The Birth of John the Baptist

57 When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

59 On the eighth day, when they came to circumcise the child, they were going to name him after his father Zechariah. 60 But his mother replied, “No! He shall be called John.”

61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who bears this name.” 62 So they made signs to his father to find out what he wanted to name the child.

63 Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.

65 All their neighbors were filled with awe, and people throughout the hill country of Judea were talking about these events. 66 And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.