A Study of Luke 1 Outlines to Get an Overview 1. Dedication to Theophilus (1-4). 2. John s Birth Announced to Zacharias (5-25). 3. Christ s Birth Announced to Mary (26-39). 4. Mary Visits Elizabeth (40-45). 5. The Song of Mary (46-56). 6. Birth of John the Baptist (57-58). 7. Circumcision of John the Baptist (59-66). 8. Zacharias Prophecy (67-80). --From NKJV Headings Characters to Meet 1. Theophilus (3). Lover of God, a Christian, probably a Roman, to whom Luke dedicated both his Gospel (Luk_1:3) and the Acts of the Apostles (Act_1:1). Nothing beyond this is known of him. From the fact that Luke applies to him the title most excellent, the same title Paul uses in addressing Felix (Act_23:26; Act_24:3) and Festus (Act_26:25), it has been concluded that Theophilus was a person of rank, perhaps a Roman officer [Easton]. 2. Herod (5). A son of Herod the Great by Malthace, a Samaritan (Joseph. Ant. 17, 1, 3; War, 1, 28, 4). He inherited of his father's dominions only Galilee and Peraea (B.C. 5), as tetrarch (q.v.), with a yearly income of 200 talents (Joseph. Ant. 17, 8, 1; 11, 4); Jesus was thus within his territorial jurisdiction (Luk_23:7). He first married the daughter of the Arabian king Aretas, but afterward became enamored with Herodias, his half- brother Philip's wife, and contracted a clandestine marriage with her, on which account the Arabian princess indignantly returned to her father (Joseph. Ant. 18, 5 1). Herodias inveigled her new husband into the execution of John the Baptist (Mat_14:4) [McLintock and Strong]. 3. Zacharias (5). Father of John the Baptist. Luk_1:5 etc. He was a priest of the course of Abia, the eighth of the twenty-four courses, who ministered at the Temple in turn. He probably lived at Hebron. His wife's name was Elisabeth. John was born to them in their old age, and the promise of this son was communicated to Zacharias by an angel while he was offering incense and praying in the Temple [Smith]. 4. Abia (5). The eighth among the holy captains and captains of God appointed by lot by David in connection with the priestly courses (1Ch_24:10). Compare Zacharias of the course of Abijah (Luk_1:5) [ISBE]. 5. Aaron (5). Aaron (âr'on or â'ron). The name, if of Hebrew origin, means enlightened. According to Jerome, it means mountain of strength. The son of Amram and Jochebed, of the tribe of Levi He was three years older than his brother Moses. Exo_6:20; Exo_7:7. Aaron was noted for his eloquence, and was appointed by Jehovah to speak for Moses in the court of Pharaoh. Exo_4:14-16. He aided Moses in leading the Hebrews out of Egypt; and was consecrated the first high priest of the Hebrew nation. Exo_7:1-10; Exo_28:1-43; Lev_8:1-36. He was a man of great devotion; but, from want of firmness, he sometimes fell into grievous sins [People s Dictionary of the Bible, Edwin W. Rice].
