Luke 1:15
Verse
Context
Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth
14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.16Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He shall be great in the sight of the Lord - That is, before Jesus Christ, whose forerunner he shall be; or he shall be a truly great person, for so this form of speech may imply. Neither wine nor strong drink - Σικερα, i.e. all fermented liquors which have the property of intoxicating, or producing drunkenness. The original word σικερα, sikera, comes from the Hebrew, שכר shakar, to inebriate. "Any inebriating liquor," says St. Jerome, (Epis. ad Nepot)." is called sicera, whether made of corn, apples, honey, dates, or any other fruits." One of the four prohibited liquors among the East Indian Moslimans is called sikkir. "Sikkir is made by steeping fresh dates in water till they take effect in sweetening it: this liquor is abominable and unlawful." Hedaya, vol. iv. p. 158. Probably this is the very liquor referred to in the text. In the Institutes of Menu it is said, "Inebriating liquor may be considered as of three principal sorts: that extracted from dregs of sugar, that extracted from bruised rice, and that extracted from the flowers of the madhuca: as one, so are all; they shall not be tasted by the chief of the twice-born." Chap. xi. Inst. 95. Twice-born is used by the Brahmins in the same sense as being born again is used by Christians. It signifies a spiritual regeneration. From this word comes our English term cyder, or sider, a beverage made of the fermented juice of apples. See the note on Lev 10:9. Shall be filled with the Holy Ghost - Shall be Divinely designated to this particular office, and qualified for it, from his mother's womb - from the instant of his birth. One MS., two versions, and four of the primitive fathers read εν τῃ κοιλιᾳ, In the womb of his mother - intimating that even before he should be born into the world the Holy Spirit should be communicated to him. Did not this take place on the salutation of the Virgin Mary? - and is not this what is intended, Luk 1:44? To be filled with the Holy Ghost, implies having the soul influenced in all its powers, with the illuminating, strengthening, and sanctifying energy of the Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
great in the sight of the Lord--nearer to Him in official standing than all the prophets. (See Mat 11:10-11.) drink neither wine nor strong drink--that is, shall be a Nazarite, or "a separated one" (Num 6:2, &c.). As the leper was the living symbol of sin, so was the Nazarite of holiness; nothing inflaming was to cross his lips; no razor to come on his head; no ceremonial defilement to be contracted. Thus was he to be "holy to the Lord [ceremonially] all the days of his separation." This separation was in ordinary cases temporary and voluntary: only Samson (Jdg 13:7), Samuel (Sa1 1:11), and John Baptist were Nazarites from the womb. It was fitting that the utmost severity of legal consecration should be seen in Christ's forerunner. HE was the REALITY and PERFECTION of the Nazarite without the symbol, which perished in that living realization of it: "Such an High Priest became us, who was SEPARATE FROM SINNERS" (Heb 7:26). filled with the Holy Ghost, from . . . womb--a holy vessel for future service.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord,.... Of Jehovah, the Father; with whom, what is highly esteemed among men, is oftentimes an abomination; and of the Lord Jesus Christ, before whom he was to go, and who pronounced him a prophet, and more than a prophet, and even greater than any born of women, Mat 11:9 and of the Lord, the Spirit, with whom he was filled from his mother's womb: he was great, not in birth and blood, in worldly riches and grandeur, but in gifts and grace, in his work, office, and usefulness, and in the esteem of God, and even of men too: and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; which were forbidden the Nazarites, Num 6:3 where the Jews, by "wine", understand "new wine"; and by "strong drink", old wine: so all the "three Targums", of Onkelos, Jonathan ben Uzziel, and the Jerusalem, paraphrase the words there, "from wine new and old, he shall separate himself"; and they allow strong drink to a Nazarite, that has no wine in it: their canon (r) runs thus, "three things are forbidden a Nazarite, defilement, and shaving, and whatever proceeds from the vine, whether fruit, or the refuse of fruit; but strong drink made of dates, or dried figs, and such like, is free for a Nazarite; and the strong drink which is forbidden him in the law, is strong drink made of mixture of wine. But the Hebrew word, and which is here retained by the evangelist, signifies (s) any sort of liquor, which is inebriating, whether it is made of fruits, or honey, or what not. The Jews had no such strong drink as ours, which we call beer or ale; but they speak of the strong drink of the Medes, which they say was an inebriating liquor, made of barley (t): and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb; or "whilst in his mother's womb", as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render it: like Jeremiah, he was sanctified, set apart, and ordained to be the prophet of the Highest, before he came out of his mother's womb; and was then under such an influence of the Spirit of God, as to leap in it for joy, at the salutation of the mother of Christ to his, Luk 1:41 and very early appeared to have the extraordinary gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, qualifying him for his work, (r) Maimon. Hilch. Nezirut, c. 5. sect. 1. (s) R. David Kimchi in Sepher Shorashim, rad. (t) Misn. Pesach. c. 3. sect. 1. & Jarchi, Maimom. & Bartenora in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:15 He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks: In the Old Testament, abstaining from alcohol was part of the Nazirite vow of special dedication to God (see Num 6:1-21). This vow was usually temporary (see Acts 18:18; 21:23, 26); for some individuals such as Samson (Judg 13:4-7), Samuel (cp. 1 Sam 1:11), and John the Baptist, it was a lifelong commitment. • filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth: See Luke 1:41, 44.
