57 When Elizabeth was full-term in her pregnancy, she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives, seeing that God had overwhelmed her with mercy, celebrated with her. 59 On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and were calling him Zachariah after his father. 60 But his mother intervened: "No. He is to be called John." 61 "But," they said, "no one in your family is named that." 62 They used sign language to ask Zachariah what he wanted him named. 63 Asking for a tablet, Zachariah wrote, "His name is to be John." That took everyone by surprise. 64 Surprise followed surprise - Zachariah's mouth was now open, his tongue loose, and he was talking, praising God! 65 A deep, reverential fear settled over the neighborhood, and in all that Judean hill country people talked about nothing else. 66 Everyone who heard about it took it to heart, wondering, "What will become of this child? Clearly, God has his hand in this."
67 Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, 68 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free. 69 He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives, and in the very house of David his servant, 70 Just as he promised long ago through the preaching of his holy prophets: 71 Deliverance from our enemies and every hateful hand; 72 Mercy to our fathers, as he remembers to do what he said he'd do, 73 What he swore to our father Abraham - 74 a clean rescue from the enemy camp, So we can worship him without a care in the world, 75 made holy before him as long as we live. 76 And you, my child, "Prophet of the Highest," will go ahead of the Master to prepare his ways, 77 Present the offer of salvation to his people, the forgiveness of their sins. 78 Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise will break in upon us, 79 Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. 80 The child grew up, healthy and spirited. He lived out in the desert until the day he made his prophetic debut in Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:57-80
Commentary on Luke 1:57-66
(Read Luke 1:57-66)
In these verses we have an account of the birth of John the Baptist, and the great joy among all the relations of the family. He shall be called Johanan, or "Gracious," because he shall bring in the gospel of Christ, wherein God's grace shines most bright. Zacharias recovered his speech. Unbelief closed his mouth, and believing opened it again: he believers, therefore he speaks. When God opens our lips, our mouths must show forth his praise; and better be without speech, than not use it in praising God. It is said, The hand of the Lord was working with John. God has ways of working on children in their infancy, which we cannot account for. We should observe the dealings of God, and wait the event.
Commentary on Luke 1:67-80
(Read Luke 1:67-80)
Zacharias uttered a prophecy concerning the kingdom and salvation of the Messiah. The gospel brings light with it; in it the day dawns. In John the Baptist it began to break, and increased apace to the perfect day. The gospel is discovering; it shows that about which we were utterly in the dark; it is to give light to those that sit in darkness, the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. It is reviving; it brings light to those that sit in the shadow of death, as condemned prisoners in the dungeon. It is directing; it is to guide our feet in the way of peace, into that way which will bring us to peace at last, Romans 3:17. John gave proofs of strong faith, vigorous and holy affections, and of being above the fear and love of the world. Thus he ripened for usefulness; but he lived a retired life, till he came forward openly as the forerunner of the Messiah. Let us follow peace with all men, as well as seek peace with God and our own consciences. And if it be the will of God that we live unknown to the world, still let us diligently seek to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.