Luke 1:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe how the Jews remained patient and attentive until the high priest emerged. Yet we as Christians have only just stepped into the temple and are already concerned that misfortunes may befall us if we do not exit.

While the crowd was anticipating Zechariah's return, their eagerness grew with each passing moment.

The congregation was willing to wait for Zechariah to receive the priestly blessing, yet they deemed it inappropriate to depart the temple ahead of him. This reflects an understanding of the Gospel narratives detailing the events surrounding the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, including the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist.

The priest's actions were minimal. However, Zechariah found himself delayed on this occasion. He later clarified the reasons for his hesitation.

Zechariah found himself enveloped in despair following the Archangel's announcement, leading him to question whether God would ever bless him with children. However, instances of giving birth in advanced age are not unheard of in history; he could recall the story of Abraham and Sarah. Thus, the divine messenger, addressing Zechariah's skepticism, first discloses his name and role—knowledge that should be familiar to a priest well-versed in the Scriptures (Dan. 8:16, Dan. 9:21)—indicating that he had no reason to doubt the words of the gospel. Subsequently, the angel provides a sign to affirm the truth of this gospel, which also serves as a consequence for his lack of faith.

The customary act of incense burning in the Sanctuary lasted for a while, yet Zechariah delayed in coming out to the crowd that was waiting for him, engaging in prayer in the temple courtyards.

Overwhelmed by the events he had just experienced, the elderly priest stood in silent wonder, completely engrossed in contemplation. In his preoccupation, he overlooked the crowd of worshippers waiting for him outside the sanctuary. The delay in his return aroused suspicion among the onlookers, many of whom expressed their surprise, while others feared that something might have happened to the venerable clergyman. Eventually, the long-anticipated elder emerged from the sanctuary to position himself on the steps leading from the narthex to the priestly courtyard. There, the priests stood in orderly rows, awaiting him to offer the solemn blessing of the people, a ritual typically conducted before the day's sacrifices and accompanied by the singing of psalms.

The congregation remained in anticipation: those gathered near the sanctuary engaged in prayer while the praises were being sung to the Lord within the sacred space, typically choosing to remain until the conclusion of this holy ritual before departing. After the priest completed the sacred rites, he would emerge from the sanctuary and bless the congregation, who would then take their leave. However, with the angel’s arrival and Zacharias's dialogue with him— a moment that so unsettled the elder that he struggled to regain his composure— the priest lingered in the sanctuary longer than usual, prompting the people to wonder at his extended delay.

The angel's message was both astonishing and wondrous to Zacharias, to the point that his initial fear gave way to uncertainty and skepticism. “How can I grasp these revelations? I am old, and my wife is also advanced in age,” he expressed to the extraordinary messenger. The angel's response first reassures him of the truth contained in the joyous tidings, followed by a reprimand for his disbelief—a response unbecoming of a priest standing before a divine envoy in the temple. “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to deliver this message to you.” The profound and majestic reply should have resonated with Zacharias, who, from the Scriptures (Dan.