Luke 1:15
Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth
14He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth,15for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.16Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Voice Crying in the Wilderness
By Erlo Stegen2.0K1:01:31SinGEN 12:1MAT 3:1MAT 4:17MAT 11:11LUK 1:15In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal story of a man who traveled to apologize to his brother after being convicted by God. The preacher then discusses the importance of repentance and preparing the way for the Lord, referencing Matthew 3 and the prophecy of Isaiah. He also shares a story of a girl from Scotland who exemplified modesty and preached with conviction. The sermon concludes with a reminder for both men and women to dress and behave according to their gender, as taught in the Bible.
John the Baptist
By Ernest Barker1.4K49:04John The BaptistMAT 3:3MAT 11:7LUK 1:15LUK 7:24JHN 1:29JHN 10:41REV 19:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a friend who proclaimed himself as a citizen of heaven. He emphasizes the importance of being a witness for God and seizing every opportunity to testify for the Lord. The speaker then discusses three things that the Lord said about John the Baptist, highlighting his role as a burning and shining light. He encourages the audience to remember that they are representatives of God and should be ready to fulfill their purpose as voices for Him, whether in hidden lands or in their own communities. The sermon concludes with the reminder to be in harmony with God's will and to walk with Him.
The Elijah of the Last Days
By Zac Poonen1.4K52:17MAL 4:5MAT 11:11LUK 1:15JHN 17:20EPH 2:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared for Christ's return, drawing parallels between the need for readiness during Christ's first coming and the current state of many Christians. It highlights the ministry of John the Baptist as a model for preparing hearts for the Lord, focusing on being great in the sight of the Lord rather than men. The sermon challenges believers to prioritize holiness, unity, and readiness for Christ's return over worldly desires and superficial aspects of faith.
(Through the Bible) Luke - Part 1
By Zac Poonen53157:10LUK 1:15LUK 4:18LUK 5:16LUK 6:12This sermon delves into the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing the accuracy of Jesus' life events from conception to resurrection. It highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, resisting temptations, and using spiritual gifts for the benefit of others. The sermon also underscores the need for humility, prayer, and seeking God's guidance in ministry, while cautioning against pride and the dangers of seeking personal gain through spiritual gifts.
The Holy Spirit (John 14)
By G.W. North4431:24:53Holy SpiritGEN 18:14EXO 33:11MAT 6:33LUK 1:15JHN 14:15GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of going through terrible trials and tragedies. Despite the hardships, the speaker finds great joy and sings praises to God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and completely surrendering to God. They also mention the baptism of the Holy Spirit and how it empowers believers to speak in tongues and magnify God. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in their lives.
These Works You Shall Do
By Anton Bosch4221:02:18Holy SpiritLUK 1:15LUK 3:21LUK 4:18ACT 2:22ACT 10:38PHP 2:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of the "canosis" as mentioned in Philippians chapter 2. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death on the cross. The speaker also highlights that Jesus began his work on earth but continues to work through the church, as seen in the book of Acts. The sermon also touches on the physical suffering Jesus endured during his crucifixion and the power he had to escape that situation, but chose to die for our salvation.
He Must Increase
By G.W. North0The Role of John the BaptistBaptismISA 40:3MAL 3:1MAT 3:11MAT 28:19MRK 1:4LUK 1:15LUK 3:16JHN 1:29JHN 3:30ACT 19:4G.W. North emphasizes the unique role of John the Baptist as God's deliberate messenger, highlighting his greatness compared to the patriarchs and prophets. Filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, John inaugurated the ministry of baptism, embodying the spirit of Elijah and serving as the forerunner of Christ. His ministry focused on three key aspects: Annunciation, Preparation, and Restoration, all centered around the act of baptism. Through baptism, John announced Jesus as the Son of God, prepared the way for His ministry, and demonstrated the promise of restoration through the Holy Spirit. John's heraldic ministry set the stage for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Cry of the Spirit
By Smith Wigglesworth0RepentanceThe Role of the Holy SpiritISA 40:3MAT 3:4MAT 11:18MAT 14:3LUK 1:15LUK 3:2LUK 3:5JHN 1:23JHN 1:36HEB 12:13Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the profound impact of John the Baptist's ministry, highlighting how his humble beginnings and the 'cry of the Spirit' resonated deeply with the people. Despite his austere lifestyle, John's message of repentance and preparation for the Messiah stirred the hearts of many, leading them to confess their sins and seek baptism. Wigglesworth illustrates that John's extraordinary calling was rooted in his intimate relationship with God, which empowered him to bear the burden of the people's sins. The sermon calls for believers to embrace their own 'cry' and allow the Holy Spirit to work through them to reach others. Ultimately, it is a reminder that even in solitude, one can find purpose and be a vessel for God's message.
