“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.3 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, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1.1-4
The orderly account from the Gospel of Luke, written by the man of that name, was composed from the beginning. Luke was right there in the thick of things. He most likely wrote this book between 80–90 AD, after thoroughly researching all the accounts, including Mark and portions of the other gospels that were beginning to be written down.
Luke tells us that “many” had already undertaken to “draw up an account” of the events surrounding the life of Jesus. Mark was probably written first, followed by Matthew, then Luke, and finally John. This gospel was crafted from the records of eyewitness accounts (v. 2) and “servants of the word.” Having “investigated everything from the beginning,” Luke decided to “write an orderly account” for Theophilus—most likely a wealthy Roman patron, perhaps a Christian who may have even helped fund the project. (Think PhD-level work that Dr. Luke researched and wrote!)
How Luke’s gospel came to be is less important to me than the fact that it exists. Through the direction of God’s Holy Spirit, Luke knew we needed not just one orderly account of the life of Jesus but several, from multiple perspectives. One account of Jesus’ life would be sufficient, but four is astounding. Receiving four different written records of Jesus’ life and ministry allows the reader to feel confident and fully informed that Jesus is who He said He was.
This orderly account provides evidence of God’s Son, Jesus, and His time on this earth. It was written long before I was born, obviously! (I’m not that old!) I was born into it, raised in it, and when I decided to surrender my life to Christ, I received the message for myself.
Many at Revive Youth Camp this week are hearing and receiving this message for themselves. They are recognizing their need for salvation and discovering, through Luke and the faithfulness of servants of the word (v. 2)—which also includes us—that Jesus is alive and active. I prayed in worship last night as several committed their lives to Christ, surrendering and submitting to God, who loves them with an everlasting love. And it was beautiful.
I am thankful Luke wrote an orderly account so our camp preacher has something to preach from, and so we have something to trust and place our hope in—Jesus, the Lord, Christ, and Messiah.
“O Lord God, You are good. Strengthen me as I walk through another day at camp. Heavens are being opened, and the gates of Hell are being shut. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Allow us to walk in newness of life and to trust You as Savior, Lord, and King. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen