Luke 1:57
Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
Luke 1:57 (KJV)
Context
Luke 1:57 is part of the larger narrative of the birth of John the Baptist, recorded in the Gospel of Luke. In the preceding verses, the angel Gabriel appeared to the priest Zacharias and announced that his wife, Elisabeth would conceive and bear a son. This child was to be named John and would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, preparing the way for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The verse states that Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered. This refers to the completion of the nine-month period of pregnancy, indicating that the appointed time for Elisabeth to give birth had arrived. The phrase “full time” underscores that God’s timing is precise and complete; nothing is premature or delayed in His plan. This fulfillment of the divine promise was a significant event, as it marked the realization of God’s plan and the fulfillment of His word.
Meaning
The birth of John the Baptist was miraculous because both Elisabeth and her husband Zacharias were well beyond their childbearing years. In their old age, they had longed for a child, but Elisabeth had been barren. However, God intervened and granted them a child as a testimony to His power and faithfulness. The birth of John served as a sign of God’s miraculous intervention and His divine purpose unfolding.
John’s birth was not merely a joyous event for Elisabeth and Zacharias, but it also carried great significance for God’s redemptive plan. John was the prophesied messenger who would prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He would call people to repentance and announce the arrival of the Savior. The birth of John marked the beginning of the fulfillment of these prophecies and the preparation for the ministry of Jesus.
Biblical connections
This event fulfills the angel Gabriel’s specific prediction to Zacharias that Elisabeth would bear a son and that the child would be named John (Luke 1:13). The pregnancy itself was miraculous because Elisabeth had been barren and both she and Zacharias were advanced in years (Luke 1:7, 18). John is the forerunner of Jesus Christ, the one who would “go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah” to prepare a people for the Lord (Luke 1:17).
The birth of John the Baptist is a testament to God’s power over barrenness and His ability to accomplish His redemptive purposes through ordinary human events. This event sets the stage for the subsequent events: the circumcision and naming of John on the eighth day (Luke 1:59), and the prophecy of Zacharias (Luke 1:67-79). The narrative also highlights the joy that accompanies the fulfillment of God’s promises, as seen in the reactions of neighbors and relatives in the following verses (Luke 1:58).
Application
Luke 1:57 encourages us to hold onto God’s promises and trust in His faithfulness. Just as Elisabeth and Zacharias experienced the fulfillment of God’s word in their lives, we can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us as well. It may require patience and faith, but God’s timing is perfect. We are reminded to remain steadfast in our faith and to continue seeking God’s will, knowing that He is faithful to bring about His purposes in our lives.
For the believer, this verse encourages trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem impossible, and reminds us that God’s timing is always right. Luke 1:57 highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to Elisabeth and Zacharias as they welcomed their son, John the Baptist, into the world. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness, His ability to work miraculously, and the significance of John’s role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing and faithfulness in our own lives.
