Luke 1:6
Verse
Context
Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth
5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron.6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.
Sermons
Ed MillerRobert B. Thompson
Edward Payson
Jesse T. Peck
C.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
They were both righteous - Upright and holy in all their outward conduct in civil life. Before God - Possessing the spirit of the religion they professed; exercising themselves constantly in the presence of their Maker, whose eye, they knew, was upon all their conduct, and who examined all their motives. Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless - None being able to lay any evil to their charge. They were as exemplary and conscientious in the discharge of their religious duties as they were in the discharge of the offices of civil life. What a sacred pair! they made their duty to God, to their neighbor, and to themselves, walk constantly hand in hand. See the note on Mat 3:15. Perhaps εντολαι, commandments, may here mean the decalogue; and δικαιωματα, ordinances, the ceremonial and judicial laws which were delivered after the decalogue: as all the precepts delivered from Exo 21:1 to Exo 24:1 are termed δικαιωματα, judgments or ordinances.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
commandments and ordinances--The one expressing their moral--the other their ceremonial--obedience [CALVIN and BENGEL], (Compare Eze 11:20; Heb 9:1). It has been denied that any such distinction was known to the Jews and New Testament writers. But Mar 12:33, and other passages, put this beyond all reasonable doubt.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they were both righteous before God,.... Not as the Pharisees, only righteous before men, but in the sight of God, who sees the heart, and whose judgment is according to truth; and therefore were not justified by the deeds of the law; for by them no man can be justified in the sight of God; but were made righteous through the righteousness of Christ, by which the saints were made righteous before the coming of Christ, as those after it: see Act 15:11. God beheld them in his Son, as clothed with that righteousness he engaged to bring in, and as cleansed from all sin in that blood of his which was to be shed: and they appeared to him, and in the eye of his justice, and according to his law, righteous persons: though this character may also regard the internal holiness of their hearts, and the truth and sincerity of grace in them: which God, who trieth the hearts and reins of the children of men, knew, took notice of, and bore testimony to: as likewise their holy, upright walk and conversation before men, and which was observed by God, and acceptable to him, though imperfect, as arising from a principle of grace, being performed in the faith and fear of him, and with a view to his glory, and for the sake, and through the righteousness of his Son, Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord: this was not the matter of their righteousness before God, but the evidence of it before men: "by the commandments" are meant, all those that are of a moral nature, which regarded their duty to God and man, and which are comprehended in love to both; and by "the ordinances of the Lord", are intended the injunctions and institutions of the ceremonial law, which is called the law of commandments, contained in ordinances, which, though now abolished, were then in force: and it was right and commendable in them to observe them, who, by their "walking" in them, showed they loved them, both one and the other; esteemed them, concerning all things to be right; and had respect to them all, and observed them, and took pleasure in walking in them, which, by the grace of God, they continued to do; for walking not only shows that these commands and ordinances were a way marked out for them, but in which they took pleasure, and made progress: and were blameless; not that they were without sin, as none are; and it appears from this chapter that Zacharias was not, see Luk 1:20 but they were so in the sight of God; as they were justified by the righteousness of Christ, so they were without fault before the throne, and unreproveable before God; and as to their moral and religious character and conduct before men, they did not indulge themselves in any known sin, but lived in all good conscience among men: nor were they remiss and negligent in the discharge of duty: they were not guilty of any notorious breach of the law of God, or of any remarkable negligence in the business of religious observances: and though they might observe enough in them to charge themselves with, and to humble themselves before God and men; yet so strict were they, in their lives and conversations, that those who were the most intimately acquainted with them, had nothing very material to blame them for.
Luke 1:6
Gabriel Foretells John’s Birth
5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron.6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Luke) 02 - Zacharias
By Ed Miller1.6K1:12:19ZachariasGEN 5:24GEN 6:9GEN 15:6JOB 1:1MAT 6:33LUK 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and Goliath and how David was able to defeat Goliath because of his impaired peripheral vision. The speaker then compares this to the surgical miracle performed by Jesus to replace the ear that Peter cut off. The speaker emphasizes that Dr. Luke, in his account of this miracle, simply states the fact without trying to rationalize it. The sermon also highlights the significance of the first chapter of Luke in breaking the four hundred years of silence from God and preparing the way for the study of Luke.
Abraham, My Friend: 06 Your Prayer Is Heard
By Ron Bailey1.3K12:01AbrahamGEN 11:30MAT 6:33LUK 1:6LUK 1:45In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying hold of God in prayer, being honest and expressing our true feelings to Him. He encourages listeners to trust God with their deepest desires and to expect His fulfillment. The speaker also highlights the story of Sarah, who experienced the unquenchable hunger of barrenness, and how her longing led her to make a short-term compromise with lasting repercussions. Despite their struggles, Sarah and her husband Zechariah remained faithful to God's commandments and ordinances. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the power of prayer and the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God.
