Why is Zacharias's prophecy in Luke 1 considered the Word of God rather than just the words of a good Jew?
Zacharias's prophecy is the Word of God because Luke 1:67 says he was filled with the Holy Spirit. His words were not merely the mouthings of a good Jew; the Spirit prompted him to say what he said, so his prophecy was the very Word of God coming forth.
Les explains that in Luke 1:67 Zacharias is identified as one of the priests, a believing priest, the father of John the Baptist, and the husband of Elizabeth. Because Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, what he says is not going to be just the mouthings of a good Jew. This is the very Word of God coming forth, and the Spirit is prompting him to say what he says. Les then notes the content of the prophecy: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and redeemed His people. At that time His people are Israel. He hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David. As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets since the world began, that we should be saved, not from our sins in this verse, but from our enemies. Les connects this with what Peter had just said in Acts chapter 5, that God granted repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins, and that He was to be a Prince and a Savior.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
More Questions
Were Zacharias's words in Luke 1 just his own wishful thinking or words from God?
Zacharias's prophecy after being filled with the Spirit was not just his own wishful thinking as a patriotic or religious Jew; it was the very expression of God Himself concerning the nation.
Were Zacharias's words in Luke 1 just an old Jewish man's patriotic hopes, or were they God's own words?
Zacharias's words in Luke 1:68, spoken after he was filled with the Spirit, are not his own wishful thinking as a patriotic or religious Jew; they are the very expressions of God Himself concerning the nation.
What does the prophecy of Zacharias in Luke 1 say about Israel's expectation of safety?
Zacharias' prophecy in Luke 1:67-68, spoken after his speech was restored, describes exactly what Israel is looking for today: safety from their enemies.