Luke 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,

Luke 1:3 nkjv

it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,

Luke 1:3 niv

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,

Luke 1:3 esv

it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

Luke 1:3 nlt

Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus,

Luke 1 verses

Luke 1 3 Meaning

Luke 1:3 declares the author's intentional and meticulous process in compiling his Gospel. It communicates that Luke, having diligently investigated "all things" from their inception, deemed it fitting to present an "orderly account" to Theophilus. This aims to provide Theophilus with the complete and certain truth concerning the Christian teachings he had already received, establishing the historical reliability of the Gospel message.

Luke 1 3 Context

Luke 1:3 is part of the four-verse prologue (Lk 1:1-4) to Luke's Gospel. This prologue sets the stage, declaring Luke's purpose and methodology for writing his historical account of Jesus' life and the early Christian movement. Following the established Greco-Roman literary tradition for historical works, Luke's introduction assures Theophilus and future readers of the work's reliability, order, and basis in firsthand accounts. It contrasts with "many" previous narratives mentioned in Lk 1:1 by emphasizing Luke's direct, comprehensive research to establish an undisputed, certain foundation for Theophilus's faith. Theophilus, possibly a Roman official ("most excellent"), required such an established, ordered narrative to counter various accounts or misunderstandings and to provide solid ground for his belief.

Luke 1 3 Word analysis

• ἔδοξε (edoxe): "It seemed good," "it pleased," "it was decided." This verb signifies Luke's deliberate and considered decision to undertake this writing project, indicating purposefulness and wisdom rather than an impulsive act. It implies thoughtful judgment in the task.
• κἀμοί (kamoi): "and to me." This emphatic "and I" or "even I" links Luke to the group of those ("many") who have undertaken similar narratives (Lk 1:1), while also subtly asserting his unique investigative process and specific objective.
• παρηκολουθηκότι (parēkolouthēkoti): "having followed along with," "having accurately investigated," "having traced out." This participle is highly significant. In a professional context (medical, historical), it can mean "to investigate carefully" or "to have ascertained precisely." It denotes meticulous and diligent research, going to the sources, similar to an investigative journalist or researcher.
• ἄνωθεν (anōthen): "from the beginning," "from above." While its primary meaning here is "from the very first" (referring to the origin of the events of Jesus' life), it can also carry the secondary theological connotation of "from above," i.e., of divine origin or inspiration. Luke carefully researched from the genesis of the events, encompassing all key moments from conception (of John and Jesus) through resurrection.
• πᾶσιν (pasin): "all things," "everything." This indicates the comprehensive scope of Luke's investigation. He did not selectively pick details but sought to gather and understand every relevant aspect of the Gospel events, aiming for completeness.
• ἀκριβῶς (akribōs): "accurately," "carefully," "precisely," "diligently." This adverb stresses the rigorousness and exactitude of Luke's investigation. He wasn't satisfied with superficial knowledge but delved deeply to ensure the facts were correctly apprehended.
• γράψαι (grapsai): "to write." A simple infinitive, yet foundational, affirming the purpose of this meticulously gathered information – to be formally recorded and transmitted in a written form.
• σοι (soi): "to you." Direct address to Theophilus, indicating the specific recipient.
• κράτιστε (kratiste): "most excellent," "most honorable," "most noble." This is a formal title of respect and distinction, typically used for high-ranking Roman officials (cf. Acts 23:26, 24:3, 26:25 where Paul addresses Felix and Festus). It suggests Theophilus was a person of high social or official standing, lending weight to Luke's presentation.
• Θεόφιλε (Theophile): "Theophilus." This personal name means "lover of God" or "beloved by God." While a specific individual, the name's meaning suggests a broader application: Luke's Gospel is intended for all who love God or are loved by Him, providing certainty in faith.
• καθεξῆς (kathexēs): "in order," "successively," "chronologically." This indicates Luke's intention to present events in a logical and sequential manner. While not strictly chronological in every detail by modern historical standards, it aims for a coherent and systematic narrative, moving from one event to the next in a discernible progression, for easier understanding and conviction.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• ἔδοξε κἀμοί (edoxe kamoi): "It seemed good to me too." This phrase sets Luke's authoritative stance. He's not merely relaying tales; he's undertaking a serious, self-appointed task based on careful judgment, mirroring a scholar or historian of his time.
• παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς (parēkolouthēkoti anōthen pasin akribōs): "having traced all things accurately from the beginning." This is the core declaration of Luke's rigorous methodology. It underlines his extensive, detailed, and precise research from the earliest occurrences, distinguishing his work by its commitment to historical reliability. It emphasizes he wasn't merely passing on stories but actively and thoroughly investigating.
• γράψαι σοι καθεξῆς (grapsai soi kathexēs): "to write to you in orderly sequence." This highlights the practical purpose and structural intent of his work. It’s a communication directly to Theophilus, arranged systematically for clarity and easy comprehension, leading to conviction.
• κράτιστε Θεόφιλε (kratiste Theophile): "most excellent Theophilus." This respectful address reinforces the importance of the recipient and, by extension, the serious nature of the content provided. It places the Gospel within the realm of credible, formal communication for a discerning audience.

Luke 1 3 Bonus section

Luke, being a Gentile physician (Col 4:14), brought a unique perspective and perhaps a trained analytical mind to his historical research. His extensive vocabulary and precise use of Greek terminology, particularly evident in the prologue, attest to his educational background and ability to compose a work adhering to the literary and historical standards of the Hellenistic world. His methods here are akin to ancient historians like Thucydides, who also emphasized meticulous research and orderly presentation. This commitment elevates his Gospel beyond simple evangelism; it serves as a robust historical defense of the Christian faith, making it particularly valuable for intellectual inquiry and apologetics, ensuring the message's enduring credibility for future generations who question its factual basis.

Luke 1 3 Commentary

Luke 1:3 provides a profound insight into the meticulous nature of Gospel writing. It affirms that the New Testament is not a collection of fables, but a thoroughly researched historical account, grounded in the realities of Jesus' life. Luke, often considered the most historically minded of the evangelists, explicitly states his commitment to historical inquiry, leveraging eye-witness accounts and diligent investigation ("having traced all things accurately from the beginning"). This commitment ensured Theophilus, and by extension all believers, could have full "certainty" about the truths upon which their faith was founded. The "orderly account" emphasizes comprehensiveness and coherence, allowing readers to build a robust understanding of Christ's mission. Thus, the verse reassures us of the objective reality and trustworthiness of the Gospel narrative, demonstrating its solid historical foundation for intellectual and spiritual conviction. For practical usage, this verse can encourage believers to investigate the historical basis of their faith, reinforcing that faith in Christ is not a blind leap but built upon reliable evidence and careful transmission of truth.