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Luke 1:3

Luke 1:3 in Multiple Translations

Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

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;

It seemed good to me, having made observation, with great care, of the direction of events in their order, to put the facts in writing for you, most noble Theophilus;

and so I also decided that since I have followed these things very carefully from the beginning, it would be a good idea to write out an accurate account of all that happened.

It seemed good also to me (most noble Theophilus) assoone as I had searched out perfectly all things from the beginning, to write vnto thee thereof from point to point,

it seemed good also to me, having followed from the first after all things exactly, to write to thee in order, most noble Theophilus,

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;

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,

It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

I myself have studied these accounts carefully. So I decided that it would be good for me also to write for you (sg) an accurate account of these matters.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Luke 1:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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Luke 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK εδοξεν καμοι παρηκολουθηκοτι ανωθεν πασιν ακριβως καθεξης σοι γραψαι κρατιστε θεοφιλε
εδοξεν dokeō G1380 to think Verb-AAI-3S
καμοι kagō G2504 and I Pron-1DS-K
παρηκολουθηκοτι parakoloutheō G3877 to follow Verb-RAP-DSM
ανωθεν anōthen G509 from above/again Adv
πασιν pas G3956 all Adj-DPN
ακριβως akribōs G199 exactly Adv
καθεξης kathexēs G2517 in order Adv
σοι su G4771 you Pron-2DS
γραψαι graphō G1125 to write Verb-AAN
κρατιστε kratistos G2903 excellent Adj-VSM-S
θεοφιλε Theophilos G2321 Theophilus Noun-VSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Luke 1:3

