Study Desk

Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time.

They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?"

But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.

So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. The Shorter Ending of Mark [[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.]]

Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.

for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Zechariah said to the angel, "How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years."

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary.

After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said,

"This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people."

The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.

For nothing will be impossible with God."

For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.