Luke 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,

Luke 1:1 nkjv

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us,

Luke 1:1 niv

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,

Luke 1:1 esv

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,

Luke 1:1 nlt

Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us.

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 1 Meaning

Luke 1:1 serves as the opening statement or prologue to the Gospel of Luke. It indicates that prior attempts had been made by many individuals to document the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian events. Luke, as the author, acknowledges these efforts, setting the stage for his own carefully researched, eyewitness-based, and orderly account of the foundational Christian narrative, which he describes as "the things that have been accomplished among us," emphasizing their certainty and fulfillment.

Luke 1 1 Context

Luke 1:1 introduces the longest Gospel in the New Testament and, when paired with Acts, forms a comprehensive two-volume work chronicling the advent of Jesus Christ and the early history of the Christian Church. This verse precedes a highly structured prologue (vv. 1-4) where Luke clearly states his purpose, methodology, and target audience (Theophilus). Historically, the 1st century AD saw a variety of historical writings, some well-researched, others less so, in the Greco-Roman world. Luke’s use of terms like "undertaken" and "narrative" indicates an awareness of other contemporary attempts to document these events. The mention of "the things that have been accomplished among us" signals not only that these events happened within the nascent Christian community, but also that they represent God’s complete and certain fulfillment of prophecies and redemptive plans, directly opposing any skepticism or notion that Christianity was merely a new philosophy or unverified myth. The historical accuracy and certainty Luke promises were crucial for his audience, likely Hellenistic Christians and inquiring Gentiles, including patron Theophilus, living in a world valuing historical record and reliable testimony.

Luke 1 1 Word analysis

• Inasmuch as / Ἐπειδήπερ (epeidēper): This strong conjunction indicates a foundational reason or premise. It means "since indeed," "inasmuch as," or "seeing that." Luke is acknowledging an existing state of affairs – the presence of other accounts – as the premise for his own work. It implies a recognition of precedent or need.
• many / πολλοὶ (polloi): This refers to an indefinite, considerable number. It indicates that the compiling of narratives about Jesus was not unique to Luke but was a widespread endeavor within the early Christian movement or interested parties. This implies a significant public interest in the "things accomplished."
• have undertaken / ἐπεχείρησαν (epecheirēsan): The verb means "to put one's hand to," "to attempt," or "to endeavor." The aorist tense denotes a past completed action. It suggests an active effort and initiative on the part of these "many." While it doesn't imply failure, it hints that these efforts, for various reasons (lack of thoroughness, order, or complete certainty), did not fully achieve the authoritative purpose Luke sets out to accomplish.
• to compile / ἀνατάξασθαι (anataxasthai): This verb means "to arrange in order," "to draw up," or "to compile." It highlights the deliberate, structured nature of the task. It wasn't simply recounting but organizing information. Luke implies his own work will also be orderly but with greater precision.
• a narrative / διήγησιν (diēgēsin): Refers to a detailed account, a story, a report, or a full exposition. This is not just a collection of anecdotes but a continuous, coherent story designed to explain events. It suggests an intention to communicate a full picture of what happened.
• of the things / τῶν πραγμάτων (tōn pragmatōn): The word pragmatōn means "matters," "affairs," "deeds," or "facts." It emphasizes the concrete, historical reality of the events concerning Jesus and the early Church, distinguishing them from mere ideas or myths.
• that have been accomplished / πεπληροφορημένων (peplērophorēmenōn): This is a perfect passive participle, carrying rich meaning. It signifies actions that are "fully carried out," "fully believed," "fully certified," or "fulfilled." It emphasizes the completeness, certainty, and divine accomplishment of these events, not just that they occurred, but that they happened decisively as God intended. This word strongly underpins Luke's claim of authenticity and divine purpose for his account.
• among us / ἐν ἡμῖν (en hēmin): This collective pronoun "us" refers to the Christian community, specifically those who were eyewitnesses and early participants in the events described. It asserts an insider perspective and a shared experience, adding to the authority and reliability of the upcoming narrative. It underscores the community's collective experience and shared knowledge of the fulfilled events.

Words-group analysis

• Inasmuch as many have undertaken: Luke recognizes and respects previous efforts, positioning his work within a broader context of similar endeavors, yet signaling his intent to provide something distinct in quality. It shows humility combined with confidence.
• to compile a narrative: This phrase indicates the objective of previous authors and implicitly, of Luke himself: to produce an ordered, coherent account of events, rather than a disorganized collection of sayings or incidents. The aim was to create a comprehensive story.
• of the things that have been accomplished among us: This core phrase points to the substance of these narratives. The events are not mere philosophical concepts but actual, tangible occurrences within the Christian community, bearing the weight of divine fulfillment and certainty. "Among us" signifies that the recipients of this divine work were and continue to be the believing community.

Luke 1 1 Bonus section

The opening verses of Luke’s Gospel (1:1-4) distinguish it uniquely from the other Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Mark), which begin with either a genealogy or the ministry of John the Baptist. Luke's meticulous, academic-style prologue is reminiscent of classical Greek historical writing, reflecting his identity as a physician and perhaps indicating his higher educational background. This detailed introduction underscores his commitment to historical accuracy and orderly presentation for his recipient, Theophilus. The phrase "the things that have been accomplished among us" may also carry a sense of "things fully believed among us," pointing to the settled faith and certainty of the Christian community regarding the foundational truths of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Luke intends to reinforce this settled conviction.

Luke 1 1 Commentary

Luke 1:1 is foundational for understanding the purpose and nature of Luke's Gospel. It immediately positions Luke's work not as the very first historical endeavor to document the Christian story, but as a subsequent, superior, and divinely certified account. The term "peplērophorēmenōn" (accomplished/fulfilled/certified) is crucial, indicating that these are not uncertain events but divinely certain realities. Luke's acknowledgement of "many" previous writers does not denigrate their efforts but highlights the universal desire to understand and record these pivotal events. Luke steps forward, confident in his rigorous investigation (as explained in verse 3), to provide an "orderly account" (verse 3) that delivers "certainty" (verse 4). This verse sets the stage for a carefully constructed historical narrative that emphasizes the actual deeds of God in Christ and in the early Church, attested by witnesses, and leading to full assurance for the reader.