Bethlehem

Bethlehem in the first century was a small, humble town in Judea known as the city of David, historically and prophetically significant as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, which Luke highlights to show Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament promises through His birth in this modest setting.

People, Places, and Things

Bethlehem

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People, Places, and Things

Leprosy

In the Gospel of Luke, leprosy—once a condition demanding priestly examination, isolation, and ritual cleansing under Mosaic law—becomes a powerful sign of Jesus’ authority to restore both body and community, as he touches the unclean, heals them instantly, and fulfills the law’s promise of true purification.

Theophilus

Theophilus, likely a wealthy patron or high-ranking believer, is the person to whom Luke dedicates his Gospel and Acts, addressing him as “most excellent” and aiming to provide a well-ordered account to strengthen his faith.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, the righteous and faithful wife of Zechariah, is the mother of John the Baptist, whose miraculous late-in-life pregnancy testifies to God’s power and faithfulness in preparing the way for Jesus.

Capernaum

Capernaum was a working-class Jewish village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee that served as Jesus’ primary base for ministry, featuring a significant synagogue where He taught and performed miracles amid a community facing spiritual conflict and social challenges.

Jordan River

The Jordan River is the Bible’s sacred threshold—where God turns wandering into inheritance and old life into new—from Israel’s crossing under Joshua (c. 13th century BC) to Jesus’s baptism (early 1st century AD).

Zechariah

Zechariah, a righteous priest and husband of Elizabeth, is struck mute for doubting the angel’s promise but regains his speech when he faithfully names his son John, proclaiming God’s salvation in the Gospel of Luke.