Luke 1:11-20

Bible Text

[11] An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. [14] You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth. [15] For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. [16] He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. [17] He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, '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] Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." [19] The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. [20] Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."

Galilee was the northern region where Nazareth, a small Jewish town, lay; Judea was the southern region containing Jerusalem and the temple. In this passage, however, Zechariah’s vision occurs in the Holy Place, the inner sanctuary room of the Jerusalem temple, emphasizing the priestly and covenantal setting of God’s announcement.

Places in this passage

Luke 1:11-20 mentions Galilee, Holy Place, Judea and Nazareth.

Place data & photos: OpenBible.info (CC BY). Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.