Why Should I Read the Bible? 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.
Right away we see the purpose of the third gospel, the gospel of Luke.  Luke acknowledges that there have been many who have endeavored to write an orderly account of Jesus' life, death and resurrection.  Indeed Luke's gospel is the most comprehensive of the four gospels. He also uses the word "us", signifying that Luke was writting not just on behalf of the early Christian community.  Most conclude that at the center of this group is the apostle Paul.  We know from the book of Acts, that Luke traveled with Paul on some of his missionary journeys.  We also know Luke was a physician, so I am sure he had an eye for details.  
Importantly Luke mentions that those who handed down these reports were eyewitnesses.  This could be orally or written reports. This confirms once again that there were witnesses to Jesus' resurrection, including those he appeared to after he rose from the dead.  This is one of the great proofs of the Christian faith.  Why? Because those who met with Jesus after he rose from the dead went on to die for their witness of Jesus' resurrection.  
Apparently Luke was commissioned by Theophilus to write down an accurate account of Jesus' life.  Theophilus' name means "friend of God".  Theories for who he was include: it was just a name given to him as a benefactor, a Jewish priest, or one theory says he was Paul's lawyer when he was at trial in Rome.  Whatever the case Luke writes so the Theolophilus might know with certainty of the things he was taught.  
One of the reasons we read the bible is to continue to have certainty for what we have been taught.  The more we understand the reliability of the bible and the context in which each book was written, the more we will strengthen our faith. As we understand the historical Jesus, we will be ready to give an answer for the faith we have been given. Let's for the next 24 chapters put ourselves in Theophilus' shoes as we too increase the certainty of our faith.  

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