What does Luke 1:65 mean?

The people expressing fear are the friends, relatives, and neighbors of Elizabeth and Zechariah. This elderly couple was known for both their godliness and their unfortunate lack of children (Luke 1:5–7). While Zechariah was serving in the temple, he was visited by an angel (Luke 1:8–12). The angel predicted that Elizbeth would give birth to a son who would be an important herald of the Messiah (Luke 1:13–17). Zechariah's first response was doubt (Luke 1:18), so he was temporarily rendered mute (Luke 1:19–20).

As soon as Zechariah emerged from this encounter, there was publicity over the event (Luke 1:21–22). That may have been why Elizabeth remained in seclusion for the early days of her pregnancy (Luke 1:24–25). There were probably more people than usual attending the baby's naming ceremony (Luke 1:57–59). They would have seen Elizabeth insist on the name John (Luke 1:60) and Zechariah's written confirmation (Luke 1:61–63). That was followed by the lifting of Zechariah's silence and his immediate praise of God (Luke 1:64).

That combination of supernatural events struck a level of fear in those who saw them. These happenings confirmed that this child—who will come to be known as John the Baptist (Luke 3:2–3)—was indeed in a unique position. Decades later, when John begins his preaching and baptizing ministry (Matthew 3:1–4), stories about his birth probably increase interest and bring more people to hear his message (Luke 1:66; Matthew 3:5).