Zacharias (Zechariah): The Father of John the Baptist
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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 1:5-80
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 3:2
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
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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.
... iv.6] came unto John the son of Zacharias, in the ... to announce, for Jesus was meek
and lowly (Zechariah 9:9 ... to quiet it], We have Abraham to our father [The Jews ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... old, forbade the Jews having horses; but Zechariah said that ... of his showing unto
Israel." Probably Zacharias, and Elisabeth ... the other day with his father to be ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

John Chapter viii. 15-18
... But Luke, because he begins with the priesthood of Zacharias, mentioning the father
of John the Baptist, is designated the ox; for the ox was an important ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxvi john chapter viii.htm

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness ...
... As, I will bring forth my servant the Branch, Zechariah 3:8. Behold the ... word in all
these places, appears from the Prophecy of Zacharias the Father of John ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the appearance of.htm

Entire Sanctification in Prophecy.
... Zacharias, the father of John ... The prophecy of Zechariah contains a number of visions,
which are, no doubt, full of instruction to those who have eyes to see ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter v entire sanctification in.htm

General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... Calemerus, finds relics of prophet Zechariah, [2780]427. ... Ishmael, father of the Saracens,
[3451]375. ... John Baptist, head found, conveyed to Constantinople, and ...
/.../general index to sozomens ecclesiastical.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... Now the Prophet Zacharias says, And it shall come to pass in that ... sent, and crucified
for us, and worshipping also God His Father who sent ... 1534] Zechariah 11:12 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... This Zacharias testifies when he was filled with the Holy ... Lord; and he shall bear
the glory' (Zechariah 3:8 ... tyrant, ruled in the room of his father, they were ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... and beginning with Adam goes on to Zacharias and Elizabeth ... Michal, Saul's daughter,
whom her father had delivered ... For, since John Baptist came in the spirit and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... we had lost (p.12).7. That John the Baptist, the Angel that was sent to Zacharias,
and Mary ... his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father' (Galatians 4:6 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Resources
What is the Heidelberg Catechism? | GotQuestions.org

Do the narratives of Jesus' birth contradict each other? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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