Luke 1:23 · Clearspring

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Other translations

WEBBE

When the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.

BSB

And when the days of his service were complete, he returned home.

KJV

And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

ASV

And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed unto his house.

BBE

And when the days of his work in the Temple were ended, he went back to his house.

Original Greek

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Καὶ Kai And G2532 ἐγένετο egeneto it came to pass G1096 ὡς hōs when G5613 ἐπλήσθησαν eplēsthēsan were fulfilled G4130 αἱ hai the G3588 ἡμέραι hēmerai days G2250 τῆς tēs of the G3588 λειτουργίας leitourgias service G3009 αὐτοῦ autou of him G846 ἀπῆλθεν apēlthen he departed G565 εἰς eis to G1519 τὸν ton the G3588 οἶκον oikon home G3624 αὐτοῦ.¶ autou of him G846

The early church

During the time of their course, the priests of the temple were so occupied by their office, that they kept themselves not only from the society of their wives, but even from the very threshold of their houses. Hence it is said, And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days were accomplished, &c. For as there was then required a priestly succession from the root of Aaron, of necessity then a time was appointed for keeping up the inheritance. But as now not a carnal succession, but spiritual perfection, is looked for, the priests are enjoined (in order that they might ever be able to serve the altar) the perpetual observance of chastity. It follows: But after those days, &c. that is, after the days of Zacharias's ministration were completed. But these things were done in the month of September, the twenty-second day of the month, upon which the Jews were bound to observe the feast of the Tabernacles, just before the equinox, at which the night began to be longer than the day, because Christ must increase, but John must decrease. And those days of fasting were not without their meaning; for by the mouth of John, repentance and mortification were to be preached to men. It follows: And she hid herself. (see John 3:30.)

Bede · d. 735Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 5–25

The father and mother of John the Baptist were sinners as all are, and were justified and saved in the same way as others; but they were eminent for piety and integrity. They had no children, and it could not be expected that Elisabeth should have any in her old age. While Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. All the prayers we offer up to God, are acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the temple of God above. We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray, and pray with our spirits, and are not earnest in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and bring an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who ever lives, making intercession. The prayers Zacharias often made, received an answer of peace. Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are not forgotten. Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world, may be answered when we are old and going out of the world. Mercies are doubly sweet that are given in answer to prayer. Zacharias shall have a son in his old age, who shall be instrumental in the conversion of many souls to God, and preparing them to receive the gospel of Christ. He shall go before Him with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures. The disobedient and rebellious would be brought back to the wisdom of their righteous forefathers, or rather, brought to attend to the wisdom of that Just One who was coming among them. Zacharias heard all that the angel said; but his unbelief spake. In striking him dumb, God dealt justly with him, because he had objected against God's word. We may admire the patience of God towards us. God dealt kindly with him, for thus he prevented his speaking any more distrustful, unbelieving words. Thus also God confirmed his faith. If by the rebukes we are under for our sin, we are brought to give the more credit to the word of God, we have no reason to complain. Even real believers are apt to dishonour God by unbelief; and their mouths are stopped in silence and confusion, when otherwise they would have been praising God with joy and gratitude. In God's gracious dealings with us we ought to observe his gracious regards to us. He has looked on us with compassion and favour, and therefore has thus dealt with us.

Read Matthew Henry on Luke 1 →

Cross-references

2

Topics

Priest