Forasmuch as [since] many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration [narrative] of those things which are most surely believed [fulfilled] among us, LK 1:1 Even as they delivered [passed WU] them [down WU] unto us, which [those who] from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers [servants WU] of the word; LK 1:2 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding [traced the course] of all things [accurately] from the very first, to write unto thee in order [an orderly account WU], most excellent Theophilus, LK 1:3 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein [in which] thou hast been instructed. LK 1:4

THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [priestly division] of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. LK 1:5 And they were both righteous [upright WU] before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless[ly]. LK 1:6 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken [advanced] in years. LK 1:7 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course [when his division was on duty WU], LK 1:8 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. LK 1:9

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without [outside] at the time of incense. LK 1:10 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. LK 1:11 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. LK 1:12 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. LK 1:13 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. LK 1:14 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost [Spirit], even from his mother's womb. LK 1:15 And many of the children [people WU] of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. LK 1:16 And he shall go before him [the Lord WU] in the spirit and power of Elias [Elijah WU], to turn the hearts of the fathers to the[ir WU] children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. LK 1:17 REPENT

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby [how] shall I know [be sure of] this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken [advanced] in years. LK 1:18 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. LK 1:19 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb [silent], and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. LK 1:20

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. LK 1:21 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 beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. LK 1:22 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration [service] were accomplished, he departed to his own house. LK 1:23