Simeon's Farewell to the World
By John Piper0ISA 42:6ISA 49:6LUK 1:15LUK 2:29ACT 2:3ROM 9:32ROM 11:11ROM 11:19EPH 5:181PE 2:6John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing of the era of the law and the prophets, welcoming Jesus as the fulfillment of their faith. Luke emphasizes the importance of continuity between the old and new eras, showing that Jesus came not to abolish but to fulfill the law and the prophets. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts is seen as a continuation of the Spirit's work in the old era, highlighting the unity between the two. Simeon's prophecy reveals that salvation will extend beyond Israel to all nations, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's plan for redemption.
Section I.--Spiritual Effects.
By William Arthur0LUK 1:15ACT 2:4ACT 4:8ACT 6:3ACT 11:24William Arthur preaches about the transformative power of being filled with the Holy Ghost, as seen in the disciples after Pentecost. The Holy Spirit's work is not just about miraculous manifestations but also about moral and spiritual empowerment, enabling believers to boldly proclaim the word of God and confront challenges with strength and wisdom. The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the apostolic age but extends to all believers, offering a deep, personal, and ongoing relationship with God. Being filled with the Holy Ghost results in a profound moral strength, boldness to confess Christ, and a deep communion with God, leading to a life that glorifies the Father.
Luke 1:15-17. the Prophecy Concerning John the Baptist.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0NUM 6:2MAL 4:5MAT 3:1LUK 1:152PE 3:9Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the joy Zacharias felt upon hearing the angel's message about his promised son, John the Baptist, who was to be great in the sight of the Lord. John was to be a Nazarite, separated unto the Lord, and filled with the Holy Spirit to turn many of the children of Israel to God. The angel also prophesied that John would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, resembling him in faithfulness, courage, and success. The most significant part of the message was the promise of the Savior's imminent arrival, emphasizing the need for hearts to be turned towards God by faithful preachers before His coming.
The Holy Spirit Before Pentecost
By David Shelby Corlett0GEN 1:2LUK 1:15JHN 20:22ACT 2:33ACT 4:31ACT 8:17ACT 9:17ACT 10:44ACT 19:6David Shelby Corlett delves into the work and place of the Holy Spirit before and after His official advent on the day of Pentecost. He explains how the Holy Spirit has always been active in the world, from creation to the Old Testament period, preparing special messengers and working in the life and ministry of Jesus. Corlett emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's manifestation and indwelling following Pentecost, highlighting the transformation and empowerment experienced by the disciples and early believers. He discusses various instances in the Acts of the Apostles where different groups received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of this second crisis experience for regenerated believers.
"The Last Days", a Blessed Age of Revival
By John R. Rice0PSA 126:6MRK 16:15LUK 1:15ACT 2:15ACT 2:21John R. Rice preaches about the true meaning of 'the last days' in Scripture, emphasizing that it refers to the period from before Pentecost until Christ's return, not just the few years before His return. He urges believers to understand the term as defined in the Bible, encompassing the entire age of grace and revival from Pentecost onwards. Rice highlights that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, the ease of salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord, and the power for soul-winning are characteristics of 'the last days' throughout this age, making great revivals always possible.
