Luke writes to Theophilus
Luke 1:1-4
Luke’s Preface and Dedication
1Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us, 3it also seemed good to me, having carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.[1]
| Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
| 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. | |||
#People =
- Luke
- Theophilus
- The Reader
#Place =
#Obedient faith =
#Sin =
#Key Idea =
- #Assurance
- #Education
- #Research
- What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
- Harmony of the Gospels on Founder's Passion
- Parallel Gospels = Luke's Explanation of His Own Research
- Harmony of the Four Gospels on Step Bible (After going to the site, click on resources on the top menu. Then click on Harmony of the Gospels to locate the section you want.
- Harmony of the Gospels on BlueLetterBible.org
Summary: In the prologue of Luke, the author outlines his intent to provide an orderly and accurate account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, establishing the foundation for the Gospel narrative.
Application: This passage emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding our faith through accurate accounts, which can help believers navigate doubts and strengthen their relationship with God.
Teaching: This message would teach that the pursuit of truth about Jesus is critical for spiritual growth and understanding our place in God's narrative.
How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus is the central figure whose life and works are being carefully documented to provide insight into His divine mission, hinting at Luke's broader theological perspective of Christ as the Savior for all.
Big Idea: To truly know Jesus, we must rely on faithful testimonies that convey the depth and truth of His life and teachings.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this message, consider exploring the historical context surrounding Luke's writing, particularly the sources he mentions and the audience he addresses. You might also delve into the various manuscript traditions and any textual variants present in Luke 1:1-5 to enrich your understanding of its implications.
1. Luke's Loyal Introduction
Perhaps you could emphasize that Luke's introduction sets the stage for the whole Gospel. He acknowledges that many have attempted to compile narratives about Jesus, suggesting the importance of corroborating testimonies. This could remind the congregation of the shared effort in preserving the truth about Christ, allowing believers to trust these collective accounts. Relating this to Christ's unique role, stress the faithful endeavor of Scripture to attest to His life and work, suggesting believers deepen their commitment to studying God's Word.
2. Eyewitnesses Ensure Authenticity
You could highlight how Luke acknowledges eyewitnesses and ministers of the word as foundational to the Gospel account. This step ensures reliability and authenticity, underscoring the communal witness of Jesus' followers. This message point could encourage the congregation to value and seek community in their faith journey and trust the foundational role of early Christian witnesses in understanding Jesus' mission, reinforcing the centrality of Christ as the focal point of our faith.
3. Diligent Documentation Delivers Truth
Perhaps focus on Luke's diligent investigation and orderly account, aimed at Theophilus. This reflects a commitment to truth and clarity, prioritizing theological accuracy over mere storytelling. Emphasize the significance of intentional study and understanding, assuring believers that Scripture is trustworthy. This point can draw parallels to Christ's mission of revealing truth in love, urging the congregation to pursue a deeper knowledge of Jesus for more informed faith.
4. Historical Harmony Highlights God
You could explore how Luke sets Jesus' story against the backdrop of historical and political figures, adding credibility and context to Jesus' divine role. This establishes the importance of Jesus' impact on world history, painting a picture of a God who enters and transforms our reality. Encourage believers to see Christ's enduring influence and recognize that their faith history is intertwined with God's ongoing narrative, fostering trust and awe in Jesus' divine mission.
Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.
Review and retell the story.
Key points:
- Many people had previously attempted to compile accounts of Jesus' life and teachings.
- Luke states he is basing his account on eyewitness testimony passed down from those who were present and served as disciples of the word.
- Luke claims to have thoroughly investigated everything from the beginning and is writing an orderly account for his reader, Theophilus.
Luke 1:1-4 serves as an introduction to the Gospel of Luke, outlining the author's purpose and methodology for writing. Here’s a summary of these verses:
1. Purpose of Writing: Luke begins by acknowledging that many others have attempted to compile accounts of the events related to Jesus, which have been fulfilled among the people. He aims to provide an orderly and accurate narrative based on these accounts.
2. Source of Information: He emphasizes that his information comes from those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, suggesting a reliance on credible sources who directly experienced the events of Jesus' life.
3. Thorough Investigation: Luke states that he has carefully investigated everything from the beginning, indicating a methodical approach to his research. This thoroughness is meant to ensure that his account is reliable and well-founded.
4. Audience: The Gospel is specifically addressed to "most excellent Theophilus," suggesting that it was intended for someone of high social standing, but also implies a broader audience who would benefit from understanding the certainty of the teachings about Jesus.
5. Goal: Ultimately, Luke's intent is to provide Theophilus (and all readers) with certainty regarding the truths they have been taught about Jesus, reinforcing the idea that faith in Christ is based on factual and historical evidence rather than mere belief.
These verses set the stage for Luke’s detailed narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry, emphasizing both historical accuracy and theological significance.
- Luke was likely writing around 62 AD, shortly after the events he describes 5.
- He presents himself as a Gentile Christian, educated as a physician, who traveled with Paul and became his companion.
- Luke's Gospel is notable as:
- The longest of the four Gospels.
- The only one with a sequel (Acts).
- Written primarily for a Gentile audience.
- Focusing heavily on prayer and the birth narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus.
- In summary, Luke introduces himself as a careful historian aiming to provide a thorough and orderly account of Jesus' life and teachings for his reader Theophilus, with the goal of establishing certainty about the things taught regarding Christ
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- If you were to choose someone to be your biographer of your life story, who would it be and why? What important facts would need to be included?
- Who would God choose to do it? Why do you think God chose Luke.
- What do we learn from verses 1-4 about Luke and the reason he wrote this gospel?
- What was Luke's stated purpose in writing his account of the gospels?
- What sources of information did Luke use to write his gospel? (Luke 1:3-4)
As a medical doctor, Luke knew the importance of being thorough. He used his skills in observation and analysis to thoroughly investigate the stories about Jesus. His diagnosis? The gospel of Jesus Christ is true! You can read the accounts of Jesus' life with confidence that they are true and reliable. Because the gospel is founded on historical truth, our spiritual growth must involve careful, disciplined, and thorough investigation of the truth of God's Word so that we can understand how God has acted in history. Christianity doesn't say, "Close your eyes and believe," but rather, "Check it out for yourself." The Bible encourages you to investigate its claims thoroughly (John 1:46; 21:24; Acts 17:11-12) because your conclusion about Jesus is a life-and-death matter. Check out the evidence.
The Gospel of Luke tells Jesus' story from Luke's unique perspective as a Gentile, a physician, and the first historian of the early church. Though not an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry, Luke nevertheless was concerned that eyewitness accounts be preserved accurately.
“And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.”
- Who is the “Theophilus” in your life? How are you telling the story?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What transformative move needs to be made?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
PRAYER: Father, help me to have the heart and desire to research who You are. In the Name of Jesus.
Other Resources:
- Other YouTube Videos
Luke's Gospel
Luke's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' care for the marginalized. Jesus' compassion for the poor, captive, oppressed, and blind fulfills scriptures about the final deliverance God will bring to all who are in need. But people couldn't see it. That is because they, like all of us, were spiritually blind. But when Jesus heals our spiritual blindness, we can see him and the scriptures as they truly are.
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