1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to draw up a narration concerning the things accomplished among us, [1:2] even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and underlings of the word delivered them to us, [1:3] it seemed good also to me, having followed closely from the first all things carefully, to write to you in orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus, [1:4] so that you may know the certainty concerning the things in which you were orally instructed.
LUK 1:1-4
Dedication to Theophilus
In the world it was spoken into
Luke’s prologue reflects the conventions of Greco-Roman historiography and dedication practices. Authors often prefaced their works with formal dedications to patrons or influential figures, acknowledging their support or seeking their endorsement. Theophilus, addressed as 'most excellent,' likely held a high social or political status, possibly a Roman official or wealthy benefactor. The term 'most excellent' was a title used for Roman equestrians or governors. Luke’s claim to have 'carefully investigated everything from the beginning' aligns with the historiographical emphasis on eyewitness testimony and orderly narrative, common in works like those of Josephus or Tacitus. The phrase 'things fulfilled among us' suggests events of divine significance, resonating with Jewish expectations of God’s actions in history. The mention of 'eyewitnesses and servants of the word' underscores the reliability of the account, drawing on both firsthand witnesses and those who transmitted the tradition. This framing positions Luke’s Gospel as a credible, orderly narrative for a cultured, possibly Gentile audience.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
LUK 1:1
- KJV
- Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
- BSB
- Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
- Koinōnos
- Inasmuch as many have undertaken to draw up a narration concerning the things accomplished among us,
LUK 1:2
- KJV
- Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
- BSB
- just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
- Koinōnos
- even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and underlings of the word delivered them to us,
LUK 1:3
- KJV
- It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
- BSB
- Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
- Koinōnos
- it seemed good also to me, having followed closely from the first all things carefully, to write to you in orderly sequence, most excellent Theophilus,
LUK 1:4
- KJV
- That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
- BSB
- so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
- Koinōnos
- so that you may know the certainty concerning the things in which you were orally instructed.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 1:1
- accomplished:The word translated 'accomplished' here carries the sense of something being fully carried out or brought to full measure, not just completed, but completely fulfilled or brought to its intended conclusion.
LUK 1:2
- servants:The term translated 'servants' originally referred to rowers on a ship, implying someone who performs manual labor under direction, an underling, rather than a general household servant.
LUK 1:3
- from the first:The phrase 'from the first' can also carry the meaning of 'from above' or 'from the beginning,' suggesting a divine origin or a comprehensive starting point, not just chronological order.
LUK 1:4
- you were instructed:The word translated 'you were instructed' implies a teaching that was delivered orally, often through repeated sounding or echoing, suggesting a thorough and foundational verbal education.