Luke 1:1

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us.”

1. Context:The book of Luke is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, written by Luke, who was a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul. Luke’s purpose in writing this Gospel was to provide an orderly and accurate account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand”: Luke begins by acknowledging that many people before him had undertaken the task of writing about the events surrounding Jesus and the early Christian faith. Luke acknowledges the existence of other written accounts, but he is setting out to provide his own account based on careful investigation and eyewitness testimony.

3. “To set forth in order”: Luke’s intention is to present a systematic and orderly account of the events concerning Jesus. His aim is to provide a reliable and well-organized narrative that readers can trust and follow. Luke’s approach distinguishes his Gospel from some of the other earlier writings that may have been less structured or comprehensive.

4. “A declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us”: Luke aims to present a narrative that reflects the beliefs and teachings that were firmly established among the early Christian community. His purpose is not to introduce new ideas but to affirm and strengthen the faith of his readers by providing an accurate and trustworthy account of the events and teachings of Jesus.