Luke 1:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He 'will come ... in the spirit and power of Elijah.' The spirit of Elijah was also present in John, for the spirits of the prophets follow the guidance of the prophets; in many ways, John mirrors Elijah. Elijah lived in the mountains, while John resided in the wilderness; Elijah was nourished by ravens, yet John subsisted on locusts; Elijah donned a mantle of compassion, whereas John wore garments made of camel's hair; both displayed a stern demeanor and offered rebukes; Elijah confronted Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jezebel his wife, saying, 'You are the one who troubles Israel, ... and your father's house' (1 Kings 18:18), while John admonished Herod and Herodias, declaring, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife' (Mark 6:18). And he 'will come ...

For many are called great before men, but not before God, as the hypocrites. And so in like manner was John called great, as the parents of John were called just, before the Lord.

When John was born, the Holy Spirit foretold what would be accomplished through him: “And he shall be the Forerunner of the Most High, in the spirit and power of Elijah” (cf. Luke 1:17). Thus, he is ‘not Elijah,’ but operates in the spirit and power of Elijah. What does it signify to be in the spirit and power of Elijah? It means to act in the same Holy Spirit while taking on the role of Elijah. Why take on this role? Because John fulfilled what Elijah will embody at the second coming during the first. Therefore, John's assertion was correct when he said he was not Elijah, as the Lord spoke in a metaphorical sense by indicating, ‘Elijah is John.’ In a literal sense, John is simply John, and Elijah is indeed Elijah. Hence, as a Forerunner, John parallels Elijah’s future role, yet in identity, they are distinct.

To redirect the hearts of the fathers towards their children. Because the children had strayed from Judaism and embraced ancient pagan practices, having departed from the covenant made with their God, it was necessary to turn their hearts so that they might genuinely serve the Lord of all, as their ancestors did. "Shall prepare ... unto the Lord a perfect people." This reflects the same earnestness with which Elijah sought to restore many to the true faith of his God. However, if it is claimed that this restoration will only occur at the end of times, we maintain that even now, fathers and children are not divided by differing beliefs, nor do they remain enslaved to idolatry. Currently, the people of Judea, like their forebears, worship one God. Consequently, the prophetic words have already found fulfillment in John, alleviating the need to await their completion through Elijah at the end of days.

Next to his becoming the rejoicing of many, the greatness of his virtue is prophesied; as it is said, For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord. The greatness signified is not of the body, but of the soul. Greatness in the sight of the Lord is greatness of soul, greatness of virtue.

And he will appear before Him in the spirit and strength of Elijah. The term "spirit" refers to the spiritual endowment, while "power" signifies the action itself. Thus, it is indicated that John will possess both the gift and the deeds of Elijah, mirroring what Elijah will do prior to the second coming of Christ. He will achieve the same tasks that Elijah will fulfill in the future. Furthermore, he delineates the nature of this power: to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children. This was foretold by Malachi and is elaborately explained in the twentieth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, where it states: “And if thou wilt receive, he is Elijah, to whom he must come.” The mindset of the righteous can often be unruly.

In the spirit and power of Elijah.—He says not, in the mind of Elijah, but in the spirit and power. For the spirit which was in Elijah came upon John, and in like manner his power.

But what John’s work is to be, and what he will do through the Holy Spirit, is shewn as follows; And many of the children of Israel shall he turn, &c.

Sicera is interpreted “drunkenness,” and by the word the Hebrews understand any drink that can intoxicate, (whether made from fruits, corn, or any other thing.) But it was part of the law of the Nazarites to give up wine and strong drink at the time of their consecration. (Numb. 6:5.) Hence John, and others like him, that they might always remain Nazarites, (i. e. holy,) are careful always to abstain from these things. For he ought not to be drunk with wine (in which is licentiousness) who desires to be filled with the new wine of the Holy Spirit; rightly then is he, from whom all drunkenness with wine is utterly put away, filled with the grace of the Spirit. But it follows, And he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Archangel conveys that the holy Forerunner will turn the hearts of the people, reconnecting familial bonds, restoring the unrighteous to the mindset of the just. Who are these fathers and righteous individuals? They refer to Abraham, the progenitor of the Israelites, along with their sacred ancestors, judges, kings, and prophets. The term "righteous" encompasses all those who delighted God in the Old Testament, including some who were not part of Israel. What characterized the sentiments and pledges of the heart among God's chosen in the Old Testament? Their commitment was one of humility, aligning their thoughts with this humble pledge. The holy patriarch Abraham expressed his humility in prayer by saying, "I am dust and ashes" (Gen. 18:27). At what moment did he utter this?

And he shall walk before Him. The phrase "before Him" can refer to God, as indicated in the earlier verse, meaning John will lead a blameless life before God; however, it is more fitting to direct this toward the Messiah. The reason the angel does not specify this individual is that names frequently on people's lips do not require repetition and can be substituted with a pronoun. For instance, the Romans would often use "ipse" when referring to someone well-known rather than restating their name.

Elijah, the prophet and fervent advocate for genuine faith in God amidst a time of spiritual decline and moral decay among the people of Israel, serves as a significant figure. This is the reason the angel proclaims that John will lead many, though not all, of the children of Israel back to the Lord their God. He will arrive before Him, embodying the spirit and strength of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers toward their children and guide the mindset of the righteous toward the wayward. His mission is to present to the Lord a prepared people, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb.

By the spirit and strength of Elijah. Elijah was known for his passionate opposition to evil and his disciplined lifestyle. The Gospel writers draw parallels between John the Baptist and Elijah (Matthew 3:1-4; Mark 1:2). Jesus Himself refers to him as Elijah (Matthew 11:14; Matthew 17:11-13). The depiction of Elijah in Sirach (Sirach 48:1-13) provides further insight. The phrase in verse 10, "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children," signifies the transformation of hearts so that the children will seek God with the same earnestness as their forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob); this is supported by the similar phrase, "and turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous."

An angelic messenger, the archangel Gabriel, brought a message to the righteous Zechariah that would bring great joy to him, to the virtuous Elizabeth, to all of Israel, and to humanity as a whole. The moment had arrived for the prayers of Zechariah and those who united with him in faith to be answered. The Messiah was on the horizon, and the righteous priest was privileged to have a familial connection to Him in the flesh: a son would be born who would prepare the path for the world's Redeemer. 'He shall be a Nazarene; he shall not drink wine nor strong drink (see Luke 3:2), and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb; and he shall turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

"Before Him" refers to standing in the presence of the Lord God, specifically in the presence of the Messiah as His Herald. "In the spirit and power of Elijah" highlights the unwavering zeal and moral strength reminiscent of the prophet Elijah, who fervently defended true faith during times of corruption and spiritual blindness among the people. "He shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children," reflects the transformative impact of Christ's Forerunner on the people, aligning them with the greater good. During that era of declining moral standards, as often occurs, familial bonds weakened, leading to significant spiritual, moral, and social challenges for the community.

The incense was placed upon the altar in a brief moment, yet Zechariah found himself lingering; the cause of this hesitation was a remarkable vision. On the right side of the altar, he beheld an angel. This startling sight made Zechariah tremble, likely due to its extraordinary nature and perhaps also because of a common belief among the ancient Israelites that encountering an angel often signaled an imminent end (Judges 6:22-23; 13:22). Do not be afraid, Zechariah! Thus spoke the Divine Messenger, reassuring the bewildered elder that the message he bore would be one of joy rather than fear. Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will give you a son, and you are to name him John.