Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to compile an orderly account of the things which have been fulfilled among us [by God], exactly as they were handed down to us by those [with personal experience] who from the beginning [of Christ’s ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word [that is, of the teaching concerning salvation through faith in Christ], 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; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught [that is, the history and doctrine of the faith].
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As we begin the study of the gospel of Luke, I hold out two challenges to myself and to all of you, my friends: 1) Let us embrace this gospel (the good news about Jesus Christ) with our whole hearts, and hold it captive until we have gleaned out every last bit of life and love and wisdom and promise from it. 2) Let us pick 3-5 people to share it with, either by sharing these devotionals or by other means. People are hungry for the truth. Assume they are and share it!

We know from records in the Bible that Luke was a physician, and physicians are people of precision, typically. He took those gifts and investigated all of the eyewitness reports in his day in order to prepare this account for his friend, Theophilus. Eyewitness testimony has the highest level of credibility in a court of law. We must rely on eye witness testimony, not heresay. While we don’t totally understand the context of this relationship and why Luke did this monumental task for Theophilus, we do know one thing — it was a great gift, an almost unimaginable gift! Luke was a lover of people and we know this because of the sacrificial way in which he gave of his time, energy, resources, and heart to this project. He was a GREAT GIVER OF GIFTS! There is reference to a “true account”. This implies that at the time there were false teachings about Jesus circling around. This is not surprising, as it has been an age-old tactic of the Father of Lies, the Devil, to mix falsehood into a story of truth. So, Luke is passionate about setting the record straight! And it is this passion that fuels him to accomplish this amazing task.

Today I take away a couple of things to apply: 1) Be someone who gives great gifts. Great gifts require great sacrifice. Be willing to make the sacrifice! 2) Be passionate about the truth being heard accurately. Hate evil, cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). Make your stand on truth and GOD WILL STAND ALONGSIDE YOU.

Lord, thank you for Luke and his passion to set the record straight and combat false teachings. He also was a GREAT GIVER OF GIFTS! May his passion giving great gifts and for accuracy in the truth about Jesus grow in my heart.