What does Luke 1:70 mean?

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: Luke 1:70

Explanation

Luke 1:70 speaks to the divine inspiration of the prophets in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The verse comes as part of Zechariah’s prophecy, often referred to as the Benedictus, after he regains his speech upon the naming of his son, John the Baptist. When it references the “mouth of his holy prophets,” it alludes to the belief that the prophets did not speak of their own accord but uttered the revelations given to them by God. “Which have been since the world began” emphasizes that God’s plan, and the role of the prophets in that plan, spans the entire history of humankind, from the earliest times until the era of Jesus Christ and beyond.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context and is often dated to around 80-110 CE. Luke, traditionally understood to be a companion of the Apostle Paul, is addressing a predominantly Gentile audience. His intention is to provide certainty about the teachings that Christians had received about Jesus. This verse is part of a broader narrative aimed at establishing the continuity of Jesus’ mission with the intentions and promises of God as expressed through the Hebrew prophets.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophetic messages over time. It suggests that God’s plan for salvation is rooted in history and prophecy, and that it comes to fruition in the person and ministry of Jesus. Theologians from different Christian traditions might emphasize various aspects of this continuity, with some pointing to the prophecies of a Messiah and others on the moral and ethical teachings of the prophets.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 1:70 can inspire individuals to see their faith as connected to a larger historical purpose. Christians might find comfort and confidence in the idea that they are part of an ancient and ongoing story. This could foster a deeper commitment to the values and teachings of their faith tradition and encourage them to listen attentively for what they might perceive as the “prophetic” voice of God in their own lives.

Cross-References

• 2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• Hebrews 1:1-2: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…”
• Acts 3:21: “Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

Language Study

The Greek word translated as “holy” in this verse is “ἅγιος” (hagios), which means “set apart”, or “consecrated to God”. It signifies something or someone that is inherently sacred or has been dedicated to the purposes of deities. The term “prophets” is translated from “προφῆται” (prophētai), meaning “spokesmen,” those who speak forth or declare the will of God, often with foreknowledge provided by divine insight.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse has similarities with traditions in other ancient religions, where divine will and revelation are often communicated through human agents or prophets. In the Greek tradition, the Oracle of Delphi was believed to speak for the god Apollo. In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings and priests often claimed to have received messages from their gods. Unlike the Greco-Roman oracles, the Hebrew prophets were not just foretellers but also forth-tellers, making them unique in emphasizing ethical and social justice issues as core to their messages.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, prophetic claims are approached with skepticism, as foretelling the future or speaking on behalf of a divine being is not testable or provable by empirical methods. The scientific community emphasizes the need for observable and reproducible evidence for verifying claims, which contrasts with religious beliefs that often accept divine revelation through faith.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse often focus on the theme of prophecy fulfillment. Matthew Henry’s Commentary observes how the promises of God, given through the prophets, are brought to light in the New Testament and find their completion in Christ. The Expositor’s Greek Testament emphasizes the ongoing nature of this prophetic tradition and the continuity from Old to New Testament, while The Jerome Biblical Commentary might provide a more critical historical analysis of the text’s composition and its implications for understanding early Christian views of salvation history.