Topical Bible: Gabriel: Appeared to Mary

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Gabriel, one of the archangels in Judeo-Christian tradition, holds a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament. His appearance to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a pivotal moment in the Christian account of the Incarnation. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, where Gabriel is sent by God to deliver a message of profound importance.

Biblical Account

The account of Gabriel's appearance to Mary is found in Luke 1:26-38. The passage begins with the angel Gabriel being sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. The recipient of this divine visitation is Mary, a young virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, who is of the house of David. This detail underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's lineage.

Gabriel greets Mary with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28). This salutation indicates Mary's unique role in God's redemptive plan and sets the stage for the announcement that follows. Understandably, Mary is troubled by the angel's words and wonders about the nature of this greeting.

The Annunciation

Gabriel proceeds to deliver the message that has become known as the Annunciation. He tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus" (Luke 1:30-31). The name "Jesus" is significant, meaning "The Lord saves," and it reflects His mission to save His people from their sins.

Gabriel further explains the identity and mission of this child: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:32-33). This declaration affirms Jesus' divine sonship and His eternal kingship, fulfilling the promises made to David in the Old Testament.

Mary's Response

Mary's response to Gabriel's message is one of faith and humility. She asks, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34). Gabriel explains that the conception will be a miraculous act of God: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). This emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus' conception, affirming the doctrine of the Virgin Birth.

Gabriel also shares the news of Elizabeth, Mary's relative, who has conceived a son in her old age, as a sign of God's power: "For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). This statement underscores the omnipotence of God and His ability to accomplish His purposes.

Mary's final response is a model of submission and faith: "I am the Lord's servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her acceptance of God's will exemplifies her role as a willing participant in God's plan of salvation.

Theological Significance

Gabriel's appearance to Mary is rich with theological significance. It marks the moment when the divine plan for the redemption of humanity begins to unfold in history. The announcement of Jesus' birth highlights key Christian doctrines, including the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Gabriel's message affirms Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the eternal King, whose kingdom will have no end.

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Luke 1:26-29
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
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Library

His Past Work.
... engaged in holy meditation, the angel Gabriel appeared unto her ... ever such a message
given to Gabriel before ... Daniel, the communication to the Virgin Mary here is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm

Different Conceptions of John the Baptist.
... whom they declared to be the son of the carpenter and Mary, and to ... the incident of
the vision which was seen in the temple, when Gabriel appeared to Zacharias. ...
/.../20 different conceptions of john.htm

Whether the Angel of Annunciation Should have Appeared to the ...
... speaking thus: "To me came the archangel Gabriel with glowing ... iv in Luc.): "The angel
who appeared, knowing hers ... Wherefore both to Zachary and to Mary, as soon ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the angel of annunciation.htm

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... But at last the fulness of time was come; and the Angel Gabriel appeared to the
Virgin Mary at Nazareth, and after addressing her as the favoured mother of ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew.
... in her chamber, the archangel Gabriel appeared, gleaming like the sun; and when
she was terrified at the sight, the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary; for thou ...
/.../martyrdom of the holy and.htm

The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... Gabriel was sent to the holy virgin; the incorporeal was despatched ... beginning of
all these blessings to us appeared in the annunciation to Mary, the highly ...
/.../the second homily on the.htm

The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary.
... the Virgin Mary by the archangel Gabriel; and on ... while we were all praying, there
appeared innumerable multitudes ... the Lord, speaking to His mother, said: Mary. ...
/.../unknown/revelation of john/the book of john concerning.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... the mysteries of which the archangel Gabriel had spoken ... light gradually decreased,
until the infant appeared, and went and took the breast from His mother Mary. ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... And when he that appeared was changed into the appearance of a man, then Daniel
spoke: and what ... Gabriel too testifies plainly to Mary, saying, And the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... also what Mary herself, who had replied to Gabriel with the ... is not his mother called
Mary? ... of them." Pray tell me, who, before you appeared, was acquainted ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm