So That You May Know
Today’s passage: Luke 1:1–4
Focus verse: . . . so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:4)
It’s easy to miss the first four verses in the book of Luke. In many Bibles, this passage carries the heading of “Introduction.” Most people skip introductions. I know. I usually do.
Even if we read these first four verses, we typically read them fast. We want to get to the good stuff about John the Baptist that starts in verse five, so we can get to the really good stuff about Jesus that starts in chapter two.
We need to slow down.
Luke starts his book admitting that many others have undertaken the task of writing about the life of Jesus.
We don’t know if they finished their works or what happened to their writings, but we do know Luke wants to write his own account—one thoroughly researched and backed by eyewitnesses to what Jesus said and did.
As a non-Jew, Luke carries with him the detached perspective of a religious outsider. And as a doctor he possesses the training to note details and create an accurate record.
He confirms that he carefully investigated everything to write an orderly account about Jesus.
Why?
For Theophilus.
Who?
The Bible tells us nothing about Theophilus, but Luke addresses both his books to this mysterious person. The reason is significant. Luke wants Theophilus to know—for certain—the things he was taught.
Think about that.
People told Theophilus about Jesus. Perhaps Theophilus believes, but maybe he still isn’t convinced. He might carry a tinge of doubt about this Jesus, the man who changed religion into a relationship. It’s so countercultural that it’s revolutionary.
Regardless, Luke feels it’s worth his time to help Theophilus know Jesus—for sure.
If you’ve ever had doubts—and, if we’re being honest, we all have at one time or another—wouldn’t it be amazing to know for sure?
Who wouldn’t want to chase away lingering worries about our faith and replace them with confident conviction? That’s Luke’s goal. And that’s precisely why we should read the book of Luke.
This is a grand undertaking that Luke made. Not only did he spend time writing a book, but even more so, he did the required research.
Luke’s biography of Jesus is the longest book in the New Testament, at just under 20,000 words. His sequel, “The Book of Acts,” is the second longest.
Together they’re almost the length of a short novel. That’s a lot of words, a lot of writing, and a lot of research.
Though Luke writes this book with one person in mind, Theophilus, it’s available for us two thousand years later. Like Theophilus, we too can read Luke’s account of Jesus so that we can know for certain the things we’ve been taught.
Questions:
Would we be willing to research and write a book for just one person?
What other things can we do to help others be sure of their faith?
[Discover more about Theophilus in Acts 1:1–2.]
Tips: Check out our tips to use this online Bible study for your church, small group, Sunday school class, or family discussion. It’s also ideal for personal study. Come back each Monday for a new lesson.
Read the next lesson or start at the beginning of this study.
Read more about the book of Luke in Dear Theophilus: A 40-Day Devotional Exploring the Life of Jesus through the Gospel of Luke, now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.