Faith That Walks With God
By Robert B. Thompson69054:39GEN 6:9PSA 1:5PSA 119:105MAT 5:16LUK 1:6JHN 5:39ROM 4:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our pursuit of Christ over material possessions and worldly achievements. He highlights the distractions and busyness of our culture that hinder us from focusing on the goal of knowing and seeking Jesus. The speaker also addresses the issue of teaching evolution in schools and the need for people to believe in the existence of God. He encourages a balanced approach to faith, combining the study of God's word with the power and worship of the Holy Spirit.
The Blameless Pair.
By Edward Payson0JOS 24:15PRO 22:6MAT 18:20LUK 1:6EPH 5:22COL 3:231TI 5:8HEB 4:13HEB 11:61PE 3:7Edward Payson preaches about the exemplary righteousness of Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, emphasizing the importance of being truly righteous before God, not just in the eyes of men. He warns against the delusion of self-righteousness and highlights the need for genuine repentance, faith in Jesus, and a thorough knowledge of God's commandments and ordinances. Payson stresses the significance of maintaining harmonious relationships in marriage, fulfilling parental duties, and upholding family worship. He underscores the impact of walking blamelessly in all God's commandments and ordinances on personal happiness, honoring God, and setting a positive example for others.
Section I. It Is Desirable to Be Holy
By Jesse T. Peck0LEV 11:44JOB 1:1EZK 36:25LUK 1:62CO 3:18PHP 1:211TH 5:23HEB 11:5JAS 2:23Jesse T. Peck preaches about the possibility and desirability of achieving holiness in the sight of God. He emphasizes that God's command to be holy is achievable, as evidenced by the lives of biblical figures like Enoch, Abraham, Job, and Paul, who walked with God, exhibited faith, and maintained blameless lives. The divine promises of cleansing and sanctification, along with the prayers for sanctification found in the Bible, further support the belief that it is possible for believers to attain complete holiness through the power of God's grace.
The Present Obligation of Primitive Practice. a Sin of the Church
By J.H. Newman0DEU 29:9JDG 17:6MAT 23:2MAT 24:12LUK 1:6LUK 22:192TI 2:15HEB 6:2REV 2:5J.H. Newman reflects on the present state of the Christian Church compared to its primitive form, emphasizing the temptation to dismiss ancient principles as theoretical and impractical. Drawing parallels from the history of the Jewish Church, he highlights the importance of strict obedience to God's commands despite societal norms. Newman urges believers to look to Jesus and the Apostles as examples of unwavering obedience and emphasizes the need to maintain the discipline and teachings of the early Church, including the Apostolical Succession. He warns against neglecting practices like regular communion, stressing the significance of following God's will diligently to avoid spiritual decline.
The Allegories of Sarah and Hagar
By C.H. Spurgeon0LUK 1:6ROM 1:32ROM 2:26ROM 5:16ROM 8:4HEB 9:1REV 15:4REV 19:8The preacher, Greek Word Studies, delves into the concept of 'dikaioma' in the Bible, which refers to God's declaration of what is right and just, often seen as His decree of retribution with the force of law. This term is used to signify God's righteous requirements, ordinances, and regulations, as well as acts of justice or fulfillment of legal requirements by Christ, God, or saints. Paul emphasizes in Romans that even those with depraved minds have an innate knowledge of God's regulations for right living, understanding the consequences of their wrong actions but choosing to ignore them.
Sanctification -- When It Is
By J.H. Collins0JOB 1:1LUK 1:6JHN 17:17ROM 6:14ROM 12:12CO 7:11TH 5:23HEB 10:141JN 3:91JN 4:18J.H. Collins preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, discussing the process of sanctification and the distinction between justification and entire sanctification. He emphasizes that sanctification is a gradual work that can be attained in this life, contrary to the belief that it can only be achieved at death. Collins uses biblical examples and scriptures to illustrate the journey from justification to complete sanctification, highlighting the need for believers to seek and experience the fullness of God's love and power in their lives.