εδοξεν dokeō G1380 "to think" Verb-AAI-3S
To think means to have an opinion or suppose something, as in Matthew 24:44 and Luke 12:40. It involves having a thought or idea about something, which may or may not be true.
Definition: δοκέω, -ῶ (δόκος, opinion, δέκομαι, Ion, form of δέχ-), [in LXX for טוֹב, נָדַב, etc. ;] __1. to be of opinion, suppose: Mat.24:44, Luk.12:40, Heb.10:29; with inf., Mat.3:9, Luk.8:18 24:37, Jhn.5:39 16:2, Act.12:9 27:13, 1Co.3:18 7:40 8:2 10:12 14:37, Gal.6:3, Php.3:4, Jas.1:26; with accusative and inf., 1Co.12:23, 2Co.11:16; before ὅτι, Mat.6:7 26:53, Mrk.6:49, Luk.12:51 13:2, 4 19:11, Jhn.5:45 11:13, 31 13:29 20:15, 1Co.4:9, 2Co.12:19, Jas.4:5. __2. to seem, be reputed: Act.25:27; with inf., Mrk.10:42, Luk.10:36 22:24, Act.17:13 26:9, 1Co.11:16 12:22, 2Co.10:9, Gal.2:6, 9, Heb.4:1 12:11; οἱ δοκοῦντες, those of repute, Gal.2:2. Impers., it seems, with dative of person(s); __(a) to think: Mat.17:25 18:12 21:28 22:17, 42 26:66, Jhn.11:56, Heb.12:10; __(b) to please, seem good to: with inf., Luk.1:3, Act.15:22, 25 15:23, 34.† SYN. (δοκέω 1): ἡγέομαι 2, νομίζω2, οἴομαι; ἡ. and ν. properly express belief resting on external proof, ἡ. denoting the more careful judgment; δ. and οἴ. imply a subjective judgment which in the case of οἴ. is based on feeling, in δ. on thought (see Schmidt, with 17) (δοκέω2): φαίνομαι; φ., from the standpoint of the object, "expresses how a matter phenomenally shows and presents itself"; δ., from the standpoint of the observer, expresses one's subjective judgment about a matter (see Tr., Syn., LXXx; Cremer, 204). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow See also: 1 Corinthians 3:18; John 5:39; Hebrews 4:1.
καμοι kagō G2504 "and I" Pron-1DS-K
And I, or me, is a phrase used to include oneself in a statement. It is used by Jesus and other biblical figures to express their thoughts and feelings.
Definition: κἀγώ see: ἐγώ. ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: (and, even, even so, so) I (also, in like wise), both me, me also See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; John 10:27; Hebrews 8:9.
παρηκολουθηκοτι parakoloutheō G3877 "to follow" Verb-RAP-DSM
To follow means to go after someone or something closely, like a path or a standard. In 1 Timothy 4:6, it means to follow a certain way of living. This concept is about accompanying or conforming to something.
Definition: παρ-ακολουθέω, -ῶ [in LXX: 2Ma.8:11 2Mac 9:27 R* ;] with dative, to follow closely, accompany. Metaphorical, in various senses, __(a) to result: Mrk.16:17; __(b) to follow up, trace, investigate: Luk.1:3 (so frequently in cl.); __(with) to follow as a standard of conduct: 1Ti.4:6, 2Ti.3:10. (For exx. from π., see MM, xviii.)† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: attain, follow, fully know, have understanding See also: 1 Timothy 4:6; Luke 1:3; Mark 16:17.
ανωθεν anōthen G509 "from above/again" Adv
From above can mean coming from heaven, like Jesus coming from heaven in John 3:31. It can also mean again or anew, like being born again in John 3:3.
Definition: ἄνωθεν adv (ἄνω), __(a) from above: ἀπὸ ἄ., Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38; ἐκ τῶν ἄ., Jhn.19:28; meaning, from heaven: Jhn.3:31 19:11, Jas.1:17 3:15, 17 . __(b) from the first, from the beginning: Luk.1:3, Act.26:5; whence __(with) anew, again: Jhn.3:3, 7, (so most, but see Meyer, in l; cf. Field, Notes, 86 f.); πάλιν ἄ., Gal.4:9 (MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top See also: Acts 26:5; John 3:7; James 1:17.
πασιν pas G3956 "all" Adj-DPN
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
ακριβως akribōs G199 "exactly" Adv
This word means doing something exactly or carefully, like when Jesus told the magi to search for the child exactly, in Matthew 2:8. It is about being precise and thorough. This concept appears in several books, including Matthew and Luke.
Definition: ἀκριβῶς adv. (ἀκριβής), [in LXX: Deu.19:18 (יָטַב), Da TH 7:19 (יְצֵב), Eze.39:14, Wis.19:18, Sir.18:29 ;] with exactness, carefully: Mat.2:8, Luk.1:3, Act.18:25, Eph.5:15, 1Th.5:2 (M, Th., in l). Compar., ἀκριβέστερον (Milligan, NTD, 111; MM, VGT, see word), Act.18:26 23:15, 20 24:22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: circumspectly, diligently, perfect(-ly) See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Acts 23:20; Matthew 2:8.
καθεξης kathexēs G2517 "in order" Adv
In order or one after another is the sense of this word, used in Luke 1:3 and Acts 11:4 to describe events happening in sequence.
Definition: καθ-εξῆς (= cl. ἑξῆς, ἐφεξῆς) adv., __1. successively, in order: Luk.1:3, Act.11:4 18:23; τῶν κ.. (those that succeeded him), Act.3:24. __2. after­wards: ἐν τῷ κ. (sc. χρόνῳ), Luk.8:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: after(-ward), by (in) order See also: Acts 3:24; Acts 18:23; Luke 8:1.
σοι su G4771 "you" Pron-2DS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
γραψαι graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-AAN
This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.
Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.
κρατιστε kratistos G2903 "excellent" Adj-VSM-S
In the Bible, this word means excellent or noble, used to show great respect, as in Luke 1:3 and Acts 23:26. It describes someone of high dignity and honor. The word is used as a title of respect.
Definition: κράτιστος, -η, -ον superl, of κρατύς (Hom.), __1. strongest, mightiest (Hom.). __2. noblest, best (cf. κρείσσων), most excellent (find., Soph., al.): voc., κρατίστε, as title of honour and respect (DCG, ii, 727a), Luk.1:3, Act.23:26 24:3 26:25.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: most excellent (noble) See also: Acts 23:26; Acts 26:25; Luke 1:3.
θεοφιλε Theophilos G2321 "Theophilus" Noun-VSM
Theophilus means friend of God, a name given to a Christian in Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1.
Definition: Θεόφιλος, -ου (θεός, φίλος), Theophilus: Luk.1:3, Act.1:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: Theophilus See also: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3.

Study Notes — Luke 1:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 1:1 In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach,
2 Acts 26:25 But Paul answered, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
3 Acts 11:4 But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:
4 Acts 23:26 Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
5 Ecclesiastes 12:9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.
6 Acts 24:3 In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.
7 Acts 15:19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
8 1 Corinthians 7:40 In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
9 1 Corinthians 16:12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
10 Psalms 50:21 You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But now I rebuke you and accuse you to your face.

Luke 1:3 Summary

This verse means that the author of the Gospel of Luke did his research and wrote down the story of Jesus in an organized way, so that his friend Theophilus could be sure of what he believed, as seen in Luke 1:4. The author wants to provide a clear and trustworthy account of Jesus' life and teachings, just like a historian would, as mentioned in Luke 1:2. This is important because it helps us understand the value of carefully studying and sharing the Gospel, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15. By doing so, we can have confidence in the truth of the Gospel, just like Theophilus, and share it with others in a clear and compelling way, as seen in Acts 1:1-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'carefully investigate everything from the beginning'?

This phrase suggests that the author of the Gospel of Luke thoroughly researched the events and stories that would be included in his account, much like a journalist or historian would, as seen in Luke 1:2 where it mentions the eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

Who is Theophilus and why is the Gospel of Luke written to him?

Theophilus is likely a Roman official or a wealthy patron who supported the spread of the Gospel, and the Gospel of Luke is written to him so that he may know the certainty of the things he has been taught, as mentioned in Luke 1:4.

What is an 'orderly account' and how does it relate to the Gospel of Luke?

An orderly account refers to a well-organized and structured narrative, which is what the author of the Gospel of Luke aims to provide, as opposed to the many other accounts that may have been circulating at the time, as mentioned in Luke 1:1.

How does this verse relate to the overall purpose of the Gospel of Luke?

This verse introduces the purpose of the Gospel of Luke, which is to provide a clear and accurate account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, so that readers like Theophilus may have confidence in the truth of the Gospel, as supported by Acts 1:1-3 where Luke writes a sequel to his Gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'investigate everything from the beginning' in my own spiritual journey, and how can I apply this principle to my study of Scripture?
  2. How can I, like the author of the Gospel of Luke, provide an 'orderly account' of the Gospel to those around me, and what would that look like in my daily life?
  3. What are some ways that I can support the spread of the Gospel, like Theophilus, and how can I use my resources to further the kingdom of God?
  4. In what ways can I, like the author of the Gospel of Luke, be diligent in my pursuit of truth and accuracy, and how can I apply this diligence to my own walk with God?

Gill's Exposition on Luke 1:3

It seemed good to me also,.... Being moved to it by the Holy Ghost; for he did not undertake this work of himself, merely by the motion of his own will, but was influenced, and directed to it by the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Luke 1:3

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, It seemed good to me also, having had perfect

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Luke 1:3

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on Luke 1:3

3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, Ver. 3. Having had perfect understanding] Or, following them close at heels, and (as we say) hot-foot, παρηκολουθηκοτι. From the very first] Or, from above, ανωθεν, as inspired from heaven. To write unto thee in order] καθεξης, distinctly, and yet coherently. A singular praise in a historian, for the which Ambrose much admireth this our evangelist above all the other.

Ellicott's Commentary on Luke 1:3

(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 (Acts 24:3), 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Luke 1:3

Verse 3. Having had perfect understanding] παρηκολουθηκοτιανωθεν, Having accurately traced up-entered into the very spirit of the work, and examined every thing to the bottom; in consequence of which investigation, I am completely convinced of the truth of the whole. Though God gives his Holy Spirit to all them who ask him, yet this gift was never designed to set aside the use of those faculties with which he has already endued the soul, and which are as truly his gifts as the Holy Spirit itself is. The nature of inspiration, in the case of St. Luke, we at once discover: he set himself, by impartial inquiry and diligent investigation, to find the whole truth, and to relate nothing but the truth; and the Spirit of God presided over and directed his inquiries, so that he discovered the whole truth, and was preserved from every particle of error. From the very first] ανωθεν, from their origin. Some think ανωθεν should, in this place, be translated from above; and that it refers to the inspiration by which St. Luke wrote. I prefer our translation, or, from the origin, which several good critics contend for, and which meaning it has in some of the best Greek writers. See Kypke. Theophilus] As the literal import of this word is friend of God, Θεουφιλος, some have supposed that under this name Luke comprised all the followers of Christ, to whom, as friends of God, he dedicated this faithful history of the life, doctrine, death, and resurrection of our Lord. But this interpretation appears to have little solidity in it; for, if all the followers of Christ are addressed, why is the singular number used? and what good end could there be accomplished by using a feigned name? Besides, κρατιστε, most excellent, could never be applied in this way, for it evidently designates a particular person, and one probably distinguished by his situation in life; though this does not necessarily follow from the title, which was often given in the way of friendship. Theophilus appears to have been some very reputable Greek or Roman, who was one of St. Luke's disciples. The first four verses seem a private epistle, sent by the evangelist with this history, which, having been carefully preserved by Theophilus, was afterwards found and published with this Gospel.

Cambridge Bible on Luke 1:3

3. having had perfect understanding] Rather, having accurately traced out or followed up. See the same word in 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:10. St Luke modestly puts himself exactly on the same footing as these narrators in not having the primary apostolic qualification, but claims continuous and complete knowledge and careful research.from the very first] St Luke’s Gospel differed from these narratives in beginning from the birth of John the Baptist, and the Annunciation, whereas they began at the manhood and Public Ministry of Christ, as do St Mark and St John. See Acts 1:22; Luke 16:16, “the Law and the Prophets were until John: since that time the Kingdom of God is preached.”in order] A favourite word of St Luke only, Luke 8:1; Acts 11:4; Acts 3:24; Acts 18:23. St Luke’s order is mainly objective, i. e. chronological; St Matthew’s, on the other hand, is much guided by subjective considerations, i. e. by moral sequence and unity of topics.most excellent] This is the title of official personages of high position, e. g. Felix, Acts 23:26, and Festus, Acts 26:25. Whether it is here used in this technical, or in a more general sense, like the Latin ‘optime,’ it is impossible to say.Theophilus] A very common name. It means ‘Dear to God,’ but it is unlikely that it is here an ideal name. Absolutely nothing is known of him. Some from the title “most excellent” have conjectured that Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:7-12) is meant, to whom they think that the Acts might have naturally been dedicated. But the name seems to shew that a Greek is intended, and St Luke is writing mainly for Greeks (see Introduction, p. 16). A Theophilus, who held some high distinction at Antioch, is mentioned in the Clementine Recognitions; and as St Luke was, not improbably, a proselyte of Antioch, this may be the person for whom he wrote. Others make him a Bishop of Caesarea Philippi.

Barnes' Notes on Luke 1:3

It seemed good - I thought it best; or, I have also determined. It seemed “to be called for” that there should be a full, authentic, and accurate account of these matters.

Whedon's Commentary on Luke 1:3

3. It seemed good to me also—This seeming good to himself does not exclude a concurrence with the influence of inspiration, nor a use of the aid of Paul.

Sermons on Luke 1:3

SermonDescription
Ed Miller (Luke) 04 - Unbelief-Faith of Mary by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Luke, specifically chapter 1, verses 3 and 4. The purpose of Luke's writing is to provide assurance and certainty to the readers
Charles Alexander The Incarnation Part 8 - "Luke's Genealogy of Messiah" by Charles Alexander Charles Alexander delves into Luke's detailed account of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing Luke's unique perspective as a historian with perfect understanding of the events. L
Robert Barclay A Short Examination of Some of the Scripture-Proofs, Alledged by the Divines at Westminster by Robert Barclay Robert Barclay addresses the assertions made by others regarding God's will being wholly committed to writing and the ceasing of former ways of revelation. He refutes these claims
Derek Prince Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 2 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and deep radical changes in the church and its leadership. They suggest that the current emphasis in the church is pr
Vance Havner Discernment - Part 2 by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old mill to illustrate the importance of removing obstacles in order for the work of the Lord to flow smoothly.
Jim Cymbala Fri. Evening Service (2002 C&ma Council) by Jim Cymbala The video showcases the work of South Hills Church Community in Las Vegas, a city known for its excesses and struggles. It highlights the impact of these struggles on children grow
Don McClure Believe His Word Powerfully by Don McClure In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing and delivering a sermon with passion and conviction. He urges preachers to not just go through the motions of ser

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