Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:18-22 – Struck Dumb For Disbelief

Luke 1:18-22 – Struck Dumb For Disbelief

LK1:18 Now Zechariah said to the angel: “How can I be sure of this?[1] For I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”[2] LK1:19 Then the angel answered him: “I am Gabriel[3] who stands in the very presence of The God![4] I was sent to speak with you and to bring you this good news. LK1:20 Now, look, you will be unable to speak or say anything until that day when these matters will be fulfilled, because you did not believe my words that will come to completion at the proper time.” LK1:21 Now outside the worshippers waited for Zechariah and began to wonder because he was taking so long in the temple.[5] LK1:22 And when he did come out he was unable to speak to them – and as a result the people realized that he had seen a vision in the temple – because he could only gesture to them though he remained speechless.

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[1] How can I be sure of this: For this question the angel strikes the priest dumb.

[2] For I am an old man and my wife is well along in years: An echo of Abraham and Sarah. The Levitical priestly assistants had to retire at the age of 50 while the Aaronic priesthood could serve throughout their lives.

[3] I am Gabriel: The angel of Daniel 9. His name means “God’s Able One.”

[4] Who stands in the very presence of The God: This may suggest that not all angels serve in God’s Presence.

[5] He was taking so long in the temple: The service with prayers took about thirty minutes.

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Preceding

Luke – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Introduction to the Third Gospel

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:5-7 – Zechariah and Elizabeth

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest