CHAP. I.

1 THE first four verses of this chapter are a preface, or introduction, in which the Evangelist alludes to some other writers-to whom?-ANS. Probably, to some whose piety exceeded their skill, and whose histories are now lost.

2 And yet in one respect they were well qualified for their work -for what, in the 2nd verse, does Luke say of them?

3 But even eyewitnesses are not always good historians; and for some reason or other, not here mentioned, Luke objected to these, and therefore undertook to write a history himself how was he qualified? To whom did Luke address his history? Who was Theophilus? ANS. Probably, a pious nobleman: the title "Most Excellent," is the same as is given by

Tertullus to Felix, the Roman Governor, (in Acts xxiv. 3.) which shows that Theophilus was a person of rank. To this same individual, Luke addressed his other book, entitled, "The Acts of the Apostles."

4 And it seems Theophilus had had a Christian education-in addressing him, what object had Luke in view?

5 LUKE's history begins with an interesting account of the parentage and birth of John the Baptist-who was king of Judea, at this time? Where was Judea ? ANS. In Palestine, or the Holy Land; which was divided into four parts; namely, Galilee, Samaria, Judea, and Perea: Judea was the south part. Find it in the map.* What was the name of a certain priest mentioned here? And how is he described? What were these courses?

ANS.

About a thousand years before this, David, the king of Israel, divided the priests into twenty-four courses, or classes, which were named after the twenty-four grandsons of Aaron, whose descendants they were, and to whose family the priesthood was confined: Abia's course was the seventh. And the wife of Zacharias was also descended from Aaron-what was her name?

6 What kind of characters were Zacharias and Elizabeth?

7,8 And for many years, it seems, they had no child; but now an angel was sent to Zacharias, with a message concerning a son -in what was Zacharias engaged, when the angel appeared to him? 9 What does Luke mean, by saying it was the lot of Zacharias to burn incense? ANS. Since the first division of the priests into courses, their numbers had so increased, that at this time there were said to be five thousand priests in one course; they were therefore subdivided into smaller classes, and the service of each priest was appointed BY CASTING LOTS.

10 While Zacharias was officiating in the temple, how were the people employed?

11 In what situation did the angel appear to Zacharias?

12 On seeing the angel, how did Zacharias feel?

13 But he need not have feared -what tidings did the angel communicate?

14 What effect would John's birth produce in the minds of his father and others?

15 What was to be the character and conduct of John?

16 And what important work would he accomplish?

17 How would John exercise his ministry? Before whom did the angel say John would go! ANS. Before the Lord God of Israel, mentioned in the 16th verse. But John, you all know, was expressly Christ's forerunner-then what does this prove? ANS. That though

man, Jesus Christ is also God. About four hundred years before, one of the prophets prophesied concerning the birth and ministry of John-what prophet? ANS. Malachi, who was the latest of the Old-testament prophets.

18 Zacharias seemed to doubt the truth of the angel's messagewhat question did he ask him?

19 What was the name of the angel? What was his employment in heaven? Yes, in waiting, to do his will-on what errand was he sent to Zacharias ?

20 And, as a visible token of the truth of his message, what did he say should befal Zacharias? And this was a reproof-for what?

21 During this interview of Zacharias with the angel, after which probably he spent some time in extra devotion, the people were waiting without, according to