The births of John and Jesus, as foretold by the angel Gabriel in chap. 1, are fulfilled in 1:57–66 and 2:1–20, respectively. Luke’s distinctive style, which retains its Hebraic influence, is continued in chap. 2,1 but in chap. 2 the narrative focuses exclusively on Jesus. Mary is the only character from chap. 1 to reappear in chap. 2,2 but with new characteristics and emphases. The theologically rich annunciation of
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