1:57-58 Luke passed over the birth of John quickly (cf. Gen. 25:24). It occasioned great joy for his parents and for all who knew them. Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives shared in the joy of John's birth as the shepherds did later when they announced Jesus' birth.
1:59-61 As godly Israelites, Zechariah and Elizabeth were careful to circumcise John eight days after his birth (Gen. 17:9-14; cf. Luke 2:21). Normally the head of the household performed this operation.65Both parents also faithfully followed Gabriel's instructions and named their son as God had directed despite opposition from well-meaning friends who attended the eventful occasion (cf. Ruth 4:17). The Jews usually named their children at birth, but the Hellenists did so a few days later.66Perhaps this custom influenced Zechariah and Elizabeth to name John at his circumcision.
1:62-63 Apparently Zechariah could not hear or speak. The visitors had to communicate with him in sign language. The Greek word used to describe his condition, kophos, can mean deaf as well as dumb (cf. 7:22). Zechariah authoritatively settled the argument about his son's name by writing, "John is his name."God had named John before his conception. Apparently the neighbors expressed astonishment because no other family member had that name.
"One of the major lessons is that even if all his neighbors do not understand why Zechariah does not do things the way they have been done, he will walk where God tells him to walk. . . .
". . . How do we define life? Is it in power and in the ability to take control,' or is it in following the one who is in control?"67
1:64-66 God rewarded Zechariah's obedience by removing his temporary disability. His first words were praise of God (cf. Acts 2:4, 11). Luke stressed the widespread effect this incident had in the whole area. Everyone concluded that John would be an unusual child because God's hand was with him. It was also Luke's purpose in emphasizing the naming of John to elicit the same reaction in his readers. When John began his public ministry, there must have been some Jews who submitted to his baptism because they had noted God's hand on him from this event onward (cf. 2:19, 51).
