Luke 1:4 - Dedication to Theophilus

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Context

Dedication to Theophilus
…3Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. 5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a daughter of Aaron.…

Cross References

Acts 1:1-2
In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, / until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.John 20:31
But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.2 Timothy 3:14-15
But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. / From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.1 John 5:13
I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.Hebrews 2:1-3
We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,John 19:35
The one who saw it has testified to this, and his testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.1 Corinthians 15:1-2
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. / By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.Proverbs 22:20-21
Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge, / to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?Isaiah 41:20
so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.Psalm 78:5-7
For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children / that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keeping His commandments.Isaiah 43:10
“You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come.

John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

2 Peter 1:15,16
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance…

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Luke 1

so that you may know
This phrase indicates the purpose of the Gospel of Luke. The author, traditionally identified as Luke the physician and companion of Paul, aims to provide assurance and clarity. The Greek word for "know" (ἐπιγνῷς) suggests a deep, experiential understanding, not just intellectual knowledge. This reflects the biblical emphasis on knowing God personally, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 9:24 and John 17:3.

the certainty
The term "certainty" underscores the reliability and truthfulness of the Gospel message. In a historical context, Luke writes to Theophilus, likely a person of high status, to affirm the truth of the Christian faith amidst a world of competing philosophies and religions. This assurance is crucial for believers facing persecution or doubt, echoing the certainty of God's promises found throughout Scripture, such as in Hebrews 6:19.

of the things
This refers to the events and teachings concerning Jesus Christ. Luke's Gospel is meticulously researched, as indicated in the prologue (Luke 1:1-3), and aligns with the other synoptic Gospels. The "things" include Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, which fulfill Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2, confirming Jesus as the promised Messiah.

you have been taught
The phrase implies that Theophilus, and by extension the readers, have already received instruction in the Christian faith. This reflects the early church's practice of catechesis, or religious instruction, as seen in Acts 2:42. The teachings would have included the core tenets of the faith, such as the Apostles' Creed, and the ethical teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of the Gospel message from the apostles to the present.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Luke
The author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He was a physician and a companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke is known for his detailed and orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

2. Theophilus
The recipient of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. His name means "friend of God" or "loved by God." Theophilus may have been a Roman official or a person of high social standing who had received instruction in the Christian faith.

3. The Gospel of Luke
One of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, it provides a detailed account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' compassion and care for the marginalized.

4. Certainty
The Greek word used here is (asphaleia), which conveys a sense of security, safety, and assurance. Luke aims to provide Theophilus with a firm foundation for his faith.

5. Teaching
The teachings referred to are the Christian doctrines and accounts about Jesus Christ that Theophilus had previously received. Luke's Gospel serves to confirm and solidify these teachings.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Certainty in Faith
As believers, it is crucial to have a firm foundation in the teachings of Christ. This certainty strengthens our faith and equips us to face challenges with confidence.

The Role of Scripture in Building Faith
Just as Luke wrote to assure Theophilus, we should turn to Scripture to reinforce our understanding and belief in the truths of the Gospel.

The Value of Orderly Instruction
Luke's methodical approach to documenting Jesus' life serves as a model for how we should study and teach the Bible, ensuring clarity and accuracy in our understanding.

The Assurance of God's Promises
The certainty provided by Scripture assures us of God's promises and His faithfulness, encouraging us to trust Him in all circumstances.

The Responsibility to Share the Gospel
Like Luke, we are called to share the Gospel with others, providing them with a clear and reliable account of Jesus' life and teachings.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1What are the key teachings and events in Luke?Why do the Synoptic Gospels have similar content?What is mythicism?Why did God inspire four Gospels instead of one clear, consistent account?

(4) Wherein thou hast been instructed.--The verb used is that from which are formed the words "catechise," "catechumen." &c., and implies oral teaching--in its later sense, teaching preparatory to baptism. The passage is important as showing that such instruction mainly turned on the facts of our Lord's life, death, and resurrection, and on the records of His teaching.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you may know
ἐπιγνῷς (epignōs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1921: From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

certainty
ἀσφάλειαν (asphaleian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 803: Safety, security, reliability, firmness. From asphales; security.

of
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

[the] things
λόγων (logōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

you have been taught.
κατηχήθης (katēchēthēs)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2727: To instruct orally, teach, inform. From kata and echos; to sound down into the ears, i.e. to indoctrinate or to apprise of.

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