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LUKE 1:22 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Luke 1:21Luke 1:23
“And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.”
When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak — the people's recognition that Zechariah had seen a vision communicates their theological literacy: a mute priest who keeps making signs has clearly experienced something supernatural in the Holy Place. The making of signs (dianeuōn) is both his inability and his communication — Zechariah is trying to tell the congregation what he cannot verbally speak.

Church Fathers on Luke 1:22

Considering his own age, and moreover the barrenness of his wife, Zacharias doubted; as it is said, And Zacharias said to the angel, Whereby shall I know this? as if he said, “How shall this be?” And he adds the reason of his doubting; For I am an old man. An unseasonable time of life, an ill-suited nature; the planter infirm, the soil barren. But it is thought by some a thing unpardonable. in the priest, that he raises a course of objections; for whenever God declares any…

Chrysostom · 4th century

As if he says, “If it were man who promised these miracles, one might with impunity demand a sign, but when an angel promises, it is then not right to doubt. It follows; And I am sent to speak to you.

Bede · 8th century

For when angels come to us, they so outwardly fulfill their ministry, as at the same time inwardly to be never absent from His sight; since, though the angelic spirit is circumscribed, the highest Spirit, which is God, is not circumscribed. The angels therefore even when sent are before Him, because on whatever mission they go, they pass within Him.

Gregory the Great · 6th century
Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Luke 1:22 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy