Luke 1:1–4 (ESV)
Dedication to Theophilus
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.
This Gospel was written by Luke, who
was a physician and a college of Paul. It is probably the most complete and most chronological Gospel account. Luke was educated and not only wrote Luke, but the Book of Acts. It was written probably around 55-60AD. If you want to read
the best account of the life of Christ and of the Church, Luke is the one to read. It’s audience are those who have a general knowledge of Christ, those who maybe followed and turned away or those who are curious, but have never really grown in
their faith. Luke is catechetical, that is... it is a good book for learning and instruction.
Verse 1 tells us a lot, for one thing... it is a very long sentence. Now that I said it is long, let’s
go back and read it. “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.” Point 1) Luke has done
his research, interviewing witnesses and minsters. Point 2) He wants to present the information as an “orderly account”. Point 3) Luke addresses it to “you, most excellent Theophilus”. Who is Theophilus?
Some say it is a person, maybe a close friend of Luke, or maybe someone who commissioned the book. I think differently. The name Theophilus means (God friend) or more correctly translated friend of God. I look at this symbolically meaning
that Luke is writing this book to those who are friends of God. Now to Point 4) Luke wants you to understand the this book with certainty and that you have been “taught”. This of this as an instructional book, one you need to read and
digest. Not literally digest, but to contemplate and mentally digest it’s contents. I pray: Lord, as I embark on this journey with Luke, let this book, through the power of the Holy Spirit, teach me and convict me. Help me to
gain a better understanding and certainty as to who Jesus is and what he has done for me. Amen.