# General Information:

This tells briefly about John's growing years.

# Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Luke quickly moves from the birth of John to the beginning of his ministry as an adult.

# became strong in spirit

"became spiritually mature" or "strengthened his relationship with God"

# was in the wilderness

"lived in the wilderness." Luke does not say at what age John began to live in the wilderness.

# until

This does not necessarily mark a stopping point. John continued to live out in the desert even after he started preaching publicly.

# the day of his public appearance

"when he began to preach in public"

# the day

This is used here in the general sense of "the time" or "the occasion."