1 Since many have attempted to compile an account concerning the events that have been fulfilled among us,
2 just as those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning passed on to us,
3 it seemed best to me also—because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning—to write them down in orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 so that you may know the certainty concerning the things about which you were taught.
5 It happened that in the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a certain priest, Zechariah by name, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, living blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the Lord.
7 And they did not have a child, because Elizabeth was barren. And they were both advanced in years.