16:20. But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed. THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE St. Luke was a native of Antioch, the capital of Syria. He was by profession a physician; and some ancient writers say, that he was very skillful in painting. He was converted by St. Paul and became his disciple and companion in his travels, and fellow-labourer in the ministry of the Gospel. He wrote in Greek, about twenty-four years after our Lord's Ascension. Luke Chapter 1 The conception of John the Baptist, and of Christ. The visitation and canticle of the Blessed Virgin. The birth of the Baptist and the canticle of Zachary. 1:1. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a narration of the things that have been accomplished among us, 1:2. According as they have delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word: 1:3. It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 1:4. That thou mayest know the verity of those words in which thou hast been instructed. 1:5. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. Of the course of Abia. . .that is, of the rank of Abia, which word in the Greek is commonly put for the employment of one day: but here for the functions of a whole week. For, by the appointment of David, 1 Par. 24., the descendants from Aaron were divided into twenty-four families, of which the eighth was Abia, from whom descended this Zachary, who at this time was in the week of his priestly functions. 1:6. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. 1:7. And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren: and they both were well advanced in years. 1:8. And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, 1:9. According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. 1:10. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. 1:11. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 1:12. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled: and fear fell upon him. 1:13. But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John. 1:14. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity. 1:15. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.