Luke 1:3

KJV

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

KJV (with Strong's)

It seemed {G1380} good to me also {G2504}, having had perfect {G199} understanding {G3877} of all things {G3956} from the very first {G509}, to write {G1125} unto thee {G4671} in order {G2517}, most excellent {G2903} Theophilus {G2321},

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, Your Excellency, since I have carefully investigated all these things from the beginning, it seemed good to me that I too should write you an accurate and ordered narrative,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

American Standard Version

it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:3 serves as a crucial component of the Gospel's prologue, where the author, Luke, articulates his meticulous methodology and purpose in writing. He asserts that, having thoroughly investigated "all things from the very first," he felt compelled to compile an orderly and accurate account for "most excellent Theophilus." This verse establishes the historical reliability and systematic nature of Luke's Gospel, setting the stage for a comprehensive narrative of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, grounded in careful research and presented with clarity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:3 is the capstone of Luke's concise yet profound prologue, spanning [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke's Prologue: Purpose and Method"). Verses 1-2 acknowledge the existence of other narratives concerning the "things which are most surely believed among us" and emphasize that these accounts were delivered by "eyewitnesses and ministers of the word." Following this, verse 3 transitions from the general acknowledgment of existing traditions to Luke's personal commitment and specific methodology. Verse 4 then states the ultimate purpose: "that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed." This prologue, unique among the Synoptic Gospels for its formal, classical Greek style, positions Luke's work as a meticulously researched historical document, distinct from mere anecdotal collections.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first century CE was a period of burgeoning literary activity, with various accounts and narratives circulating, including those pertaining to Jesus. Luke, traditionally identified as a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul (as evidenced in passages like [Colossians 4:14](/colossians/4-14 "Colossians 4:14 - Luke, the Beloved Physician")), writes within a Hellenistic cultural framework. His dedication to "most excellent Theophilus" suggests that Theophilus was a person of high social standing, possibly a Roman official or a wealthy patron, for whom the formal address "most excellent" (κράτιστε) was appropriate. Such individuals often sponsored literary works. Luke's emphasis on order and accuracy would have resonated with the Greco-Roman intellectual tradition, which valued historical investigation and systematic presentation, distinguishing his work from less rigorous popular accounts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive in Luke's Gospel and the broader Luke-Acts narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Historical Reliability and Certainty**. Luke's claim of "perfect understanding of all things from the very first" and his intention "to write unto thee in order" underscore his commitment to presenting a trustworthy and verifiable account of Jesus' life, ministry, and the early church. This commitment is foundational to the entire two-volume work, which continues in [Acts 1:1](/acts/1-1 "Acts 1:1 - Theophilus Addressed Again"). Another significant theme is **Divine Purpose and Order**. While Luke emphasizes human diligence, the underlying conviction is that God's plan unfolds in an orderly and purposeful manner, from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the events of Jesus' life and the spread of the Gospel. Luke's careful arrangement reflects this divine order, ensuring that readers like Theophilus can grasp the coherence of God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seemed good (Greek, _dokéō'_):** From G1380, meaning "to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly); to be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow." Here, it conveys Luke's personal conviction and decision, indicating that after his thorough investigation, it was his considered judgment and resolve to undertake this writing project. It's not a casual thought but a deliberate choice.
* **perfect understanding (Greek, _parakolouthéō'_):** From G3877, meaning "to follow near, i.e. (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to; to attain, follow, fully know, have understanding." This word is crucial, signifying Luke's diligent and comprehensive research. It implies not just casual knowledge but a thorough, systematic investigation, tracing events from their origin, possibly through interviewing eyewitnesses and consulting existing records, to gain a complete and accurate grasp of the facts.
* **in order (Greek, _kathexēs'_):** From G2517, meaning "thereafter, i.e. consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or time; after(-ward), by (in) order." This term highlights Luke's methodical and systematic approach to presenting the narrative. It suggests a logical, coherent, and possibly chronological arrangement of events, designed to provide clarity and facilitate the reader's comprehension of the unfolding story of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It seemed good to me also":** This clause reveals Luke's personal initiative and conviction in undertaking this monumental task. The "also" (G2504, _kagṓ'_) implies that Luke is adding his own carefully researched account to the existing narratives mentioned in [Luke 1:1](/luke/1-1 "Luke 1:1 - Many have undertaken to compile a narrative"). It underscores his deliberate decision and sense of divine prompting or scholarly responsibility.
* **"having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first":** This is the core of Luke's claim to authority and reliability. The phrase "perfect understanding" (G3877, _parakolouthéō'_) denotes a thorough, comprehensive investigation, tracing events from their earliest origins (G509, _ánōthen'_). Luke is asserting that his knowledge is not superficial but deep, accurate, and based on diligent research, encompassing "all things" (G3956, _pâs'_).
* **"to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,":** This segment states Luke's specific purpose and recipient. He intends "to write" (G1125, _gráphō'_) a formal account, presented "in order" (G2517, _kathexēs'_), meaning systematically and coherently. The recipient, "most excellent Theophilus" (G2903, _krátistos'_ G2321, _Theóphilos'_), is addressed with a title of high respect, indicating his social standing. This dedication suggests a primary audience, but the meticulous nature of the work implies a broader intention to provide a reliable historical foundation for all believers.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:3 employs several literary devices to establish the credibility and purpose of his Gospel. The most prominent is **Prologos**, a formal literary introduction, which sets the tone and outlines the author's intent and methodology. This classical Greek literary form immediately signals to the reader that what follows is a serious, well-researched historical account rather than a casual narrative. Luke also utilizes **Ethos**, establishing his own credibility as an author through his explicit claim of "perfect understanding of all things from the very first." This direct assertion of thorough research and comprehensive knowledge builds trust with the reader. Furthermore, the phrase "to write unto thee in order" demonstrates **Logos**, appealing to reason and logic by promising a systematic and coherent presentation of facts, which was highly valued in Hellenistic scholarship. The formal address "most excellent Theophilus" is an example of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing a specific individual, which personalizes the dedication while simultaneously elevating the perceived importance and scholarly rigor of the work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:3 profoundly impacts our understanding of the Christian faith by grounding it in historical reality rather than myth or legend. Luke's meticulous approach underscores the conviction that the events surrounding Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are not mere spiritual ideas but verifiable historical occurrences. This commitment to accuracy provides a firm foundation for the Gospel's claims, assuring believers of the certainty of their faith and offering a robust defense against skepticism. The "orderly" presentation also reflects a theological understanding of God's sovereign plan unfolding purposefully through history, from the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, and continuing through the early church.

