Luke 1:1-4

Luke 1:1-4

Inasmuch as many made an undertaking to compile an account regarding the events that have been fulfilled in us, in the same manner as the eyewitnesses from the beginning and the servants of the word who handed it over to us, it seemed good to me to write to you after investigating everything carefully in order from the beginning, most excellent Theophilus, in order that you should know in certainty regarding the words which you were being taught.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

I have always respected the good Dr. Luke.  He wrote the books of Luke and Acts.  He journeyed with Paul, who likely also had a hand in teaching Theophilus.  Luke likely travelled with Paul, being sent along on the journey after being financed by Theophilus.  If this is true, then Luke likely wrote this letter around 60 A.D.  This would date this letter to within 30 years of Christ’s death.  That would mean that many of the people who were alive to live through the crucifixion of Christ may still be alive and able to vouch for Luke’s investigation.  In fact, there are some who assert that Luke may even contain testimony from Mary the mother of Jesus.  Certainly Luke would have had access to Mary if he was an associate of Paul.  However, this last part is purely speculation.

Do you feel that knowing the history of Luke adds to its credibility?  Why is it important to know the context of Luke?

Second Thought:

Luke is writing to a man named Theophilus.  Let’s look at why Luke is writing.  Luke wants Theophilus to know the truth.  Luke wants to validate what Theophilus has been taught.  Luke wants Theophilus to believe with confidence.  There is nothing in life that is as important as a sincere faith built upon a solid foundation.

Do you know the truth?  Upon what foundation is your faith built?  How can you be confident in this truth?

Third Thought:

As we read through Luke’s account, we get an idea of why it is that he is a doctor (see Colossians 4:14).  Luke is thorough.  Luke pays attention to details.  Luke investigated everything from the very beginning.  Luke collected witness from the people who were eyewitnesses from the very beginning.  Luke has spoken to people who are God’s servants in the proclamation of His Gospel.  Luke didn’t just hear this story, he sought truth and investigated every story.  We’ll get a great sense of this as we read through this Gospel.  Luke is a very thorough storyteller.

Why is it important to be thorough in our faith?  Within whom do you see this example in the people around you?  How can you be thorough in your own faith?

Passage for Tomorrow: Luke 1:5-7