Luke 1:1–4 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed. Big Idea: Luke wrote so his readers would know the gospel is true. The way we see this methodology from Luke play out comes in three movements over these 4 verses: The tradition Luke received (vv. 1-2) The investigation Luke conducted (v. 3) The purpose Luke had (v. 4) Colossians 4:14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings. Acts 1:1–2 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. Luke 1:1–2 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. Rules for The Telephone Game: The message is whispered. This makes it difficult to hear the original message clearly. The message is said only once. You can't ask for it again. It goes to one person at a time — no one to check it against. The whole room is laughing, because everyone knows it's going to come out garbled. That's the point. Why The Telephone Game Analogy Falls Flat: It wasn't whispered It wasn't said just once. It didn't pass to one person at a time. Nobody was laughing 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 1 John 1:1–4 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me. Luke 1:3 So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus… Who could Luke have interviewed? Mary, the mother of Jesus. James and Jude, traditionally identified as the half-brothers of Jesus. The disciples and apostles who were still alive at the time of his writing. Possibly Paul himself, whose companion Luke was. Timeline of the Gospels being written according to Bart Ehrman Timeline of the Gospels being written based on ending of Acts Luke 1:4 …so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed. Asphaleia - ἀσφάλεια: certainty, security, reliability, firmness. John 20:30–31 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Can I actually be sure? Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the reality (or assurance) of what is hoped for, the proof (or conviction) of what is not seen. Next Step: I will investigate the claims of Scripture about Jesus. Next Step: I will repent and submit my life to Christ.