Luke 1:1

KJV

¶ Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

KJV (with Strong's)

Forasmuch {G1895} as many {G4183} have taken in hand {G2021} to set forth in order {G392} a declaration {G1335} of {G4012} those things {G4229} which are most surely believed {G4135} among {G1722} us {G2254},

Complete Jewish Bible

Dear Theophilos: Concerning the matters that have taken place among us, many people have undertaken to draw up accounts

Berean Standard Bible

Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,

American Standard Version

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:1 serves as the formal Hellenistic prologue to the Gospel of Luke, immediately establishing the author's meticulous methodology and the profound certainty of the Christian faith's historical foundations. It introduces Luke's purpose to compile an accurate, orderly, and comprehensive account of the events surrounding the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which were widely accepted and firmly believed within the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:1 initiates the Gospel of Luke with a sophisticated literary prologue, a common feature in Greco-Roman historical and literary works of the era. This verse, along with the subsequent verses (Luke 1:2-4), functions as a formal dedication and statement of purpose, setting the tone for a carefully researched and historically grounded narrative. It immediately distinguishes Luke's Gospel from others by explicitly stating his investigative process and the reliability of his sources. This prologue serves as a literary bridge, connecting the author's scholarly intent with the unfolding divine history of salvation, which will be detailed throughout the Gospel and its sequel, the Book of Acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st century AD, various accounts and oral traditions concerning Jesus' life and teachings were circulating among early Christian communities. Luke, traditionally identified as a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, was not an eyewitness to the events he describes. His approach reflects the intellectual rigor valued in the Greco-Roman world, where historians often conducted extensive research, interviewed eyewitnesses, and consulted existing records to compile their works. Luke's explicit mention of "many" who had "taken in hand" to write their own accounts suggests a landscape of emerging Christian literature, some perhaps less systematic or thoroughly vetted. Luke's aim was to provide a definitive, well-substantiated record for his patron, Theophilus, and a broader Gentile audience, ensuring they had a reliable basis for their faith.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that permeate both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. First, **Historical Reliability** is paramount, as Luke emphasizes that the events are "most surely believed," implying they are not myths but verifiable historical occurrences. This commitment to factual accuracy underscores the tangible nature of God's work in human history, a theme seen throughout the narrative, from the birth narratives to the resurrection accounts. Second, **Orderly Presentation** highlights Luke's methodical and systematic approach, aiming to present events "in order" (as further clarified in [Luke 1:3](/luke/1-3 "Luke 1:3 - Luke's Diligent Investigation")), which contributes to the narrative's coherence and persuasive power. Third, the theme of **Eyewitness Foundation** is crucial; though Luke was not an eyewitness, his work is explicitly grounded in the testimonies of those "who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word," reinforcing the authenticity and authority of the Gospel message, a concept also echoed in [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Acts 1:21-22 - Qualifications for an Apostle"). Finally, "those things which are most surely believed among us" points to a **Shared Conviction** within the early Christian community, emphasizing the collective understanding and acceptance of the foundational truths of the Gospel, demonstrating that the faith was not a private invention but a communal reality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **declaration (Greek, _diḗgesis'_):** From `διηγέομαι` (diēgeomai), meaning "to narrate fully, recount." Luke's use of this term signifies a comprehensive and detailed account, not a mere summary or casual telling. It implies a thorough exposition of the events, underscoring his intent to provide a complete and accurate narrative.
* **taken in hand (Greek, _epicheiréō'_):** From `ἐπί` (epi, "upon") and `χείρ` (cheir, "hand"), literally "to put the hand upon," meaning "to undertake" or "to attempt." This word suggests a deliberate and purposeful effort by others to compile accounts. Luke acknowledges these prior attempts, implicitly setting his own work apart as one that aims for greater accuracy or completeness.
* **most surely believed (Greek, _plērophoréō'_):** From `πλήρης` (plērēs, "full") and `φορέω` (phoreō, "to carry"), meaning "to carry out fully (in evidence)," "to completely assure," or "to fully accomplish/confirm." This is a powerful term, indicating not just a general belief but a deep conviction based on full assurance and undeniable evidence. The events Luke is about to narrate were not merely matters of opinion or faith, but historical realities that had been fulfilled and attested to with certainty among believers, providing a firm foundation for their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forasmuch as many have taken in hand":** This opening clause acknowledges the existence of previous attempts to document the life of Jesus. Luke, as a meticulous historian, recognizes these efforts but implicitly suggests a need for a more comprehensive or accurate account. The phrase highlights a prevailing interest in chronicling these significant events within the early Christian movement.
* **"to set forth in order a declaration":** This phrase reveals Luke's methodological commitment. "To set forth in order" (Greek: _anatássomai_) implies a systematic, logical, and possibly chronological arrangement of events. "A declaration" (Greek: _diḗgesis_) signifies a full, detailed narrative or exposition. Together, these terms underscore Luke's intent to provide a well-organized and thorough account, distinguishing his work by its structured and comprehensive nature.
* **"of those things which are most surely believed among us":** This concluding clause defines the subject matter and its communal acceptance. "Those things" refers to the core events of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. "Most surely believed" (Greek: _plērophoréō_) conveys a profound sense of certainty and full conviction, implying that these events were not mere rumors but established truths, fully accomplished and widely attested. "Among us" emphasizes the communal nature of this conviction, indicating that these beliefs were shared and affirmed within the early Christian community, providing a solid foundation for their collective faith.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:1 functions as a sophisticated **Prologue**, a common literary device in Hellenistic historiography. This formal opening serves to introduce the author, state the work's purpose, and establish its credibility, signaling to the reader that what follows is a serious and researched historical account rather than myth or legend. The verse also employs **Verisimilitude**, a literary technique that emphasizes the appearance of truth or reality. By highlighting the "many" who have attempted to document these events and the "most surely believed" nature of the facts, Luke immediately establishes the historical grounding and factual basis of his narrative, aiming to convince the reader of its authenticity. Furthermore, the phrase "among us" utilizes **Communal Language**, drawing the reader into the shared experience and established conviction of the early Christian community, thereby fostering a sense of solidarity and reinforcing the collective affirmation of the Gospel's truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:1 lays a crucial theological foundation: the Christian faith is not based on abstract philosophy or subjective experience alone, but on concrete, verifiable historical events. God's redemptive plan unfolded within human history, attested by eyewitnesses and documented with meticulous care. This commitment to historical reliability underscores the trustworthiness of God's revelation and the objective reality of Christ's saving work. The "things most surely believed" are not mere doctrines but a narrative of divine intervention, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This historical grounding provides an anchor for faith, assuring believers that their hope is rooted in actual events, not fables.

