What is the meaning of Luke 1:67? Then • The opening word ties Zechariah’s experience to the immediate context. Just moments earlier his tongue was loosed after writing, “His name is John” (Luke 1:63–64), a fulfillment of Gabriel’s promise (Luke 1:20). • Scripture often uses “then” to mark a divinely appointed turning point—much like Acts 2:1, “When the day of Pentecost had come.” God never wastes chronology; every event unfolds on His schedule (Galatians 4:4). his father Zechariah • Luke identifies him as John the Baptist’s father, emphasizing God’s work through ordinary people who trust Him. Zechariah was a priest serving at the altar (Luke 1:5, 8–9), reminding us of God’s pattern of calling servants in the midst of obedience—compare Moses tending sheep (Exodus 3:1) or David caring for flocks (1 Samuel 16:11–13). • Though he once doubted (Luke 1:18–20), Zechariah now stands as a witness to God’s faithfulness, echoing the encouragement found in Psalm 145:13, “The LORD is faithful in all His words.” was filled with the Holy Spirit • The filling is a sovereign act of God, empowering believers for specific service. We see similar moments with Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Peter (Acts 4:8), and Paul (Acts 13:9). • Filling is distinct from New Testament indwelling; the Spirit had already been at work in Zechariah’s life, yet now He overtakes every faculty for proclamation—anticipating Ephesians 5:18, “Be filled with the Spirit.” • This verse affirms that prophetic utterance is Spirit-driven, lining up with 2 Peter 1:21, “Prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” and prophesied • Prophecy here is more forth-telling than fore-telling: Zechariah announces God’s redemptive plan in Luke 1:68-79, blessing the coming Messiah and outlining John’s role. It resembles the Spirit-prompted praises of Miriam (Exodus 15:20–21) and Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1–10). • The content centers on covenant faithfulness—Abrahamic promises (Genesis 22:16–18) and Davidic hope (2 Samuel 7:12–16)—demonstrating that true prophecy magnifies God’s Word rather than human imagination. • By linking Spirit-filling to prophecy, Luke underscores that Scripture’s message is both supernatural and trustworthy, echoing Jesus’ words in John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” summary Luke 1:67 shows the seamless movement of God’s plan: at just the right moment, God takes a once-doubtful priest, fills him with His Spirit, and turns him into a mouthpiece of redemptive praise. “Then” signals perfect timing, “his father Zechariah” reminds us God uses willing servants, “was filled with the Holy Spirit” highlights divine empowerment, and “and prophesied” affirms that Spirit-given words reveal and celebrate the faithful purposes of God. |
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