FocusCertainty and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe dedication explains the account's purpose; the announcement to Zacharias introduces the child who will prepare a people for the Lord.
interpretation Luke 1:3
KJVIt seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Read it in context
The Prologue to Luke's Gospel
Start reading at Luke 1:1 (Luke 1:1 to Luke 1:4).
This verse is part of the author's introduction, stating his purpose and method for writing the Gospel.
- 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
- 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
- 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
- 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 1:1–1:80): Luke addresses Theophilus in the preface. Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, Gabriel, relatives, and neighbors appear in the birth-announcement accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this verse and the surrounding prologue (Luke 1:1-4) is the author's purpose and method for writing an orderly and accurate account of the events concerning Jesus Christ, to provide certainty to Theophilus.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the historical reliability and certainty of the events concerning Jesus Christ, which form the basis of Christian instruction. The careful investigation and orderly presentation ensure the truthfulness of the Gospel message.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is a historical narrative, specifically an introductory prologue (Luke 1:1-4) that sets the stage for the detailed account of Jesus' life and ministry.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Luke was written approximately A.D. 60 to 62. book background
- When does the event take place? The specific "event" of writing this verse takes place during the period of the book's composition (c. A.D. 60-62). The events described within the Gospel itself occur from approximately 5 B.C. to A.D. 30. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The writing of the Gospel, including this verse, occurred in an uncertain location, possibly Caesarea or Rome. The events described in the Gospel begin in Judaea (Luke 1:5). book background
- Where was the author located? The author's location when writing is uncertain, but possibilities include Caesarea or Rome. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Prologue to Luke's Gospel (Luke 1:1 to Luke 1:4). Start reading at Luke 1:1. This verse is part of the author's introduction, stating his purpose and method for writing the Gospel.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of the prologue (Luke 1:1-4) which introduces the entire Gospel. It establishes the author's intention to write an accurate, orderly, and comprehensive account of the life and ministry of Jesus, building upon eyewitness testimony, for the benefit of Theophilus. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The author's stated purpose to write an "orderly declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us" (Luke 1:1) points directly to Christ, as He is the central figure and subject of the Gospel. The careful investigation and presentation aim to provide certainty about the historical reality of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection, which are foundational to faith in Him. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage encourages believers to seek and value accurate, well-researched accounts of the Christian faith. It reminds us that our faith is grounded in historical events, not myths, and that understanding these truths with certainty can strengthen our conviction and instruction. interpretation
Cited: Luke 1:1, Luke 1:2, Luke 1:3, Luke 1:4, Luke 1:5
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- seemed Acts 15:19,25,28 1 Cor 7:40 1 Cor 16:12
- in Luke 1:1 Ps 40:5 Ps 50:21 Eccl 12:9 Acts 11:4
- most Acts 1:1 Acts 23:26 Acts 24:3 Acts 26:25
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 1
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
Jesus' birth announced
Luke 1:26–56FocusPromise and praise
Connection to the wholeThe announcement to Mary and her visit to Elisabeth connect Jesus' coming with God's mercy and covenant promises.
interpretation John is born
Luke 1:57–80FocusThe forerunner's calling
Connection to the wholeJohn's naming and Zacharias' prophecy identify his preparatory role and bring the opening chapter toward the arrival of the promised salvation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.