[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 [15] For great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. [16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. [17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [18] And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know for I am an old man, and wife well stricken in years. [19] And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto and glad tidings. [20] And, behold, shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that shall be performed, because thou believest not words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. [21] And the people for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. [22] And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he and remained speechless. [23] And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. [24] And after days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, [25] Thus the Lord dealt in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away reproach among men.