3 Now, after having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, I have also decided to write a carefully ordered account for you, most honorable Theophilus.
4 I want you to have confidence in the soundness of the instruction you have received.
5 During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.
6 They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord’s commandments and regulations.
7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to become pregnant and they both were very old.
8 One day Zechariah was serving as a priest before God because his priestly division was on duty.
9 Following the customs of priestly service, he was chosen by lottery to go into the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense.