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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 1:3 Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/42_Luk_01_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:3 - Dedication to Theophilus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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; <a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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; <a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> it seemed fitting for me as well, [and so I have decided] after having carefully searched out and investigated all the events accurately, from the very beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus; <a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, <a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, <a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus; <a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. Honorable Theophilus, <a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus; <a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I, too, have followed everything closely from the beginning. So I thought it would be a good idea to write an orderly account for Your Excellency, Theophilus. <a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> And so, Your Excellency, because I have carefully studied all these matters from their beginning, I thought it would be good to write an orderly account for you. <a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> I, too, have carefully investigated everything from the beginning and have decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a> So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; <a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> it has seemed right to me also, after careful investigation of the facts from their commencement, to write for you, most noble Theophilus, a connected account, <a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a> it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> it seemed good also to me, having followed from the first after all things exactly, to write to you in order, most noble Theophilus, <a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> it seemed good also to me, having been acquainted with all things carefully from the first, to write with method to you, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> it seemed good also to me, having followed from the first after all things exactly, to write to thee in order, most noble Theophilus, <a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> It seemed fitting to me also, having comprehended all things thoroughly from above, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> so it seemed good to me also, having diligently followed everything from the beginning, to write to you, in an orderly manner, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a> I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And since these were seen by me also because I was near and considered them all very carefully, I will therefore write to you everything in its order, most honorable Theophilus, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He appeared also to me because I had approached all things carefully, that I would write everything in order to you, excellent Theophila.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> it seemed good to me also, having obtained exact information of all things from the very first, to write them in order for you, most excel lent Theophilus, <a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> it seemed good to me also, having followed carefully all things from the beginning, to write unto thee consecutively, O most noble Theophilus, <a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> it seemed right to me also, having obtained accurate knowledge of all things from above, to write to thee in regular order, most excellent Theophilus, <a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I have likewise thought proper; most excellent Theophilus, to write to you a particular account; having made a very diligent inquiry into the whole matter, <a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> it has seemed right to me also, after careful investigation of the facts from their commencement, to write for you, most noble Theophilus, a connected account, <a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> it seemed good to me also, having traced all things accurately from the first, to write to you an orderly account, most noble Theophilus; <a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> it seemed good to me also, having thoroughly traced them all from the very first, to write an account of them in order to thee, <a href="/parallel/luke/1-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=12" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Dedication to Theophilus</a> …2just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3<a href="/greek/3877.htm" title="3877: parēkolouthēkoti (V-RPA-DMS) -- From para and akoloutheo; to follow near, i.e. attend, trace out, conform to.">Therefore, having carefully investigated</a> <a href="/greek/199.htm" title="199: akribōs (Adv) -- Carefully, exactly, strictly, distinctly. Adverb from the same as akribestatos; exactly."></a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasin (Adj-DNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything</a> <a href="/greek/509.htm" title="509: anōthen (Adv) -- From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.">from the beginning,</a> <a href="/greek/1380.htm" title="1380: edoxe (V-AIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.">it seemed good</a> <a href="/greek/2504.htm" title="2504: kamoi (PPro-D1S) -- To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.">also to me</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: grapsai (V-ANA) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">to write</a> <a href="/greek/2517.htm" title="2517: kathexēs (Adv) -- From kata and hexes; thereafter, i.e. Consecutively; as a noun a subsequent person or time.">an orderly account</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">for you,</a> <a href="/greek/2903.htm" title="2903: kratiste (Adj-VMS-S) -- Superlative of a derivative of kratos; strongest, i.e. very honorable.">most excellent</a> <a href="/greek/2321.htm" title="2321: Theophile (N-VMS) -- From theos and philos; friend of God; Theophilus, a Christian.">Theophilus,</a> 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/1-1.htm">Acts 1:1</a> In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">2 Peter 1:16</a> 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. <a href="/john/20-31.htm">John 20:31</a> 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. <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1-4</a> 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. ... <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">2 Timothy 3:14-17</a> But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ... <a href="/acts/26-26.htm">Acts 26:26</a> For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. <a href="/john/19-35.htm">John 19:35</a> 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. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3-8</a> 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. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/8-18.htm">2 Corinthians 8:18</a> Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel. <a href="/colossians/4-14.htm">Colossians 4:14</a> Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings. <a href="/matthew/1-1.htm">Matthew 1:1</a> This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: <a href="/mark/1-1.htm">Mark 1:1</a> This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1-4</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— / the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, / regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, ... <a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1-4</a> We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / 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, ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,seemed.<a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Acts 15:19,25,28</a> Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: … <a href="/1_corinthians/7-40.htm">1 Corinthians 7:40</a> But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.<a href="/1_corinthians/16-12.htm">1 Corinthians 16:12</a> As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.in.<a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Luke 1:1</a> Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,<a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a> Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.<a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Psalm 50:21</a> These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.most.<a href="/acts/1-1.htm">Acts 1:1</a> The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,<a href="/acts/23-26.htm">Acts 23:26</a> Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.<a href="/acts/24-3.htm">Acts 24:3</a> We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Account</a> <a href="/matthew/2-8.htm">Accurately</a> <a href="/mark/4-13.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/luke/1-2.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/mark/15-41.htm">Care</a> <a href="/mark/13-11.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/mark/10-20.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/mark/14-67.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/daniel/9-23.htm">Commencement</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-4.htm">Connected</a> <a href="/psalms/145-1.htm">Consecutive</a> <a href="/mark/12-38.htm">Course</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-6.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Events</a> <a href="/daniel/6-3.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Facts</a> <a href="/luke/1-2.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/mark/16-20.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Good</a> <a href="/mark/16-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/job/29-16.htm">Investigated</a> <a href="/job/34-24.htm">Investigation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-8.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/mark/7-24.htm">Observation</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/job/41-12.htm">Orderly</a> <a href="/mark/11-30.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/mark/16-1.htm">Past</a> <a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/mark/16-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/11-26.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/acts/1-1.htm">Theophilus</a> <a href="/acts/1-1.htm">The-Oph'ilus</a> <a href="/mark/16-2.htm">Time</a> <a href="/job/26-10.htm">Traced</a> <a href="/mark/12-34.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/mark/10-4.htm">Write</a> <a href="/mark/15-28.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/1-48.htm">Account</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Accurately</a> <a href="/john/18-16.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/luke/3-23.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/luke/4-10.htm">Care</a> <a href="/luke/6-42.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/luke/2-52.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/luke/6-7.htm">Closely</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Commencement</a> <a href="/acts/25-19.htm">Connected</a> <a href="/psalms/145-1.htm">Consecutive</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Course</a> <a href="/luke/5-15.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/luke/21-7.htm">Events</a> <a href="/luke/7-26.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Facts</a> <a href="/luke/2-2.htm">First</a> <a href="/luke/15-32.htm">Fitting</a> <a href="/luke/5-11.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/luke/1-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/luke/1-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/judges/6-29.htm">Investigated</a> <a href="/acts/25-26.htm">Investigation</a> <a href="/luke/8-15.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/luke/17-20.htm">Observation</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Order</a> <a href="/acts/11-4.htm">Orderly</a> <a href="/luke/20-4.htm">Origin</a> <a href="/luke/9-36.htm">Past</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/luke/1-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/luke/2-50.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/acts/1-1.htm">Theophilus</a> <a href="/acts/1-1.htm">The-Oph'ilus</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/romans/9-5.htm">Traced</a> <a href="/luke/2-47.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Write</a> <a href="/luke/1-63.htm">Writing</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div>1. <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a> 5. <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a> 26. <a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a> 39. <a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a> 57. <a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a> 67. <a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a> 76. <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a> </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'; 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Luke, the author, is known for his attention to detail and historical accuracy. The phrase suggests that Luke conducted a comprehensive investigation, likely involving interviews with eyewitnesses and examination of existing written accounts. This aligns with the historical context of the time, where oral tradition and eyewitness testimony were crucial for preserving events. The phrase "from the beginning" implies that Luke sought to understand the full scope of Jesus' life and ministry, starting from the earliest events, possibly including the birth narratives and John the Baptist's role.it seemed good also to me This reflects Luke's personal conviction and sense of responsibility in undertaking the task of writing the Gospel. The phrase suggests a divine prompting or guidance, as seen in other scriptural instances where individuals are moved to act according to God's will. It indicates that Luke felt compelled to contribute his own account, adding to the existing body of work with his unique perspective and findings.to write an orderly account Luke's intention to write an "orderly account" highlights his desire for clarity and coherence. This approach is consistent with his background as a physician, where precision and organization are valued. The orderly nature of the account suggests a chronological or thematic structure, aimed at providing a clear understanding of the events. This is significant in the context of the early church, where accurate teaching about Jesus' life and ministry was essential for doctrinal integrity and the spread of the Gospel.for you, most excellent Theophilus, Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God" or "friend of God," is addressed with the honorific "most excellent," indicating a person of high status or rank, possibly a Roman official or a wealthy patron. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where patrons often supported writers and scholars. Theophilus may have been a recent convert or someone seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Luke's dedication to Theophilus suggests a personal relationship and a desire to provide him with a reliable account of Jesus' life and teachings, reinforcing the credibility and purpose of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/luke.htm">Luke</a> The author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He is traditionally understood to be a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul. His writing is characterized by careful investigation and orderly presentation. 