Luke 1:1-4·~1 min
Dedication to Theophilus
Luke says others have already written about events fulfilled among them, drawing on eyewitness testimony. After tracing everything from the beginning, he writes an orderly account for Theophilus so that the teaching he has received will rest on certainty.
M1any have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Section summaryLuke opens with a carefully checked account addressed to Theophilus. He traces the material back to eyewitnesses and servants of the word, then writes in order so the reader can know the certainty of the things already taught.
Role in the chapterThis preface grounds the Gospel in investigation, testimony, and ordered instruction, and it states the aim of giving Theophilus certainty about what has been taught and received.