Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:26

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth," — Luke 1:26 (ASV)

The mention of Elizabeth’s “sixth month” (cf. v.24, 36) establishes a link between Jesus and the prophet John the Baptist. Nazareth was a small town off the main trade routes. Its insignificant size contrasts with Jerusalem, where Gabriel’s previous appearance had taken place. Jn 1:46 records the negative Judean opinion of Nazareth. Likewise, the region of Galilee contrasts with Judea. Surrounded as they were by Gentiles, the Galileans were not necessarily irreligious but many were somewhat lax regarding strict Jewish traditions.