It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
--Luke 1:3-4 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on July 16, 2013 of Psalm 119:105-112; Luke 1:1-25; 1 Chronicles 23-24:19.
Luke was a Greek by birth, a physician by training, and an evangelist by inspiration, inclination, and desire. He was very likely the only Gentile author of any of the New Testament, penning both his Gospel and the book of the Acts of the Apostles. And he was a close friend and frequent companion of the Apostle Paul, often accompanying him on legs of his missionary journeys. In fact, it is quite possible that Luke wrote this Gospel account while spending time with Paul during his two-year imprisonment in Caesarea. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul notes that "Only Luke is with me" (2 Timothy 4:11). Since this letter was written shortly before Paul was martyred, it is sadly possible that Luke was with Paul at his execution.
In his Gospel account, Luke gives us more of the human side of Christ, showing us the compassionate Son of Man offering salvation to the world. Luke provides us with pieces of the mosaic not mentioned in the other three Gospels, such as Gabriel speaking to Zacharias announcing the coming conception and birth of his son, who would be John the Baptist. Luke shows great interest in medical matters, especially as they related to the acts and miracles of Jesus, and presents what we might call the human interest story of Christ's life, focusing a good deal on individuals. He also gives special attention to prayer, the prominent role given to women, and the dichotomy of poverty versus wealth. In all, Luke's telling is one of humanity and the human form of God in Jesus.
We don't really know who Theophilus was, but he must have attained to a high ranking ("most excellent Theophilus") and he must have been a convert ("in which you were instructed"). He may even have been a close friend or associate of Luke's. Who Theophilus was doesn't matter as much as what Luke told him. First, we can see that Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, was not one of His disciples who followed Him on His walk. This is evident from the second verse when he states that those who were with Jesus "from the beginning", the actual eyewitnesses, delivered the word "to us", to others and to himself. But while he may have received the accounts of Jesus' life from others, today's focus verses assure us that he diligently researched each piece of information, like a trained physician, and put it all in chronological order. So we can be assured everything he tells us is true, accurate, and ordered correctly. Like Paul, Luke was truly touched and inspired by Jesus. We know with certainty everything he tells us is true. Amen.
Lord Jesus, thank You for touching Luke and inspiring him to carefully research and chronicle Your walk upon this earth, going back to before even Your cousin John's birth. Thank You for all of the Gospel writers, with each providing a slightly different perspective on Your life so that we might see the different sides of You. Through Luke's account, we now know Your humanity. May we continue to grow in our relationship with You through our study of our Bible, our fellowship with others, and in prayer with You. In Your beautiful name Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
In his Gospel account, Luke gives us more of the human side of Christ, showing us the compassionate Son of Man offering salvation to the world. Luke provides us with pieces of the mosaic not mentioned in the other three Gospels, such as Gabriel speaking to Zacharias announcing the coming conception and birth of his son, who would be John the Baptist. Luke shows great interest in medical matters, especially as they related to the acts and miracles of Jesus, and presents what we might call the human interest story of Christ's life, focusing a good deal on individuals. He also gives special attention to prayer, the prominent role given to women, and the dichotomy of poverty versus wealth. In all, Luke's telling is one of humanity and the human form of God in Jesus.
We don't really know who Theophilus was, but he must have attained to a high ranking ("most excellent Theophilus") and he must have been a convert ("in which you were instructed"). He may even have been a close friend or associate of Luke's. Who Theophilus was doesn't matter as much as what Luke told him. First, we can see that Luke was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, was not one of His disciples who followed Him on His walk. This is evident from the second verse when he states that those who were with Jesus "from the beginning", the actual eyewitnesses, delivered the word "to us", to others and to himself. But while he may have received the accounts of Jesus' life from others, today's focus verses assure us that he diligently researched each piece of information, like a trained physician, and put it all in chronological order. So we can be assured everything he tells us is true, accurate, and ordered correctly. Like Paul, Luke was truly touched and inspired by Jesus. We know with certainty everything he tells us is true. Amen.
Lord Jesus, thank You for touching Luke and inspiring him to carefully research and chronicle Your walk upon this earth, going back to before even Your cousin John's birth. Thank You for all of the Gospel writers, with each providing a slightly different perspective on Your life so that we might see the different sides of You. Through Luke's account, we now know Your humanity. May we continue to grow in our relationship with You through our study of our Bible, our fellowship with others, and in prayer with You. In Your beautiful name Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
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