Luke 1:1-4 (NASBStr)
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
When reading the books of the Bible we are not often told, as boldly as Luke does, the reason for the book and the purpose of the writing. Although Paul is implicit with his writing intent, Luke is explicit. John, in His gospel and in his first epistle, is equally plain as to purpose, as Luke is here. Both Luke and John want us to know the validity behind the truth we believe. To the unbeliever the things of Christendom are at best established myths and at the least hair brain thoughts of the mentality unstable. However, to John, Luke, here, and, hopefully to us, they are established historical truths that happened in specific order that can be established in a credible timeline, believed and served. Many have "served the Word" as Luke points out and many have told the story he is about to tell. But, he wants Theophilus (who knows the exact person and purpose he served in the church?) to know the "exact truth" about the things people have taught him. We are "Theophilus" as we read this story. Luke wants us to know what he wants Theophilus to know. We are looking over Theo's shoulder. Be prepared to see an exact order of events and a doctor's (Luke's profession) meticulous account of the details. We believe truth that is here, in Luke, recorded believable. It is why we "serve" the Word!!
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