What does Luke 1:22 mean?
The priest offering incense in the temple (Exodus 30:1–8; 40:26–27) has delayed coming out of the Holy Place long enough that worshippers grew curious (Luke 1:21). The man who emerges, Zechariah, cannot speak (Luke 1:20), nor apparently hear (Luke 1:62), and the people recognize that he's had some divine encounter. Scripture does not say how much Zechariah told others—through signs or writing—so we're not sure whether he told the entire story right away.He has, indeed, seen something miraculous. God sent a messenger to tell him wonderful news. Though older and childless (Luke 1:5–7), Zechariah and his wife will soon have a son (Luke 1:13–17). This child will come to be known as John the Baptist, a powerful preacher and herald of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:2–3; Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6). Zechariah's handicap is temporary: a mild punishment for doubting the message delivered by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:18–20). Once John is born, he will regain his speech (Luke 1:63–64).