[1] Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among [2] Even as they delivered which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; [3] It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write in order, most excellent Theophilus, [4] That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. [5] There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. [6] And both righteous God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. [7] And they no child, because that Elisabeth barren, and they both now well stricken in years. [8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, [9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. [10] And the whole multitude of the people praying without at the time of incense. [11] And unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] And when Zacharias him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for prayer is heard; and wife Elisabeth shall bear a son, and thou shalt call his name John. [14] And joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his