he was startled and gripped with fear: Fear and awe are common reactions when someone sees an angel or experiences the presence of God (Judges 6:22–23; 13:22; Isaiah 6:5). The person is often reassured by a saying such as "Do not be afraid."
you are to give him the name John: In Hebrew, the name John means "the Lord has shown favor." This favor came to Elizabeth and Zechariah through their son and to the Israelite nation through the Christ (Messiah), whose coming John would announce.