Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:30

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God." — Luke 1:30 (ASV)

Zechariah had been “gripped with fear” (v.12) at the very appearance of the angel, but it was the angel’s greeting that “greatly troubled” Mary. He responded first by assuring her that she had indeed “found favor” with God (v.30; cf. Genesis 6:8). God’s grace, like his love, banishes fear of his presence (cf. 1Jn 4:17-18).