Topical Encyclopedia Zacharias, also known as Zechariah, is a significant figure in the New Testament, primarily recognized as the father of John the Baptist. His story is detailed in the Gospel of Luke, where he is depicted as a righteous and devout priest serving in the temple of the Lord.Priestly Lineage and Role: Zacharias belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, one of the 24 divisions of priests established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:10). His wife, Elizabeth, was also of priestly descent, being a descendant of Aaron. The couple is described as "righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord" (Luke 1:6). Despite their piety, they were childless, and both were advanced in years, which was a source of personal sorrow and social reproach at the time. The Angelic Announcement: The turning point in Zacharias's life came during his service in the temple. As he was chosen by lot to burn incense in the Holy Place, an angel of the Lord, identified as Gabriel, appeared to him. Gabriel announced that Zacharias and Elizabeth would have a son, whom they were to name John. This child would be great in the sight of the Lord and would go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). Doubt and Muteness: Zacharias, overwhelmed by the angel's message, expressed doubt due to his and Elizabeth's old age. In response, Gabriel declared that Zacharias would be mute until the fulfillment of the prophecy, as a sign of the truth of his words (Luke 1:18-20). This muteness served as both a sign and a period of reflection for Zacharias. The Birth of John: True to the angel's words, Elizabeth conceived and bore a son. On the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, there was a debate about the child's name. Elizabeth insisted on the name John, and when Zacharias confirmed this by writing, "His name is John," his speech was miraculously restored (Luke 1:59-64). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied about the role of his son and the coming of the Messiah, in what is known as the Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79). Legacy: Zacharias's story is a testament to faith and obedience, even amidst doubt and uncertainty. His life and the miraculous birth of John the Baptist underscore the theme of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Zacharias's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of trust in God's plan and the power of His word. In Christian tradition, Zacharias is often venerated as a model of righteousness and faithfulness. His story, intertwined with the advent of the Messiah, highlights the divine orchestration of salvation history and the preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Luke 1:5-80THERE 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. Nave's Topical Index Luke 3:2 Greek 2197. Zacharias -- Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist ... ... Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah, the son of Barachiah. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Zacharias Phonetic Spelling: (dzakh ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2197.htm - 6k Library John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. His Schools and Schoolmasters. John Chapter viii. 15-18 Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ... Entire Sanctification in Prophecy. General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. On the Words, Crucified and Buried. Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Against Jovinianus. A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Resources What is the Heidelberg Catechism? | GotQuestions.orgDo the narratives of Jesus' birth contradict each other? | GotQuestions.org Who was Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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