Luke 1:23

"When he came out, he could not speak to them. They perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute."

Key Reflection

This passage suggests that Zacharias, upon exiting the temple after encountering the angel Gabriel, experienced a divine intervention that left him speechless. The community recognized this as a sign of his having seen a vision, hinting at the supernatural nature of his encounter with the angel.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

23. As soon as the days of his ministration, &c. As soon as he had fulfilled the duties of the week. It might have been supposed that the extraordinary occurrence in the temple, together with his own calamity, would have induced him at once to leave this place and return home; but his duty was in the temple. His piety prompted him to remain there in the service of God. He was not unfitted for burning incense by his dumbness, and it was not proper for him to leave his post. It is the duty of ministers of religion to re- main at their work until they are unfitted for it, and unable to serve God in their profession. Then they must retire.

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