12Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell on him.
13But the angel said to him, "Don`t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
14You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.
15For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother`s womb.
16He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God.
17He will go before his face in the spirit and power of Elijah, `to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,` and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
18Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
