Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
[1] Inasmuch as many have
undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished
among us, [2] just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and
ministers of the word have delivered them to us, [3] it seemed good to me also,
having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly
account for you, most excellent Theophilus, [4] that you may have certainty
concerning the things you have been taught.
Several things stand out in these
first few verses of Luke’s gospel. First, notice that Luke is not writing from
memory. He has thoroughly researched his gospel. He is relying on eyewitness reports
and ministers (i.e. servants) of the word. Luke is writing within about 25
years of when Jesus died, rose, and ascended. The reality is that the world was
a small place in his day. Anything he wrote that was not correct would have
been immediately challenged and corrected. There were still a lot of people
around who were there. This is not just a concocted story to promote a
movement. This is history.
Second, Luke’s goal was to take all
that research and put it into an orderly, purposeful format so that we can be
certain, the Greek word is to have “full knowledge,” about the roots of our
faith. It is not uncommon today to hear people say that the Bible is a book of
fables and myths. Those statements show ignorance of the careful chain of
records we have of the Bible. It is the most validated book in existence.
Furthermore, Luke’s audience would have been shocked to hear such a statement.
They lived through it. They knew that this was true. As time passed and the
church grew farther from its geographical roots, it was important to retain
that level of certainty. Thus Luke wrote his gospel.
Third, Luke is writing to
Theophilus. He is called “most excellent Theophilus,” so this is likely a real
person with perhaps some governmental role. Is it possible that this was even
written as a part of Paul’s defense? I’m not sure, but it’s an interesting
thought. Theophilus’s name is often translated as “lover of God” although more
correctly it would be “friend of God.” It is a combination of Theos
(God), and philos (friend) from the Greek word phileo meaning to
love as a friend or to be a friend. Theophilus was a common name, yet its
meaning is significant. Luke writes to one who is called a friend of God.
As we come to God’s Word let us
take confidence in the fact that it is truth; it is certain and validated truth.
And let us read it as friends of God. As we do so, we can be encouraged that we
stand on solid ground in our faith no matter what the world says.
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