Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

CHAPTER ONE:
EVENTS REGARDING THE BIRTH OF JOHN AND JESUS

[“Great Expectations”]
Key word: Favored!

Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

LK1:1 Since many have taken their hand[1] to compile a statement regarding those facts[2] that are fully confirmed among us[3] – LK1:2 just as they have been handed down to us[4] from the original eyewitnesses[5] and attendants of the message[6] – LK1:3 it also seemed most fitting for me, having investigated everything[7] right from the beginning, to write to you most excellent[8] Theophilus[9] a factual account.[10] LK1:4 Thus you might become aware of the reliable information[11] about those matters in which you have been orally instructed.[12]

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[1] Since many have taken their hand: Or, NEB: many writers have undertaken; BAS: as a number of attempts have been made. It is likely that by the time Luke began his research Matthew and Mark were already available. It appears that Luke is aware of “many” who have prepared records of Christ’s life and teachings.

[2] To compile a statement regarding those facts: Or, KJV: to set forth in order a declaration; ASV: to draw up a narrative; RSV: to compile; NEB: to draw up an account of the events. The Greek for “facts” here is PRAGMATON from which the English “pragmatism” comes. Luke is dealing in “facts” and not a fairy tale. As a doctor he is observant and knows how to listen to a person’s statement of events as an eyewitness. He is precise in his dating of matters, sympathetic to women, careful in his use of specific designations, and reliable as a historian.

[3] That are fully confirmed among us: Or, KJV: most surely believed; ASV: fulfilled among us; BER: that have certainly taken place among us; WEY: received with full assurance. [John 20:31] The period between 29 to 73 AD is called the “eye witness period” during which those who were present could testify what they heard, saw, and felt. [1 John 1:1-3]

[4] Just as they have been handed down to us: Or, KJV: even as they delivered them unto us; NEB: following the traditions; MOF: exactly; WEY: on the authority of those. When Luke was alive as a traveling companion of Paul’s in the 50s and 60s AD he had great opportunities to interview a wide range of witnesses as well as read other first hand reports and records of these events.

[5] From the original eyewitnesses: Or, WEY: who were from the beginning eyewitnesses. These amounted to at least 500 Christian believers as well as others who could confirm what Jesus said and did. [1 Corinthians 15:6] The integrity of these witnesses could also be observed and compared. [1 Peter 2:12; 5:1; 2 Peter 1:16] It is likely Luke interviewed at length the apostles, as well as the seventy disciples, and also those women who followed Jesus’ ministry closely. [Luke 8:3; Acts 2:32; 3:15; 5:32; 10:39, 41]

[6] Attendants of the message: Or, ministers, servants, subordinates.

[7] Having investigated everything: Or, KJV: perfect understand; ASV: traced the course of all things accurately; NEB: as one who has gone over the whole course of these events in detail; RIE: have kept in close touch with the whole course of these events. If we judge from Luke’s precision in Acts we can imagine that he was meticulous in his gathering of facts.

[8] Most excellent: Or, most mighty. Either an endearing designation or an indication of his position in life.

[9] Theophilus: Meaning “God’s Friend.” The Book of Acts is also written to him. [Acts 1:1] We may assume Luke and Theophilus having copies made of his Gospel.

[10] Factual account: Or, accurate, careful. The Greek is ACRIBOS from which comes “accurate.”

[11] Become aware of the reliable information: Or, KJV: know the certainty; NAS: exact truth; NEB: authentic knowledge; GDS: reliable information; MOF: solid truth; TCN: satisfy yourself of the accuracy of the story. Luke states the reason or his Gospel – logical and reliable facts regarding Jesus’ life and ministry.

[12] Orally instructed: Or, informed, taught by word of mouth. In the beginning, before there were written accurate records of the Gospel, everyone learned by word of mouth, orally taught, though the prophecies in the Hebrew Bible could be examined.

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Preceding

Luke – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Introduction to the Third Gospel