New Testament · Gospel

Luke 1:4

The Careful Account

so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:4 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Luke 1:4, in plain English

His goal is so that Theophilus can be absolutely sure about everything he has been taught.

Why it's here

Luke isn't trying to convince a stranger. He's writing for someone who already believes but needs solid ground under their faith. He wants you to know you can trust this.

Who's speaking

Luke states his reason for writing.

Where it sits in the story

Luke is saying, 'I want you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that what you believe is true.' That's a gift to anyone who has ever wondered if their faith is well-placed.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Luke's stated purpose is that Theophilus may epignos (know with certainty/recognize fully) the asphaleia (reliability/certainty) of the logoi (teachings/words) he has been katechethes (instructed/catechized) in.

Language and setting

The word katechethes gives us the English 'catechize,' suggesting Theophilus had received basic Christian instruction. Luke's Gospel aims to strengthen existing faith with verified historical evidence.

Voice

Luke states his purpose for writing.

Significance

Luke's purpose is pastoral and apologetic: to provide his reader with historical certainty that the Christian faith he has embraced rests on reliable, verified events.

In context

Luke 1:2–6

2just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.

6Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.

Read all of Luke 1 — A physician writes the most detailed account of Jesus' life. Luke notices the people others overlook — the poor, the outcast, the women, the forgotten.

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