Luke is the only Gentile writer in the Bible. Theophilus could be a person’s name, or it could just be an honorary title bestowed upon the reader. It means “Friend of God” or “Loved of God.” I’ll take either one.
Luke starts with the story of the priest Zachariah being visited by the angel Gabriel. The visit was occasioned by a message from God telling Zachariah that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son in their old age. This was not to be just any son but a very special child who would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth and would have the special assignment of going before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah.
Because Elizabeth was barren Zachariah had a hard time believing this report. As a result he was struck dumb, unable to speak, until after the child was born.
What’s up with that? After all even Abraham had trouble believing a similar message. And when Mary was visited by this same angel she had questions. Why was Zachariah treated seemingly so harshly?
I don’t know; however, let me hazard a guess. (I won’t even call it an opinion, but I do think it warrants consideration.) It’s one thing to be visited by a messenger of God out in the field, or walking along the road, or doing housework. Certainly God shows up in these places but it still catches most people off guard. It’s something else to have Him show up in the Holy Place of His Temple. It wasn’t just the physical setting. Zachariah was directly involved in worship by burning incense.
God can appear to us and speak to us any time and in any manner, but when we have come to His house and been selected to go into His presence to offer worship and He speaks... believe!
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