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The Gospel of Luke Chapter 1:26-56 The Birth of John the Baptist 1:57-58 Now the time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a son just as the angel Gabriel had said; and all her neighbours and relatives heard God had been merciful in healing her barrenness, and they gathered to share her joy. 1:59-61 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they wanted to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother replied, "No! He must be named John." They said to her, "But none of your relatives bears this name." According to the Law of Moses, when the boy was eight days old they took him to the synagogue to be circumcised (Genesis 17:10-14). They were about to call him Zacharias after his father, but Elizabeth stopped them, insisting that his name was John. The people could not understand why she would choose a name other than that of her husband or another respected relative. 1:62-63 So they made signs to the baby's father, inquiring what he wanted to name his son. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they were all amazed. It is strange to think that they made signs to Zechariah to ask what name he wanted to give his son, for he was not, so far as we know, deaf, only dumb. Another translation puts they asked him. In reply, he motioned for them to give him a writing tablet and he wrote on it that the child’s name was John. 1:64 Immediately Zechariah's mouth was opened and his tongue released, and he spoke, blessing God. As soon as Zechariah had done this, as the angel had previously commanded him, his speech was restored and he began praising God.