The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Person and Work of Christ
By John F. Walvoord0ISA 11:2ISA 42:1ISA 61:1MAT 10:20MRK 13:11LUK 1:15LUK 12:12JHN 20:22ROM 8:11GAL 3:24GAL 4:4John F. Walvoord delves into the intricate nature of the Gospel narratives, emphasizing the need for careful exegesis due to the combination of three dispensations: Law, Grace, and Kingdom. Christ's life demonstrated perfect obedience to the Mosaic law, fulfilling it in His death and teachings. The prophetic message of Christ anticipated the glorious kingdom while warning of exclusion and emphasizing matters of the heart. The Holy Spirit's Messianic work in every dispensation, especially in relation to Christ, is highlighted through Old Testament prophecies and Christ's teachings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He shall be great in the sight of the Lord - That is, before Jesus Christ, whose forerunner he shall be; or he shall be a truly great person, for so this form of speech may imply. Neither wine nor strong drink - Σικερα, i.e. all fermented liquors which have the property of intoxicating, or producing drunkenness. The original word σικερα, sikera, comes from the Hebrew, שכר shakar, to inebriate. "Any inebriating liquor," says St. Jerome, (Epis. ad Nepot)." is called sicera, whether made of corn, apples, honey, dates, or any other fruits." One of the four prohibited liquors among the East Indian Moslimans is called sikkir. "Sikkir is made by steeping fresh dates in water till they take effect in sweetening it: this liquor is abominable and unlawful." Hedaya, vol. iv. p. 158. Probably this is the very liquor referred to in the text. In the Institutes of Menu it is said, "Inebriating liquor may be considered as of three principal sorts: that extracted from dregs of sugar, that extracted from bruised rice, and that extracted from the flowers of the madhuca: as one, so are all; they shall not be tasted by the chief of the twice-born." Chap. xi. Inst. 95. Twice-born is used by the Brahmins in the same sense as being born again is used by Christians. It signifies a spiritual regeneration. From this word comes our English term cyder, or sider, a beverage made of the fermented juice of apples. See the note on Lev 10:9. Shall be filled with the Holy Ghost - Shall be Divinely designated to this particular office, and qualified for it, from his mother's womb - from the instant of his birth. One MS., two versions, and four of the primitive fathers read εν τῃ κοιλιᾳ, In the womb of his mother - intimating that even before he should be born into the world the Holy Spirit should be communicated to him. Did not this take place on the salutation of the Virgin Mary? - and is not this what is intended, Luk 1:44? To be filled with the Holy Ghost, implies having the soul influenced in all its powers, with the illuminating, strengthening, and sanctifying energy of the Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
great in the sight of the Lord--nearer to Him in official standing than all the prophets. (See Mat 11:10-11.) drink neither wine nor strong drink--that is, shall be a Nazarite, or "a separated one" (Num 6:2, &c.). As the leper was the living symbol of sin, so was the Nazarite of holiness; nothing inflaming was to cross his lips; no razor to come on his head; no ceremonial defilement to be contracted. Thus was he to be "holy to the Lord [ceremonially] all the days of his separation." This separation was in ordinary cases temporary and voluntary: only Samson (Jdg 13:7), Samuel (Sa1 1:11), and John Baptist were Nazarites from the womb. It was fitting that the utmost severity of legal consecration should be seen in Christ's forerunner. HE was the REALITY and PERFECTION of the Nazarite without the symbol, which perished in that living realization of it: "Such an High Priest became us, who was SEPARATE FROM SINNERS" (Heb 7:26). filled with the Holy Ghost, from . . . womb--a holy vessel for future service.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord,.... Of Jehovah, the Father; with whom, what is highly esteemed among men, is oftentimes an abomination; and of the Lord Jesus Christ, before whom he was to go, and who pronounced him a prophet, and more than a prophet, and even greater than any born of women, Mat 11:9 and of the Lord, the Spirit, with whom he was filled from his mother's womb: he was great, not in birth and blood, in worldly riches and grandeur, but in gifts and grace, in his work, office, and usefulness, and in the esteem of God, and even of men too: and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; which were forbidden the Nazarites, Num 6:3 where the Jews, by "wine", understand "new wine"; and by "strong drink", old wine: so all the "three Targums", of Onkelos, Jonathan ben Uzziel, and the Jerusalem, paraphrase the words there, "from wine new and old, he shall separate himself"; and they allow strong drink to a Nazarite, that has no wine in it: their canon (r) runs thus, "three things are forbidden a Nazarite, defilement, and shaving, and whatever proceeds from the vine, whether fruit, or the refuse of fruit; but strong drink made of dates, or dried figs, and such like, is free for a Nazarite; and the strong drink which is forbidden him in the law, is strong drink made of mixture of wine. But the Hebrew word, and which is here retained by the evangelist, signifies (s) any sort of liquor, which is inebriating, whether it is made of fruits, or honey, or what not. The Jews had no such strong drink as ours, which we call beer or ale; but they speak of the strong drink of the Medes, which they say was an inebriating liquor, made of barley (t): and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb; or "whilst in his mother's womb", as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render it: like Jeremiah, he was sanctified, set apart, and ordained to be the prophet of the Highest, before he came out of his mother's womb; and was then under such an influence of the Spirit of God, as to leap in it for joy, at the salutation of the mother of Christ to his, Luk 1:41 and very early appeared to have the extraordinary gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost, qualifying him for his work, (r) Maimon. Hilch. Nezirut, c. 5. sect. 1. (s) R. David Kimchi in Sepher Shorashim, rad. (t) Misn. Pesach. c. 3. sect. 1. & Jarchi, Maimom. & Bartenora in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:15 He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks: In the Old Testament, abstaining from alcohol was part of the Nazirite vow of special dedication to God (see Num 6:1-21). This vow was usually temporary (see Acts 18:18; 21:23, 26); for some individuals such as Samson (Judg 13:4-7), Samuel (cp. 1 Sam 1:11), and John the Baptist, it was a lifelong commitment. • filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth: See Luke 1:41, 44.