Luke 1:5-14. the Angel's Visit to Zacharias.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0GEN 15:6LUK 1:6LUK 1:13ROM 3:22EPH 2:8Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the remarkable story of Zacharias and Elizabeth, a righteous couple who believed in the promise of a Savior and were declared righteous through faith. Despite their struggles with infertility, they remained faithful and obedient to God, walking blamelessly in His commandments. Through a miraculous encounter with an angel, they received the blessing of a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Savior. This story highlights the power of faith, obedience, and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Pentecost Received Results in Walking With God and Separation From the World
By Aaron Hills0GEN 5:22GEN 6:9GEN 17:1EXO 25:222KI 20:3AMO 3:3MIC 6:8LUK 1:62CO 5:72CO 6:14COL 2:6Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of walking with God as commanded in the Bible, emphasizing the duty, warnings, promises, conditions, and examples provided in God's Word. The sermon highlights the significance of obedience, being led by the Spirit, living a life of faith, agreement with God, separation from the world, and following the examples of faithful individuals like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Elijah.
God Repays
By C.H. Spurgeon0LUK 1:6ROM 16:191CO 1:8EPH 5:27PHP 2:151TH 5:231TI 3:21TI 5:7TIT 1:6HEB 7:26The preacher discusses the concept of disputing, emphasizing the negative impact of complaining and arguing within the body of Christ, which can lead to disruption and arrogance. By focusing on humility and avoiding disputes, believers can demonstrate blameless conduct and innocent character, shining as lights in a dark and perverse world. The sermon highlights the importance of maintaining a positive testimony through joyful living and refraining from murmuring and contentious behavior.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
They were both righteous - Upright and holy in all their outward conduct in civil life. Before God - Possessing the spirit of the religion they professed; exercising themselves constantly in the presence of their Maker, whose eye, they knew, was upon all their conduct, and who examined all their motives. Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless - None being able to lay any evil to their charge. They were as exemplary and conscientious in the discharge of their religious duties as they were in the discharge of the offices of civil life. What a sacred pair! they made their duty to God, to their neighbor, and to themselves, walk constantly hand in hand. See the note on Mat 3:15. Perhaps εντολαι, commandments, may here mean the decalogue; and δικαιωματα, ordinances, the ceremonial and judicial laws which were delivered after the decalogue: as all the precepts delivered from Exo 21:1 to Exo 24:1 are termed δικαιωματα, judgments or ordinances.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
commandments and ordinances--The one expressing their moral--the other their ceremonial--obedience [CALVIN and BENGEL], (Compare Eze 11:20; Heb 9:1). It has been denied that any such distinction was known to the Jews and New Testament writers. But Mar 12:33, and other passages, put this beyond all reasonable doubt.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they were both righteous before God,.... Not as the Pharisees, only righteous before men, but in the sight of God, who sees the heart, and whose judgment is according to truth; and therefore were not justified by the deeds of the law; for by them no man can be justified in the sight of God; but were made righteous through the righteousness of Christ, by which the saints were made righteous before the coming of Christ, as those after it: see Act 15:11. God beheld them in his Son, as clothed with that righteousness he engaged to bring in, and as cleansed from all sin in that blood of his which was to be shed: and they appeared to him, and in the eye of his justice, and according to his law, righteous persons: though this character may also regard the internal holiness of their hearts, and the truth and sincerity of grace in them: which God, who trieth the hearts and reins of the children of men, knew, took notice of, and bore testimony to: as likewise their holy, upright walk and conversation before men, and which was observed by God, and acceptable to him, though imperfect, as arising from a principle of grace, being performed in the faith and fear of him, and with a view to his glory, and for the sake, and through the righteousness of his Son, Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord: this was not the matter of their righteousness before God, but the evidence of it before men: "by the commandments" are meant, all those that are of a moral nature, which regarded their duty to God and man, and which are comprehended in love to both; and by "the ordinances of the Lord", are intended the injunctions and institutions of the ceremonial law, which is called the law of commandments, contained in ordinances, which, though now abolished, were then in force: and it was right and commendable in them to observe them, who, by their "walking" in them, showed they loved them, both one and the other; esteemed them, concerning all things to be right; and had respect to them all, and observed them, and took pleasure in walking in them, which, by the grace of God, they continued to do; for walking not only shows that these commands and ordinances were a way marked out for them, but in which they took pleasure, and made progress: and were blameless; not that they were without sin, as none are; and it appears from this chapter that Zacharias was not, see Luk 1:20 but they were so in the sight of God; as they were justified by the righteousness of Christ, so they were without fault before the throne, and unreproveable before God; and as to their moral and religious character and conduct before men, they did not indulge themselves in any known sin, but lived in all good conscience among men: nor were they remiss and negligent in the discharge of duty: they were not guilty of any notorious breach of the law of God, or of any remarkable negligence in the business of religious observances: and though they might observe enough in them to charge themselves with, and to humble themselves before God and men; yet so strict were they, in their lives and conversations, that those who were the most intimately acquainted with them, had nothing very material to blame them for.