Introducing the The Book of Luke - Luke 1:1–4
1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
The first few verses of this chapter explain the aim of the book of Luke (which is called the “former treatise” in Acts 1:1).
1. The Precedence for the Aim (Luke 1:1,2)
The book of Luke had a precedence for its writing. Luke cites that precedence in the first two verses of the book.
A. The many in the precedence.
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).
The “many” includes more than just the writers of the Gospels in the canon of the Scriptures. “Many” includes those who had written only portions of the record of Christ. Only Matthew and Mark of the four Gospels had written their Gospel accounts before Luke wrote his account. So “many” would hardly be appropriate for a reference to just the first two Gospel writers.
B. The message in the precedence.
“Those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).
We note two things about the message.
1. First, the facts of the message.
“Those things.” - This was the Gospel message, the message about Jesus Christ.
2. Second, the faith in the message.
“Believed among us.” - Luke’s message is not about doubts but about what was believed. We need more messages of this kind today.
3. • The men in the precedence.
The character of the men who had given the earlier accounts of the work of Christ is given here. First, their witness.
“Which from the beginning were eyewitnesses” (Luke 1:2).
Those who had written the earlier accounts were very qualified to write, for they were writing from a personal experience of witnessing the ministry of Christ.
Second, their work.
“Ministers of the word” (Luke 1:2).
The early writers had high qualifications to verify their writing. “Ministers of the word” speaks of high character. We have many ministers today, but few who are “ministers of the word.”
2. The Preparation for the Aim (Luke 1:3)
Luke was the only Gentile to write a book of the Bible, but was well qualified to do so. A physician (Colossians 4:14), he was a companion of Paul on some of Paul’s missionary travels.
A. The approval in the preparation.
“It seemed good to me also” (Luke 1:3).
“It seemed good to me” was the inspiration and leading of God to write the Gospel of Luke. You must have the inspiration and leading of God to adequately serve Him.
B. The awareness in the preparation.
“Having had perfect [complete] understanding of all things from the very first” (Luke 1:3).
Luke was not writing out of hearsay. He knew whereof he was writing. He was well acquainted with the record of Christ and, therefore, was most competent to write about it. Preachers need to likewise be well acquainted with the Word of God, so when they get in their pulpits they can declare the Word of God with clarity and certainty.
3. The Plan in the Aim (Luke 1:3)
Luke had a definite plan in making this Gospel record. Note the method in the plan. “To write” (Luke 1:3). Luke’s method of proclaiming the ministry of Jesus Christ was to put it in writing. This was not an oral witness but a written witness.
Note also the manner in the plan. “In order” (Luke 1:3). The meaning of “in order” is to report the events in Christ’s life in consecutive order, that is, in the order in which they occurred. While all of the four Gospels progress in a general sequential order of the life of Christ, Luke is the most accurate in the order of the events. In contrast to Luke, Matthew grouped the events in Christ’s life according to subject.
4. The Person in the Aim (Luke 1:3)
“Unto thee … most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3).
Luke wrote his record primarily for one person (cp. Acts 1:1). While the book is for all people to read and study, Luke states at the beginning that he was writing this account to one man just as Paul stated to whom he was writing his epistles.
He mentions the name of the person. “Theophilus” (Luke 1:3). The name means “lover of God” (Zodhiates). Theophilus evidently became what his name means. In like manner, we need Christians who live their name of Christian.
See the nobility of the person. “Most excellent” (Luke 1:3). This title given Theophilus can indicate his character or his rank or both. Using the term “most excellent” is like saying “your Honor” to a judge. It denotes considerable rank. The same word was used for Claudius Lysias in Acts 23:26 and translated “most excellent.” It was used by Paul of Felix and translated “most noble” (Acts 24:3). The same term was used of Festus by Paul and translated “most noble” (Acts 26:25).
5. The Purpose in the Aim (Luke 1:4)
Luke states the purpose of his Gospel account right at the beginning of the account.
Luke desires to point out the certainty of instruction.
“That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed” (Luke 1:4).
Luke desires that Theophilus not be in doubt about his spiritual knowledge. If there is anything we need to be certain about it is spiritual truths. Today, if we want to be certain of what we believe, we must study the Word of God. Failure to study the Word leads to uncertainty and unbelief.
He also desires Theophilus to know the confirmation of the instruction.
“…Wherein thou has been instructed” (Luke 1:4).
Theophilus had evidently been instructed in the Gospel on one of Paul’s missionary journeys. Now Luke would confirm the validity of those instructions. The Gospel of Jesus Christ rests on the best support of all. It has great evidence to prove its claim (cp. Acts 1:3).
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