Luke 1:59 Commentaries Luke 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CIRCUMCISED IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD And it happened that - This introductory phrase (egeneto, “it happened that”) is one of Luke's favorite words and is used some 69 times in the Gospel (e.g., Lk 1:5, 8, 23, 59, 2:6, 15, 46, 3:20-21, 5:1, 12, 17, etc) and about 54 times in the book of Acts (Acts 4:5, 5;7, 9:19, 32, 37, 43, etc). John's circumcision had no deep spiritual significance as the Jews were wont to teach, but it did reflect his parents obedience tot he law (see Leviticus 12:3-note). Rod Mattoon - The purpose of the circumcision was part of the covenant that God had with Abraham. It was a symbol of putting away the filth of the flesh and of the covenant agreement that God had with Abraham's descendants. It was an act of obedience to the Lord for the Jewish family. That on the eighth day (as with Jesus - Lk 2:21+) they came to circumcise the child - Who is they? This did not just "happen" by accident but was actually a reflection of the infinite wisdom of God and their obedience to His Word. Circumcision was the covenant mark for a Jewish male. Thus circumcision on the eighth day was not just random but was clearly stated in the Old Testament... “And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants. (Ge 17:12) Comment - For you skeptics, we see that Moses' information regarding circumcision on the 8th day was 100% scientifically accurate! Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying: ‘When a woman gives birth and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean for seven days, as in the days of her menstruation she shall be unclean. 3 ‘On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. (Lev 12:1-3+) Paul alluded to this OT ordinance carried out on himself writing "circumcised the eighth day" (Php 3:5+). God, the Creator of everything, knew that an infant's coagulation factors would be low in the first 7 days of life and that circumcision in that time could result in uncontrollable bleeding and loss of the infant's life. Below is a diagram which demonstrates the progressive rise in prothrombin levels which are produced in the liver and are dependent on Vitamin K. Notice that the prothrombin levels reach 100% range on day eight. This is just another piece of the puzzle to support that the Bible is fully inspired, word for word! So much for evolution! Click diagram below to enlarge... Circumcise (4059)(peritemno from perí = around + témno = cut off - see study of peritome) means literally to cut something off or away ("to cut off around"), signifying a removal of that which has been cut away. And they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father - Something like "Zacharias, Jr!" Tradition dictated that the child should receive a family name, honoring a parent, a grandparent, or some other relative. (cf Mk 7:5, Tradition from Fiddler on the Roof) Note the pronoun they indicating this is not the will of Zacharias or Elizabeth but the Jewish crowd. Custom dictated that the firstborn son be named after his father. Were going to call is in the imperfect tense which gives us a vivid picture of this scene and could be paraphrased they were "repeatedly trying to call him Zacharias." Stein - We find a parallel to this naming of John the Baptist at his circumcision in the following account about Jesus (Luke 2:21+), but it was more common to name a child at birth (cf. Ge 4:1; 21:3; 25:25–26). It was unusual to name a son after his father, since a man tended to be identified as (John) son of (Zechariah), i.e., (John), Bar-(Zechariah); and Zechariah Bar-Zechariah would have been strange. (See Luke: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition )
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Ryle observes that "We should notice, firstly, the deep thankfulness of a Jewish believer’s heart in the prospect of Messiah’s appearing. Praise is the first word that falls from the mouth of Zacharias as soon as his dumbness is removed, and his speech restored. He begins with the same expression with which St. Paul begins several of his epistles: “Blessed be the Lord.” At this period of the world we can hardly understand the depth of this good man’s feelings. We must imagine ourselves in his position. We must fancy ourselves seeing the fulfilment of the oldest promise in the Old Testament,—the promise of a Saviour, and beholding the accomplishment of this promise brought near to our own door. We must try to realize what a dim and imperfect view men had of the Gospel before Christ actually appeared, and the shadows and types passed away. Then perhaps we may have some idea of the feelings of Zacharias when he cried out, “Blessed be the Lord.” It may be feared that Christians have very low and inadequate conceptions of their amazing privileges in living under the full light of the Gospel. We have probably a very faint idea of the comparative dimness and twilight of the Jewish dispensation....Let us learn from the example of Zacharias, to be more thankful." (Luke 1 Commentary) THE MIRACULOUS STORY OF LEOPOLD COHN Leopold Cohn (pictured