Daily Bread 2011 - Luke 1
Daily Bread 2011 – Friday March 4th, 2011 Luke 1
Luke 1
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
What Does This Mean?
As we begin Luke’s gospel, the third gospel, we see Luke’s purpose in writing. First of all, he acknowledges that many others had attempted to give an account of “the things that have been fulfilled among us.” This confirms that there were more than 4 gospels in circulation in the 1st century. One of the main components of the authenticity of any gospel is also given in that it relied heavily on “eyewitness accounts”. I.e. the apostles’ testimony about Jesus!
Luke was a doctor and a well educated man. He was present with the apostle Paul on some of his missionary journeys. (Colossians 4:14) Luke’s purpose was to write an orderly account for most excellent Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God” or “loved by God”. There is no conclusive evidence whether this was a benefactor of Dr. Luke who funded this writing, or possibly this was a pseudonym given to him to keep his name secret.
The ultimate purpose though, as mentioned in verse 4, is that this disciple may know the certainty of the things he had been taught.
What Does This Mean For Us?
One of the reasons why I advocate for Daily Bible reading through the Daily Bread, or any other systematic bible reading plan, is that we never arrive in the Christian faith. We are always becoming more certain or confident of what we believe by studying, reflecting and acting on God’s written Word.
After we come to faith in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, the rest of our lives is knowing the certainty of what we have been taught and then teaching others. Every time we pick up the bible individually, or in a group, or listen to the Word preached or taught at church we are increasing the certainty of what we have been taught.
And when we are given the opportunity to share this Good News with others, the more certain we are of what we believe the more effective we will be at leading others to the same certainty about the historical life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Be encouraged if you are reading this today knowing you are becoming more certain of what you believe!
Jesus we know thank you for the faithfulness of the Gospel writers, including today Dr. Luke, who faithfully transmitted the story of your life, death and resurrection so we can study and become more sure of our faith in the Risen Lord. As we study may Your Holy Spirit guide us into all truth. Amen.
Luke 1
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
What Does This Mean?
As we begin Luke’s gospel, the third gospel, we see Luke’s purpose in writing. First of all, he acknowledges that many others had attempted to give an account of “the things that have been fulfilled among us.” This confirms that there were more than 4 gospels in circulation in the 1st century. One of the main components of the authenticity of any gospel is also given in that it relied heavily on “eyewitness accounts”. I.e. the apostles’ testimony about Jesus!
Luke was a doctor and a well educated man. He was present with the apostle Paul on some of his missionary journeys. (Colossians 4:14) Luke’s purpose was to write an orderly account for most excellent Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God” or “loved by God”. There is no conclusive evidence whether this was a benefactor of Dr. Luke who funded this writing, or possibly this was a pseudonym given to him to keep his name secret.
The ultimate purpose though, as mentioned in verse 4, is that this disciple may know the certainty of the things he had been taught.
What Does This Mean For Us?
One of the reasons why I advocate for Daily Bible reading through the Daily Bread, or any other systematic bible reading plan, is that we never arrive in the Christian faith. We are always becoming more certain or confident of what we believe by studying, reflecting and acting on God’s written Word.
After we come to faith in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, the rest of our lives is knowing the certainty of what we have been taught and then teaching others. Every time we pick up the bible individually, or in a group, or listen to the Word preached or taught at church we are increasing the certainty of what we have been taught.
And when we are given the opportunity to share this Good News with others, the more certain we are of what we believe the more effective we will be at leading others to the same certainty about the historical life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Be encouraged if you are reading this today knowing you are becoming more certain of what you believe!
Jesus we know thank you for the faithfulness of the Gospel writers, including today Dr. Luke, who faithfully transmitted the story of your life, death and resurrection so we can study and become more sure of our faith in the Risen Lord. As we study may Your Holy Spirit guide us into all truth. Amen.
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