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 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me 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.
Luke begins his gospel by giving us his purpose in writing in an orderly manner the events that have been fulfilled. Not unlike the eyewitnesses and servants of the Word who went before him, Luke desired to entrust or commit his carefully investigated account to Theophilus (apparently an official of some kind) who then in turn gave it wide circulation in the early church. I love Luke’s attention to detail! Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14), a Gentile (Colossians 4:10-14 Paul differentiates Luke from the Jews) and claimed to be an historian who carefully researched material and consulted eyewitnesses for information (Luke 1:1-4) – he was thorough and exact in his research!
Luke also wrote Acts, again to Theophilus, stating:
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3 (NIV)
Luke’s desire was for Theophilus (and for any he might subsequently pass the letter on to) to know the certainty of the things they had been taught. We are included in this group! God desires that we believe the certainty of His word and that we in turn entrust it to others – we are to disciple to disciple to disciple and on and on it goes. We were never meant to just “sit, soak and sour!” I heard a speaker say recently that he was afraid our churches are now being filled with audiences rather than disciples! We come to be entertained rather than to change! God is all about our changing! He tells us through Paul in II Corinthians Three:
18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18 (NIV) We are all in process! God desires for us to have a strong grasp of the truth of His Word so that we may be able to stand firm in it and pass it along to a hurting world that so desperately needs it:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Col 3:16 (NIV) 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:14-15 (NIV)
As far as we know, Luke did all this thorough research for Theophilus only. He had no idea the reach of his writing. Oh, to be that conscientious and faithful for one! We have no idea what God has planned for our lives. This is a perfect example of I Corinthians 2:9: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 1 Cor 2:9 (NIV) Let us strive to be faithful followers of Christ, “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might” having great endurance and patience and joy – (Colossians 1:10-11) - Christian! Do Your Best!