Most commentary on Luke 1 centers on the nativity narrative. The chapter sets the context for the birth of Christ. But as I read Luke 1 today, what struck me was the prologue. The opening 4 verses tell us Luke's intention for his Gospel. And in those intentions, Luke is pretty clear:
1. Luke wants to create a narrative (verse 1). He wants to tell the story of Jesus. Luke does this knowing full well that other narratives have been written. But he feels there is more to say on the subject.
2. Luke wants to preserve an eyewitness account of the life of Jesus (verse 2). Some scholars criticize the Gospels saying that they represent second-hand history. But Luke is clear that he has spoken to eyewitnesses. He is preserving testimony of the apostolic generation about who Jesus is.
3. Luke wants to write an orderly account. In other words, he arranges the facts as he knows them in a meaningful fashion. Some might say that Luke admits to having an agenda here. They might say that he has a theological ax to grind. But this third purpose has to be read in light of the first two. There is interpretation, but it is based on credible story and fact.
These three purposes give us great confidence in Luke's Gospel. Some today say that the Gospels are not reliable records. But the opening verses of Luke convince me that Luke was a conscientious and competent historian. And with Theophilus, I have great confidence in the story of Jesus.
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