Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 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, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Luke 1:1-4
Sometimes we need some reassurance.
At the time of Luke’s writing of The Gospel According to Luke, it was not uncommon for historical and scientific writings to begin with a qualification of the validity of the proceeding writing.* Luke, knowing this as a medical doctor, and seeking to provide reliable historical evidence for the reader, follows suit with his introduction to the life of Jesus.* Understanding this, it’s important to know to whom Luke writes and why.
According to scholars, the identity of Theophilus remains a mystery. His name means, “friend of God,” or “lover of God.”* The phrase “most excellent” was typically reserved for esteemed members of the community, including Roman officials and other wealthy, influential people.* Scholars believe the name “Theophilus” may have been a pseudo name used to preserve the safety and well-being of the reader because of their position or authority within the society.* Whatever the case, as those who love and are friends of God, the letter is to us too.*
But why would Theophilus need this letter? Why do we need this writing from Luke? Luke tell us that the purpose for his writing to Theophilus was that he may have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. Theophilus needed reminding, as so often we all do, of the truth of the Gospel and its meaning and impact on our lives. The reminder that Theophilus needed was not just to be sure that he knew the facts of the life of Christ.* The Greek word for “certainty” did not just refer to knowing.* It meant to “recognize fully.”* It is the same Greek word that Luke used in Luke 24:30-31 to describe the moment the disciples realized that they were breaking bread with the resurrected Jesus in Emmaus.*
We all find ourselves in difficult times where we may ask questions like, “is Christianity what I believed it to be?” or “will God’s promises really come to pass?”* In these times, head knowledge isn’t enough. We need to “recognize fully” just as the disciples in Emmaus did.
Let’s accept the invitation to read through The Gospel According to Luke with the expectation that God will meet us where we are to help us to recognize fully alongside Theophilus.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to be open to His revelation that recognizes fully. Perhaps today God wants you to begin reading through the Gospel of Luke. Maybe today God wants you to ask the hard questions.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus.
Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!
*Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 1:1–4). InterVarsity Press.
Garland, D. E. (2012). Luke (pp. 49–57). Zondervan.
Edwards, J. R. (2015). The Gospel according to Luke (D. A. Carson, Ed.; pp. 23–29). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Apollos.
Liefeld, W. L., & Pao, D. W. (2007). Luke. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Luke–Acts (Revised Edition) (Vol. 10, pp. 49–51). Zondervan.
Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke (pp. 39–43). Zondervan Publishing House.
Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke: 1:1–9:50 (Vol. 1, pp. 64–66). Baker Academic.
Nolland, J. (1989). Luke 1:1–9:20 (Vol. 35A, pp. 12–13). Word, Incorporated.