Luke 1 Study Guide from: http://maplehillchurchofchrist.org Page 2 of 7 6. Elisabeth (5). The NT notice of Elisabeth is confined to the Third Gospel, and its brief record concerning her may well be due to St. Luke s acquaintance with Mary the mother of our Lord. It is interesting to know that she was a kinswoman (συγγενίς, Luk_1:36) of Mary, though it is unfortunately impossible to verify the exact relationship that existed between them. Elisabeth is described, with her husband Zacharias (wh. see), as a faithful adherent of the OT type of religion strict and regular in observance of the Law (Luk_1:6). She enjoyed the double distinction, according to Jewish thought, of being both a priest s daughter and a priest s wife (Luk_1:5). The joy of such a twofold honour was, however, diminished by the fact that she was barren (Luk_1:7), to an Oriental woman little less than a calamity. But a single event in the Gospel narrative at once dispelled her sorrow and entitled her to a place of honour not among Jewish women alone, but in the eyes of the whole world. In her old age (Luk_1:38) she became the mother of John the Baptist [James Hastings, Dictionary of the Apostolic Church]. 7. John (13). the forerunner of the Messiah, was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and was born about six months before our Saviour. His birth was foretold by an angel, sent purposely to deliver this joyful message, when his mother Elizabeth was barren, and both his parents far advanced in years. The same divine messenger foretold that he should be great in the sight of the Lord: that he should be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb; that he should prepare the way of the Lord by turning many of the Jews to the knowledge of God; and that he should be the greatest of all the prophets, Luk_1:5-15. Of the early part of the Baptist's life we have but little information. It is only observed that he grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel, Luk_1:80. Though consecrated from the womb to the ministerial office, John did not enter upon it in the heat of youth, but after several years spent in solitude and a course of self-denial [Richard Watson, A Biblical and Theological Dictionary]. 8. Elias (17). New Testament form of ELIJAH [DRL]. The great prophet of the times of Ahab, king of Israel. Elijah is identified at his first appearance (1Ki_17:1) as Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the sojourners of Gilead. Malachi (Mal_4:5) names Elijah as the forerunner of the great and terrible day of Yahweh, and the expectation founded upon this passage is alluded to in Mar_6:15 parallel Luk_9:8; Mat_16:14 parallel Mar_8:28 parallel Luk_9:19; Mat_27:47-49 parallel Mar_15:35, Mar_15:36. The interpretation of Malachi's prophecy foreshadowed in the angelic annunciation to Zacharias Luk_1:17), that John the Baptist should do the work of another Elijah, is given on the authority of Jesus Himself (Mat_11:14). The appearance of Elijah, with Moses, on the Mount of Transfiguration, is recorded in Mat_17:1-13 parallel Mar_9:2-13 parallel Luk_9:28-36, and in Mat_11:14 parallel Mar_9:13 Jesus again identifies the Elijah of Malachi with John the Baptist. The fate of the soldiers of Ahaziah (2 Ki 1) is in the mind of James and John on one occasion (Luk_9:54). Jesus Himself alludes to Elijah and his sojourn in the land of Sidon (Luk_4:25, Luk_4:26). Paul makes use of the prophet's experience at Horeb (Rom_11:2-4). In Jam_5:17, Jam_5:18 the work of Elijah affords an instance of the powerful supplication of a righteous man [ISBE].
Luke 1 Study Guide from: http://maplehillchurchofchrist.org Page 3 of 7 9. Gabriel (19). The name of the angel commissioned to explain to Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat, and to give the prediction of the 70 weeks (Dan_8:16; Dan_9:21). In the New Testament he is the angel of the annunciation to Zacharias of the birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary of the birth of Jesus (Luk_1:19, Luk_1:26). Though commonly spoken of as an archangel, he is not so called in Scripture [ISBE]. 10. Jesus (31). The proper, as Christ is the official, name of our Lord. To distinguish him from others so called, he is spoken of as Jesus of Nazareth (Joh_18:7), and Jesus the son of Joseph (Joh_6:42). This is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, which was originally Hoshea (Num_13:8, Num_13:16), but changed by Moses into Jehoshua (Num_13:16; 1Ch_7:27), or Joshua. After the Exile it assumed the form Jeshua, whence the Greek form Jesus. It was given to our Lord to denote the object of his mission, to save (Mat_1:21). [Easton]. 11. David (32). From humble beginnings as the youngest son of a Bethlehem shepherd named Jesse, David rose to become Israel s greatest king. He established a dynasty out of which, according to God s plan, came the great Messiah, the son of David, who was Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world (1Sa_16:1; 1Sa_16:11; 2Sa_5:3-4; 2Sa_5:12; Isa_9:7; Luk_1:32-33; Luk_2:11). [Bridgeway Bible Dictionary]. 