His Name is John

LUKE 1 COMMENTARY ◄
Luke 1:56-62 Elizabeth and John

Luke 1:63-66 His Name is John

LUKE 1:63 63 And having asked for a writing tablet, he wrote, saying, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed.

Who were “amazed” (Luke 1:63)?
The “neighbors and relatives” (Luke 1:58) of Elizabeth and Zacharias who had gathered to celebrate the birth of her son.

Were they amazed that Elizabeth had given birth at such an old age?
That too, but this amazement was at Zacharias confirming in writing - “His name is John” (Luke 1:63) - the name that his wife had revealed to them for their son - “he will be called John” (Luke 1:60) - despite there being “no one among” their “relatives who is called by this name” (Luke 1:61).

LUKE 1:64-66 64 And immediately his mouth was unlocked, his tongue also, and he began speaking, praising God. 65 Then fear came upon all those living around them, and all these matters were being talked about in the entire hill country of Judea. 66 And all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

What did the amazement of Elizabeth and Zacharias' neighbors turn into?
“Fear” (Luke 1:65).

Why?
Since Zacharias had been mute for nine months, they may have assumed that he will remain mute for the rest of his life, especially since he was already so old. φοβος (phobos), the original Greek word translated “fear,” also means “awe” or “reverence,” so the the miracle of his mute tongue suddenly getting “unlocked” (Luke 1:64) created a shock wave that reverberated throughout “the entire hill country of Judea” (Luke 1:65) and made people wonder what their son will turn out to be.

What is the first thing that Zacharias was doing after his mouth was opened?
“Praising God” (Luke 1:64).

What is the first thing that many people do today when they open their mouth in amazement?
Blaspheme God's holy name.

Do you?