above- Additional notes; Brief Wikipedia article) was born into an Orthodox Jewish community in Berezna, a small town in eastern Hungary in 1862. At age 18 he graduated with high marks from the Talmudic academy and became a rabbi. One of his rituals was to daily repeat the 12th article of the Jewish creed: I believe with a perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and though he tarry, yet will I wait daily for His coming. Cohn however wondered why Messiah tarried, but was unsettled by the "answers" he able to find. While reading the Talmud (collected writings of rabbis commenting on the Torah or Old Testament), he discovered that other rabbis had also wrestled with this question. But as he continued to study he discovered that the Messiah should have come long ago. This prompted him to study the Hebrew prophets for himself, and as he studied Daniel’s prophecy of the "70 weeks" in Daniel 9:24-27+, it became clear that Daniel had predicted the coming of Messiah some 400-500 years after the prophecy was given. But that was 2500 years ago and the rabbis said that Messiah had not yet come. How could he resolve this contradiction? (Click for the rest of the story). Luke 1:69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant-- Horn 1 Sa. 2:10. 2 Sa. 22:3. Ps. 18:2; 132:17, 18. Eze. 29:21. in. 2 Sa. 7:26. 1 Ki. 11:13. Ps. 89:3, 20, etc. Is. 9:6, 7; 11:1–9. Je. 23:5, 6; 33:15–26. Eze. 34:23, 24; 37:24, 25. Am. 9:11. Mark 11:10. Ro. 1:2, 3. Re. 22:16. Luke 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JESUS CHRIST OUR "HORN OF SALVATION" And has raised (egeiro) up a horn of salvation (soteria) for us In the house of David His servant (pais) - Notice the verb has raised up is spoken by Zacharias in the past tense about an event still future. The Messiah was already being “raised up,” for God had begun to set his plan into motion at His first advent and will consummate His plan of national redemption of Israel at His Second Coming. God has raised up a horn of salvation is another manifestation of the unmerited favor (grace) of God to Israel.These words were clearly not meant to exalt John the Baptist but the One for Whom John would be the forerunner. A horn of salvation is clearly a "Name" (or description) of Jesus (see Lockyer below) and even as a horn described an animal's defense, it was a symbol of strength, power, glory. What is fascinating is that horn is used as a symbol for Christ and for Antichrist (Septuagint of Daniel 7:8+ = the "Little Horn" who would arise from 10 other contemporaneous horn, presumably a 10 nation confederacy that will exist in the end-times). Horn is often used as a metaphor for power (cf. 2 Sa 22:3); thus this phrase means "a powerful Savior." This is fascinating because to those who witnessed Jesus' 3 year ministry, He was "meek and mild," (Mt 11:29KJV+) and although He clearly wrought powerful miracles and signs, He did not exert any power against Israel's enemy Rome. As one writer said Israel "was ready for a military Savior, but not for a peaceful Messiah Who would conquer sin!" Indeed, Jesus seemed to most of Israel as anything but a "powerful Savior!" And so He entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey the first time (cf Mt 21:2-9), not as a militarily conquering King, but as a Savior to suffer and die and conquer the even more powerful enemies of Sin, Satan and Death! (cf Lk 19:10+). However, when Jesus comes the Second time, He will return on a white horse, vanquish all His enemies (including those of the nation of Israel) and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (see Rev 19:11-16+). At that time the truth in the phrase horn of salvation will have been fully revealed and perfectly appropriate! Mary had stayed with Zacharias and Elizabeth for three months and had undoubtedly told them of Gabriel’s promise to her in Luke 1:31-32. And he would also have known that Mary was a descendant of David and so would pass on the royal bloodline to Jesus. In this way he would be able to associate horn of salvation (Jesus) with the house of David. John Martin - Zechariah described the deliverance for Israel through the Messiah (Luke 1:69-75). The Messiah was to be Israel's horn of salvation (Lk 1:69). (Bible Knowledge Commentary) And has raised up (1453)(egeiro) means to arouse from sleep, to arose to upright position, but here is used in a metaphorical sense to cause One (Christ) to appear in history (cp Mt 3:9+). NET Bible adds "The phrase raised up means for God to bring someone significant onto the scene of history." It is interesting that this same verb egeiro is used of raising up Jesus from the dead, and while not Zacharias' main meaning in this context, it is certainly a fascinating use- see Mt 26:32, 27:63, 64, Mt 28:6, 7, Mk 14:42, Lk 24:6, Lk 24:34. In other words God will raise up a horn of salvation and will raise Him from the dead. In another sense Messiah's return will also result in a "raising up" of the "fallen booth of David" as described by Amos. Amos 9:11+ "In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, And wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins, And rebuild it as in the days of old;