* [Acts 1:1-3](/acts/1-1-3 "Acts 1:1-3 - Luke's Account of Jesus' Ministry")
* [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Eyewitnesses of Majesty")
* [1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - That Which We Have Heard and Seen")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:1 invites us to consider the profound historical grounding of our faith. In an age often skeptical of truth claims, Luke's meticulous approach reminds us that Christianity is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a reasoned trust in events that were "most surely believed" by those who lived through them. This verse encourages us to value the diligent efforts of those who preserved and transmitted the Gospel message, from the original eyewitnesses to the biblical authors and countless scholars throughout history. For us today, it underscores the importance of engaging with the historical evidence for Christianity, understanding that our faith is built upon a solid foundation of truth, not myth. It calls us to a faith that is both deeply personal and historically informed, capable of standing up to scrutiny. Just as Luke sought to provide certainty for Theophilus, so too can we find assurance in the reliable testimony of Scripture, allowing it to shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Luke's emphasis on historical reliability strengthen your personal faith in Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways does the communal aspect ("among us") of early Christian belief challenge or affirm your understanding of faith today?**
* **What does Luke's commitment to an "orderly declaration" teach us about the value of careful study and clear communication of the Gospel?**
* **How can we, like Luke, seek to understand and articulate the "things most surely believed" in a way that is both academically sound and spiritually nourishing for others?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke begin his Gospel with such a formal and detailed prologue?**

Answer: Luke's formal prologue in [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke 1:1-4 - Luke's Purpose and Method") is characteristic of Hellenistic historiography, a common literary style in the Greco-Roman world of his time. He uses it to establish his credibility as an author, state his purpose, and assure his audience (especially Theophilus) of the historical accuracy and reliability of the account he is about to present. Unlike other Gospel writers who dive directly into the narrative, Luke's scholarly approach signals that his work is a carefully researched and systematic historical document, intended to provide a firm foundation for faith based on verifiable facts, not mere hearsay or legend. This formal opening sets the tone for the comprehensive and orderly narrative that follows, emphasizing the factual basis of the Christian faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:1, with its emphasis on "those things which are most surely believed among us," points directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the central subject and ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "declaration" Luke undertakes is not merely a historical biography, but a divinely inspired narrative culminating in the arrival of the promised Messiah. The "things most surely believed" are the historical realities of Christ's incarnation, His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, all of which were witnessed and attested, providing irrefutable proof of His identity and mission. Luke's orderly account, stretching from the prophecies of the Old Testament to their fulfillment in Jesus, demonstrates how God's ancient promises find their "yes" and "amen" in Him (as seen in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The entire narrative, from the angelic announcements to the post-resurrection appearances (such as those described in [Luke 24:36-49](/luke/24-36-49 "Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus Appearances to His Disciples")), serves to confirm that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of God, through whom salvation is offered to all who believe. Thus, Luke's meticulous historical inquiry ultimately serves to magnify the unique and saving work of Christ, the very heart of the "things most surely believed."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 1:1

¶ The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Acts 1:3

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

2 Peter 1:16

¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

1 Timothy 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

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 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.