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
In this passage, Luke states his purpose for writing this
Gospel. He says to Theophilus that he
has written this orderly account so Theophilus would know and have confidence
in the things that God has accomplished through the Lord Jesus. To convince him, he appeals to the fact that
these events happened in real time. He
says, “I have followed the things I’m about to report to you very closely for
some time and have written them down in an orderly manner.” He says, “I have written an orderly account
for you.”
The reason Luke makes this point is because he wants
Theophilus and his greater audience to know that these events—the birth, the life,
the death and the resurrection of Christ took place in a real place, in real
time, in history. He also tells Theophilus,
“God has accomplished these works among us” meaning they happened in their
generation.
Luke also stresses the fact that this story is true because many
witnessed it. In Luke 1:2, he says,
Those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses
and ministers of the word have delivered them to us.
Luke explains how there were many in their time who
witnessed these events for themselves. He
says that there were men and women who witnessed Christ’s birth, life, death,
and resurrection, and he also tells Theophilus, “There are many of these eyewitnesses
who are sharing His story today.” Luke explains to him and others
that his book is an account—a compilation of these testimonies from those who
were there—who saw Jesus with their own eyes, felt Him with their own hands and
heard from Him with their own ears.
To listen to this sermon, click HERE and click on "THE MEANING BEHIND LUKE'S CHRISTMAS STORY."
