Luke 1:1-4
Text: Luke 1:1-4
“1 In as much 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.”
Reading 1:
I love the book of Luke. Having a background and training in the area of medicine Luke writes with intention, is well researched, and is clear for the reason of his writing.
Modern scholarship dates the writing of the book of Luke sometime between 70-90 A.D. Luke’s writing is detailed and his accounts for both the book of Luke and the book of Acts are assembled by either personal accounts or most often first person sources. Luke is a gentile and therefore an outsider of Jewish culture, religion, and general world view. As will be more clearly scene when considered side by side with other gospel accounts the book of Luke heavily accounts how Jesus includes those who were typically treated as outsiders by the established religious establishments of the first century.
In the opening verses of the book Luke clearly states to whom this book is written for, Theophilus.(1:4) It is important to note that Luke records he does not write on a whim but does so from a heart of conviction and goodness. (v.3) His language suggest he feels fortunate he has witnessed and conversed with those closest to the early movement of Christianity and feels compiled to write Theophilus of his accounts.
I must always remind myself that the books of the Bible, while directly applicable to me, were not originally written directly to me. Therefore to truly understand, see, and receive the fullness of God’s truths in His Word through Luke I need to understand this book was written not to me but Theophilus. I’m challenged and humbled in these opening verses to be in a position as to sit behind Theophilus in reading these accounts of God’s direct work through Christ in our messy world.
