1.4 KiB
In the past, God had spoken to his prophets so they could speak to his people. But then four hundred years went by when he did not speak to them.
This is background information about the prophets of God, and the four hundred years that God did not send them. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background)
his people
This could be translated as, “his people, the Israelites” or “his people, the Jews.” But only include the added information if it is not clearly understood who these people were.
four hundred years went by
Another way to say this would be, “four hundred years passed” or “there were four hundred years.” four hundred years had passed since the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi.
when he did not speak to them
That is, “during which God did not give any messages to the prophets for his people.”
Then God sent an angel
This introduces the birth of John the Baptist as a new event. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent)
Then God sent an angel to a priest named Zechariah
This introduces the angel and Zechariah as new characters in the story. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants)
Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, honored God. They were very old, and she had never borne any children.
This is background information about the kind of people who Zechariah and Elizabeth were. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background)