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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 1:2 just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/42_Luk_01_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:2 - Dedication to Theophilus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm" title="Luke 1:1">◄</a> Luke 1:2 <a href="/luke/1-3.htm" title="Luke 1:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />just as those from <i>the</i> beginning having been eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered <i>them</i> to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />just as those, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, handed <i>them</i> down to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />exactly as they were handed down to us by those [with personal experience] who from the beginning [of Christ’s ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word [that is, of the teaching concerning salvation through faith in Christ],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />even as they delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They received their information from those who had been eyewitnesses and servants of God's word from the beginning, and they passed it on to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They wrote what we have been told by those who saw these things from the beginning and who proclaimed the message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />just as they were passed down to us by those who had been eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Even as they delivered them to us, who from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and ministers of the word;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />on the authority of those who were from the beginning eye-witnesses and were devoted to the service of the divine Message,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />as they delivered to us, who from the beginning became eyewitnesses, and officers of the word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />just as those from <i>the</i> beginning having been eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered <i>them</i> to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> as they did deliver to us, who from the beginning became eye-witnesses, and officers of the Word, -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />As they delivered to us, who from the beginning being eyewitnesses, and servants of the word;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />According as they have delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />just as they have been handed on to those of us who from the beginning saw the same and were ministers of the word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />According to what was handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of that very word,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Like the things which they delivered to us who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of The Word,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />even as they were delivered to us by those who were, from the beginning, eye-witnesses and ministers of the word;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />as those being eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word have delivered unto us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />exactly as they delivered them to us, who were eve witnesses from the first, and ministers of the word;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />according as they were delivered to us by persons, who were all along eye-witnesses, and had a share in the transactions themselves:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />on the authority of those who were from the beginning eye-witnesses and were devoted to the service of the divine Message,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />even as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word delivered <i>them</i> to us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />as they delivered them to us, who were from the beginning eye-witnesses <i>of them,</i> and ministers of the word;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/1-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Dedication to Theophilus</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">just as</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">they</a> <a href="/greek/3860.htm" title="3860: paredosan (V-AIA-3P) -- From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.">were handed down</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to us</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">by</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">the initial</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomenoi (V-APM-NMP) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/845.htm" title="845: autoptai (N-NMP) -- An eye-witness. From autos and optanomai; self-seeing, i.e. An eye-witness.">eyewitnesses</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5257.htm" title="5257: hypēretai (N-NMP) -- From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate.">servants</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">word.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-21.htm">Acts 1:21-22</a></span><br />Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, / beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1-3</a></span><br />That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. / And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. / We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">2 Peter 1:16</a></span><br />For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-27.htm">John 15:27</a></span><br />And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-35.htm">John 19:35</a></span><br />The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-3.htm">Hebrews 2:3-4</a></span><br />how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, / and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3-8</a></span><br />For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, / that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, / and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-24.htm">John 21:24</a></span><br />This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who has written them down. And we know that his testimony is true.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-39.htm">Acts 10:39-42</a></span><br />We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree, / God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen— / not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Mark 16:20</a></span><br />And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-18.htm">Matthew 28:18-20</a></span><br />Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. / Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-30.htm">John 20:30-31</a></span><br />Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. / But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-32.htm">Acts 2:32</a></span><br />God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-32.htm">Acts 5:32</a></span><br />We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Even as they delivered them to us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;</p><p class="hdg">which.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/24-48.htm">Luke 24:48</a></b></br> And ye are witnesses of these things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/1-1.htm">Mark 1:1</a></b></br> The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/15-27.htm">John 15:27</a></b></br> And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.</p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16</a></b></br> But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16</a></b></br> That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ephesians 3:7,8</a></b></br> Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Attendants</a> <a href="/mark/15-1.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/mark/14-18.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/mark/7-11.htm">Devoted</a> <a href="/mark/14-62.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Eyewitnesses</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Eye-Witnesses</a> <a href="/mark/16-9.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/15-15.htm">Handed</a> <a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Message</a> <a href="/joel/2-17.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/mark/14-65.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/mark/3-14.htm">Preachers</a> <a href="/mark/14-65.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/mark/15-21.htm">Service</a> <a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/5-34.htm">Attendants</a> <a href="/luke/4-6.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/luke/1-71.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/luke/21-5.htm">Devoted</a> <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Eyewitnesses</a> <a href="/john/3-11.htm">Eye-Witnesses</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">First</a> <a href="/luke/4-6.htm">Handed</a> <a href="/luke/3-3.htm">Message</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/luke/22-4.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/luke/9-2.htm">Preachers</a> <a href="/luke/12-37.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Service</a> <a href="/luke/1-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">76. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>just as they were handed down to us</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the transmission of the Gospel message. The early Christian community placed a high value on preserving the teachings and events of Jesus' life accurately. The oral tradition was a common method of preserving history in ancient times, especially in Jewish culture, where stories and teachings were passed down through generations. This phrase assures readers of the reliability of the Gospel account, as it was carefully handed down from those who directly witnessed the events.