Daily Bread 2010 - Luke 1
Daily Bread 2010 – Luke 1
Introduction
1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have 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.
As we end our ninth week of reading the New Testament, we enter into the 3rd gospel, the gospel of Luke. The author is widely known as Dr. Luke, who accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys. In this first chapter, we see Luke’s purpose was to write an “orderly” account for Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God”. Perhaps Theophilus was a wealthy patron, or a Roman official, but as Luke says in verse 4 his purpose was that Theophilus might “know the certainty of things he had been taught.”
Since there were lots of gospels out there in Luke’s day, and only some made the New Testament Canon (canon means book of law). Luke wants to share the details of the gospel in a succinct fashion, so Theophilus can have confidence in what he believes. The book of Luke is also the first of a two set companion, “Luke-Acts”, though separated by John in the order of the New Testament. Importantly Luke relies on eyewitness testimony in regard to the things Jesus fulfilled.
Some have said, “Christianity is a crutch for weak people”, as if the gospel were some story made up to make people feel good about themselves and not be afraid of death. But as Luke makes clear what we believe in about Jesus is a historical matter. It was corroborated by eyewitness, people who saw Jesus’ death and saw him after he was raised from the dead.
As a Christian you don’t have to apologize for what you believe in. The Christian message can stand up to the strictest test of logic and historicity. Of course our beliefs still depend on faith, but faith has its reasons. In just about anything one believes in, they have to take some things by faith. The question is what they believe in credible. Luke thinks so and spends the next 24 chapters explaining why to Theophilus. As we journey through Luke’s gospel, may it also strengthen and give us confidence so that we too may know the certainty of things we have been taught.
Prayer: God we thank you for your servant Luke, who has handed down the greatest story ever recorded. He has been a faithful eyewitness to what was handed down to him so others could be sure of what they believed. Strengthen our faith as we read this account of our Lord’s life, death and resurrection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Introduction
1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have 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.
As we end our ninth week of reading the New Testament, we enter into the 3rd gospel, the gospel of Luke. The author is widely known as Dr. Luke, who accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys. In this first chapter, we see Luke’s purpose was to write an “orderly” account for Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God”. Perhaps Theophilus was a wealthy patron, or a Roman official, but as Luke says in verse 4 his purpose was that Theophilus might “know the certainty of things he had been taught.”
Since there were lots of gospels out there in Luke’s day, and only some made the New Testament Canon (canon means book of law). Luke wants to share the details of the gospel in a succinct fashion, so Theophilus can have confidence in what he believes. The book of Luke is also the first of a two set companion, “Luke-Acts”, though separated by John in the order of the New Testament. Importantly Luke relies on eyewitness testimony in regard to the things Jesus fulfilled.
Some have said, “Christianity is a crutch for weak people”, as if the gospel were some story made up to make people feel good about themselves and not be afraid of death. But as Luke makes clear what we believe in about Jesus is a historical matter. It was corroborated by eyewitness, people who saw Jesus’ death and saw him after he was raised from the dead.
As a Christian you don’t have to apologize for what you believe in. The Christian message can stand up to the strictest test of logic and historicity. Of course our beliefs still depend on faith, but faith has its reasons. In just about anything one believes in, they have to take some things by faith. The question is what they believe in credible. Luke thinks so and spends the next 24 chapters explaining why to Theophilus. As we journey through Luke’s gospel, may it also strengthen and give us confidence so that we too may know the certainty of things we have been taught.
Prayer: God we thank you for your servant Luke, who has handed down the greatest story ever recorded. He has been a faithful eyewitness to what was handed down to him so others could be sure of what they believed. Strengthen our faith as we read this account of our Lord’s life, death and resurrection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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