12. Mary (34). By far the most important Mary in New Testament times was the mother of Jesus. She was blessed above all women, for God chose her to be the mother of the Messiah (Luk_1:28; Luk_1:32; Luk_1:42-43). At the time God revealed this to Mary, she lived in the town of Nazareth in Galilee, where she was engaged to be married to a local carpenter named Joseph. (Concerning the families from which Mary and Joseph came see JOSEPH THE HUSBAND OF MARY.) God revealed to Mary that, while still a virgin, she would become pregnant. This would come about through the direct creative power of God s Spirit, so that her son would be unique. Though fully human, he would also be the Son of God (Luk_1:30-35). [Bridgeway Bible Dictionary]. 13. Abraham (73). Originally called Abram, Abraham received his new name from God in confirmation of God s promise that he would be father of a multitude of people (Gen_17:5-7). In fulfilment of this promise, Abraham became the physical father of the Israelite nation (Mat_3:9; Joh_8:37). Because he accepted God s promise by faith, he is also the spiritual father of all who accept God s promises by faith, regardless of their nationality. [Bridgeway Bible Dictionary]. God s Attributes to Learn and Cherish 1. Hears Prayers of Faithful Ones (13). Obviously this godly couple, Zacharias and Elisabeth, had joined together in prayer for God to bless them with children. Most likely this matter had been an object of FREQUENT prayer in their home for MANY YEARS! What a blessing to know that the one true and living God will hear the prayers of those who yield their own wills to His! 2. Is PURE and demands PURITY of His people (17). When the text says that John s work would be to: make ready a people prepared for the Lord, we see that there were
Luke 1 Study Guide from: http://maplehillchurchofchrist.org Page 4 of 7 things that needed to change about God s chosen nation, Israel. John s message would be: REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. We serve a PURE and HOLY God and must purify ourselves by turning from evil and to God. 3. Has powerful angels like Gabriel serving Him (19-20). Gabriel, as an agent of God Almighty, was able to cause Zacharias not to be able to speak until the coming of his son was accomplished. This was done as a sign to demonstrate this news came from God. 4. With God NOTHING is impossible (37). What a statement! For a virgin to conceive and bear a child is not an impossibility with God s power. Furthermore, this virgin birth was first mentioned hundreds of years earlier (Isaiah 7.14). 5. Worthy to be MAGNIFIED (46-56). How is it possible to study the Bible and learn about the God of the Bible and not be overcome with the emotion which Mary s song expresses so well? God s attribute of MERCY is prominent in Mary s song. 6. A Promise-Keeping God (54-55, 68-80). Mary mentions Abraham in her song, as does Zacharias in his prophecy. Reference is made to the promise first given to Abraham in Genesis 12.1-3. The coming of Jesus is the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham s seed. Such comfort and peace can be had in knowing we serve a Promise-Keeping God! Commands to Obey 1. Fear not (13, 30). A verb in the imperative voice is found in verse 13 and 30. The command is given directly to Zacharias and Mary. The Bible teaches us that we have nothing to fear as we live a submissive and faithful life (1 Peter 3.14). 2. Behold (20, 31, 36, 38, 48). Again, this command is not given directly us you and me, but to Zachariah, Mary, et.al. It certainly should be something for us to take note of, though, as well. The revelation given to Zachariah was accompanied with a powerful sign to show the Source of the message. This was the fundamental purpose of the miracles we read about in the New Testament. 3. Hail or Rejoice (28). Mary is told to rejoice because of being selected to bring the Savior into this world. There is no greater news that has ever been delivered than that the Savior has come! We certainly have reason to REJOICE at the salvation available in Christ (Philippians 4.4). Warnings to Heed 1. A people prepared for the lord (17). This was to be John s work Getting the Jews of that day to repent. The need for repentance in order to be prepared for the Lord did not end in the first century. Men today need likewise to make such preparation (2 Thessalonians 1.7-9). The Lord s coming will be as a THIEF IN THE NIGHT (Matthew 24.42-43; 1 Thessalonians 5.2; 2 Peter 3.10). We must prepare unlike the foolish virgins (Matthew 25.1-13! 2. His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation (50). Think of the position of NOT being the recipient of God s mercy. Who wants to consider it? How to avoid it? Fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12.13).