2. <a href="/topical/t/theophilus.htm">Theophilus</a> The recipient of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. The name means "friend of God" or "loved by God." He is addressed as "most excellent," suggesting he may have been a person of high social standing or a Roman official. 3. <a href="/topical/o/orderly_account.htm">Orderly Account</a> Luke's intention to provide a well-organized and accurate account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, based on thorough research and eyewitness testimonies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_thorough_investigation.htm">The Importance of Thorough Investigation</a> Luke's careful research underscores the value of diligence and accuracy in understanding and communicating the truths of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_eyewitness_testimony.htm">The Role of Eyewitness Testimony</a> The reliance on eyewitness accounts highlights the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts and encourages believers to trust in the authenticity of scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_writing.htm">The Purpose of Writing</a> Luke's goal to provide certainty to Theophilus serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening the faith of others through clear and truthful communication of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_addressing_individuals.htm">The Significance of Addressing Individuals</a> Addressing Theophilus personally illustrates the personal nature of the Gospel message and the importance of engaging individuals in their spiritual journey. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_excellence_in_ministry.htm">The Call to Excellence in Ministry</a> Luke's dedication to excellence in his writing challenges believers to pursue excellence in their own ministry efforts, ensuring that their work honors God and edifies others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a> <a href="/q/how_do_we_know_jesus_existed.htm">How do we know Jesus was a real historical figure?</a> <a href="/q/key_teachings_events_in_luke.htm">What are the key teachings and events in Luke?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_theophilus_in_luke_and_acts.htm">Who is Theophilus in Luke and Acts?</a> <a href="/q/is_faith_just_blind_belief.htm">Isn’t faith just blind belief without evidence?</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>(3) Having had perfect understanding of all things.--Better, having traced (or investigated) all things from their source. The verb used is one which implies following the course of events step by step. The adverb which follows exactly answers to what we call the origines of any great movement. It goes further back than the actual beginning of the movement itself.In order.--The word implies a distinct aim at chronological arrangement, but it does not necessarily follow, where the order in St. Luke varies from that of the other Gospels, that it is therefore the true order. In such matters the writer, who was avowedly a compiler, might well be at some disadvantage as compared with others.Most excellent Theophilus.--The adjective is the same as that used of Felix by Tertullus (<a href="/acts/24-3.htm" title="We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.">Acts 24:3</a>), and implies at least high social position, if not official rank. The name, which means "Friend of God," might well be taken by a Christian convert at his baptism. Nothing more can be known of the person so addressed beyond the fact that he was probably a Gentile convert who had already been partially instructed in the facts of the Gospel history.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first; more accurately rendered, having followed up (or, investigated) step by step all things from their source. St. Luke, without depreciating the accounts of the life and work of Jesus then current in the Church, here sets out his reasons for undertaking a fresh compilation. His Gospel would differ from the early Gospels: (1) By going back much further than they did. It is doubtful if these primitive Gospels began earlier than with the ministry of John and the baptism of Jesus. St. Mark's Gospel - which, perhaps, represents one of the earliest forms of the apostles' preaching and teaching, - does not go further back than those events. St. Luke gave Theophilus, among other early details, a history of the incarnation and the infancy of the Blessed One. (2) By presenting the whole story in a consecutive form. Hitherto, apparently, "apostolic tradition probably had a more or less fragmentary character; the apostles not relating every time the whole of the facts, but only those which best answered to the circumstances in which they were preaching. This is expressly said of St. Peter, on the testimony of Papias, or of the old presbyter on whom he relied: Πρὸς τὰς χρείας ἐποιε1FC0;ιτο τὰς διδασκαλίας ('He chose each time the facts appropriate to the needs of his hearers'). Important omissions would easily result from this mode of telling the great story" (Godet). Most excellent Theophilus. The term rendered "most excellent" (κράτιστε) denotes that the friend of Luke for whom nominally his Gospel was written was a man of high rank in the Roman world of that day. Nothing is known of his history. He was most likely, from Luke's connection with Antioch, a noble of that great and wealthy city, and may fairly be taken as a representative of that cultured thoughtful class for whom in a measure St. Luke especially wrote. The title κράτιστε, by which the Theophilus is here addressed, we find several times applied to high Roman officials, such as Felix and Festus (<a href="/acts/23-26.htm">Acts 23:26</a>; <a href="/acts/24-3.htm">Acts 24:3</a>; <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Acts 26:25</a>). <a href="/commentaries/luke/1-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore, having carefully investigated παρηκολουθηκότι (parēkolouthēkoti) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3877.htm">Strong's 3877: </a> From para and akoloutheo; to follow near, i.e. attend, trace out, conform to. everything πᾶσιν (pasin) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. from the beginning, ἄνωθεν (anōthen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_509.htm">Strong's 509: </a> From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew. it seemed good ἔδοξε (edoxe) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1380.htm">Strong's 1380: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem. also to me κἀμοὶ (kamoi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2504.htm">Strong's 2504: </a> To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me. to write γράψαι (grapsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. an orderly account καθεξῆς (kathexēs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2517.htm">Strong's 2517: </a> From kata and hexes; thereafter, i.e. Consecutively; as a noun a subsequent person or time. for you, σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. most excellent κράτιστε (kratiste) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_2903.htm">Strong's 2903: </a> Superlative of a derivative of kratos; strongest, i.e. very honorable. Theophilus, Θεόφιλε (Theophile) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2321.htm">Strong's 2321: </a> From theos and philos; friend of God; Theophilus, a Christian. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/1-3.htm">Luke 1:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/1-3.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also having (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:4" /></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>