<p><b>by the initial eyewitnesses</b><br>The term "eyewitnesses" underscores the credibility of the Gospel narrative. In the context of the New Testament, eyewitnesses were those who had directly seen and heard Jesus during His ministry. This includes the apostles and other disciples who were present during key events such as the miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. The importance of eyewitness testimony is also highlighted in other scriptures, such as 1 <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1-3</a> and <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">2 Peter 1:16</a>, which stress the firsthand experience of the apostles in proclaiming the truth about Jesus.<p><b>and servants of the word</b><br>This phrase refers to those who were dedicated to spreading the teachings of Jesus. The "word" here is understood as the message of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The term "servants" indicates a role of humility and dedication, suggesting that these individuals were committed to faithfully transmitting the teachings they received. This aligns with the role of the apostles and early church leaders, who were tasked with teaching and preserving the doctrine of Christ, as seen in <a href="/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4</a> and <a href="/1_corinthians/4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1</a>. The phrase also reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' command in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that He commanded.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/eyewitnesses.htm">Eyewitnesses</a></b><br>These are the individuals who personally saw and experienced the events of Jesus' life and ministry. Their testimonies form the foundation of the Gospel accounts.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/servants_of_the_word.htm">Servants of the Word</a></b><br>This phrase refers to those who have dedicated themselves to spreading the message of Jesus Christ. It implies a role of stewardship and responsibility in preserving and teaching the Gospel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_word.htm">The Word</a></b><br>In this context, "the Word" refers to the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a central theme in the Gospel of Luke and the New Testament as a whole.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_eyewitness_testimony.htm">The Importance of Eyewitness Testimony</a></b><br>The credibility of the Gospel is rooted in the firsthand accounts of those who witnessed Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This underscores the reliability of the Scriptures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_servants_of_the_word.htm">Role of Servants of the Word</a></b><br>As modern-day believers, we are called to be "servants of the word," faithfully preserving and sharing the Gospel message with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_continuity_of_the_gospel_message.htm">The Continuity of the Gospel Message</a></b><br>The message of Jesus has been "handed down" through generations, highlighting the importance of discipleship and teaching in the Christian faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_scripture.htm">The Authority of Scripture</a></b><br>The Gospel accounts are not mere accounts but authoritative testimonies that demand our attention and response.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_as_witnesses_today.htm">Living as Witnesses Today</a></b><br>While we are not eyewitnesses of Jesus' earthly ministry, our lives can testify to His transformative power and truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_q_gospel_or_q_source.htm">What is the Q Gospel or Q Source?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_differ_historical_jesus_and_gospel.htm">Why do historical Jesus studies suggest a different figure than the one in the Gospels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_wrote_the_book_of_romans.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Luke?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_the_council_of_hippo.htm">What was the purpose of the Council of Hippo?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Even as they delivered them unto us.</span>--There is something noticeable in the candour with which the writer disclaims the character of an eyewitness. The word "delivered" is the same as that used by St. Paul when he speaks of the history of the Lord's Supper (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/11-23.htm" title="For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:">1Corinthians 11:23-25</a>) and of the Resurrection (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/15-3.htm" title="For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;">1Corinthians 15:3-7</a>), and, with its cognate noun "tradition" (<a href="/2_thessalonians/2-15.htm" title="Therefore, brothers, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our letter.">2Thessalonians 2:15</a>), would seem to have been almost a technical term for the oral teaching which at least included an outline of our Lord's life and teaching.<p><span class= "bld">Ministers of the word.</span>--The word used is that which describes the work of an attendant, something between a "slave" and a "minister," in the later ecclesiastical use of the term as equivalent to "deacon" or "preacher." It is used of St. Mark in <a href="/acts/13-5.htm" title="And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.">Acts 13:5</a>. On the opportunities St. Luke enjoyed for converse with such as these, see <span class= "ital">Introduction.</span> The "word" is used in its more general Pauline sense (as <span class= "ital">e.g.,</span> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm" title="For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God.">1Corinthians 1:18</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm" title="And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:">1Corinthians 2:4</a>), as equivalent to the "gospel," not in the higher personal meaning which it acquired afterwards in St. John (<a href="/1_john/2-14.htm" title="I have written to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God stays in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.">1John 2:14</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and ministers of the Word</span>. The general accuracy of the recitals contained in those early Gospels is here conceded, as the source of these primitive writings was the tradition delivered by the eye-witnesses of the acts of Jesus; among these eye-witnesses the apostles would, of course, hold the foremost place. The whole statement may be roughly paraphrased thus: "The narrative of the memorable events which have been accomplished in our midst many have undertaken to compose. These different narratives are in strict conformity with the apostles' tradition, which men who were themselves eye-witnesses of the great events, and subsequently ministers of the Word, handed down to us. Now, I have traced up all these traditions anew to their very sources, and propose rewriting them in consecutive order, that you, my lord Theophilus, may be fully convinced of the positive certainty of those great truths in which you have been instructed." Eye-witnesses, anal ministers of the Word; witnesses of the events of the public ministry of Jesus, from the baptism to the Ascension. These men, in great numbers, after Pentecost, became ministers and preachers of the Word. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/1-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">just as</span><br /><span class="grk">καθὼς</span> <span class="translit">(kathōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> </span><span class="str2">According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were handed down</span><br /><span class="grk">παρέδοσαν</span> <span class="translit">(paredosan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3860.htm">Strong's 3860: </a> </span><span class="str2">From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to us</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπ’</span> <span class="translit">(ap’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> </span><span class="str2">From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the initial</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀρχῆς</span> <span class="translit">(archēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> </span><span class="str2">From archomai; a commencement, or chief.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eyewitnesses</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτόπται</span> <span class="translit">(autoptai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_845.htm">Strong's 845: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye-witness. From autos and optanomai; self-seeing, i.e. An eye-witness.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">servants</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπηρέται</span> <span class="translit">(hypēretai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5257.htm">Strong's 5257: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word.</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγου</span> <span class="translit">(logou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/1-2.htm">Luke 1:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/1-2.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:2 Even as those who from the beginning (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>