Luke 1 Study Guide from: http://maplehillchurchofchrist.org Page 5 of 7 3. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us (71). Those who hate the Lord and His people need to listen carefully to this warning. There is coming a Day of Judgment. Those who oppose the Lord and His people and His gospel will find themselves KNOWING some day that they were opposing the will of Almighty God. Promises to Treasure 1. Of his kingdom there shall be no end (33). To be part of the eternal kingdom is something very special. The New Testament speaks of men being translated into the kingdom and of them being in it (Colossians 1.13; Revelation 1.9). It is NOT something that is to be set up some time in the future, but rather Christ is reigning over it presently. Jesus spoke about building His church and used the term KINGDOM also to describe it (Matthew 16.16-19). 2. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation (50). 3. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; For he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (68). Truths to Share 1. That thou mightiest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed (4). The Bible talks about things that are TRUE and FALSE. The Bible teaches that truth is attainable (John 8.32; John 17.17). There is a body of doctrine (the doctrine of Christ) which we must know and understand and ABIDE IN in order to have fellowship with God and with Christ (2 John 9)! Man is in desperate need of a standard from God (Jeremiah 10.23). 2. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord (15). These words are part of Gabriel s prophecy about John the Baptist. He would be GREAT in the sight of the Lord. How is it possible that any human being can GREAT in God s sight the Creator of the universe? The simple fact is that God loves mankind and those who are faithful to Him He considers great. 3. Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God (30). Though this statement is directed to Mary and points out the blessing God has provided her, it is a remarkable concept that human beings can find favor with God!!! 4. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, And exalted them of low degree (52). God is not impressed by the same things that impress man. In Christ, sometimes roles and stations in life are flip-flopped (James 1.9-10). Questions to Test True or False 01. Mary was of the house of David. 02. Elisabeth said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. 03. The Bible tells us where the angel Gabriel stood in the Temple to give Zacharias a revelation.
Luke 1 Study Guide from: http://maplehillchurchofchrist.org Page 6 of 7 04. The MERCY of God was mentioned in Mary s song. 05. Remission of sins is not mentioned in this chapter. Fill in a Name that MATCHES the Description 06. Gabriel said many would rejoice at his birth. 07. Said of God He hath visited and redeemed His people. 08. Had neighbors and cousins that rejoiced with her. 09. Leaped. 10. Tarried. Fill in the Blanks 11. When Zacharias saw the angel, he was, and fell upon him. 12. Zacharias punishment for his response to Gabriel was that he would be and not able to until the day that these things shall be performed 13. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob ; and of his kingdom there shall be no. 14. John was first called by this name:. 15. And the child grew, and waxed strong in, and was in the till the day of his unto Israel. Each Question is worth 7 Points My Score is: Answers will be found on the Study Guide for Luke 2
Luke 1 Study Guide from: http://maplehillchurchofchrist.org Page 7 of 7 Luke 1 (KJV) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 02) Zacharias asked for a table. 05) What the people were doing outside the temple. 06) Luke used it to describe Theophilus. 08) Keeping the Law, Zacharias and Elisabeth were this. 11) God sent this angel to Nazareth. 12) Mary stayed with her cousin this many months. 13) Number of verses in this chapter. DOWN 01) When Zacharias named his son John, the people did this. 03) Theophilus had been. 04) He hath filled the hungry with things. 05) John would go forth in the spirit and of Elias. 07) Well stricken in years and barren. 09) John grew and waxed in spirit. 10) God raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant.