5. Birth of John (Luke 1:57–80) In this passage our attention moves back again to the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Elizabeth has given birth to her son and all the relatives had gathered together to share in the rejoicing. Luke continues his narrative: ‘On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John” ’ (1:59–60). The surprised relatives reply, ‘There is no-one among