* [Acts 1:1](/acts/1-1-3 "Acts 1:1-3 - Luke's Second Volume and Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances")
* [John 20:30](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Not Cunningly Devised Fables")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:3 offers profound assurance and practical guidance for believers today. In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and skepticism, Luke's commitment to "perfect understanding" and "orderly" presentation serves as a powerful reminder of the historical integrity of the Christian faith. It invites us to approach the Scriptures not as mere stories, but as divinely inspired historical accounts, meticulously compiled to reveal God's redemptive plan. For our own spiritual growth, this verse encourages diligence in seeking truth, not just accepting superficial knowledge, but delving deeply into God's Word to gain a firm and certain understanding of our faith. It also challenges us to present the Gospel to others with clarity, order, and a commitment to factual accuracy, mirroring Luke's example in making the certainty of Christ known.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Luke's emphasis on historical accuracy in [Luke 1:3](/luke/1-3 "Luke 1:3 - Luke's Purpose and Method") strengthen your confidence in the reliability of the Gospels and the Christian faith?**
* **In what ways can we emulate Luke's "perfect understanding" and "orderly" approach in our personal study of the Bible or in sharing our faith with others?**
* **Considering Theophilus's potential background, how might Luke's detailed and systematic presentation have been particularly effective for someone seeking a clear and authoritative account of Jesus?**

### FAQ
**Who was "most excellent Theophilus," and why was Luke's Gospel addressed to him?**

Answer: "Most excellent Theophilus" (G2321, _Theóphilos'_) was the primary recipient of Luke's Gospel and also the Book of Acts (as seen in [Acts 1:1](/acts/1-1 "Acts 1:1 - Theophilus Addressed Again")), indicating that these two books form a single, continuous narrative. The name Theophilus means "friend of God" or "loved by God." The title "most excellent" (G2903, _krátistos'_) was a formal address used for high-ranking officials, such as Roman governors (e.g., Felix in [Acts 23:26](/acts/23-26 "Acts 23:26 - Claudius Lysias to Felix") and Festus in [Acts 26:25](/acts/26-25 "Acts 26:25 - Paul's Defense Before Festus")). This suggests Theophilus was likely a person of significant social or political standing, possibly a Roman official or a wealthy patron who may have been a new convert or an inquirer seeking a reliable and comprehensive account of Christian origins. Luke's meticulous and orderly presentation was designed to provide him (and by extension, a wider audience) with a "certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed" ([Luke 1:4](/luke/1-4 "Luke 1:4 - The Purpose of Luke's Writing")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 1:3 does not directly prophesy Christ, it profoundly serves the Christ-centered narrative by establishing the historical and reliable framework through which the person and work of Jesus are presented. Luke's commitment to "perfect understanding of all things from the very first" and his intention "to write unto thee in order" ensure that the account of Jesus is not a myth but a verifiable historical reality. This meticulous approach underscores the truth that the Incarnation, the life of the Son of God, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection are actual events that occurred in space and time, fulfilling the ancient prophecies. Luke's Gospel, thus, systematically unveils Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world, whose ministry extends God's salvation to all people, including Gentiles, as highlighted throughout Luke-Acts (e.g., [Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - A Light to the Gentiles")). The "orderly" presentation allows the reader to trace the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering His followers to continue His mission (as seen in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Luke 1:3 is foundational, providing the trustworthy lens through which we encounter the historical Jesus and His saving work, ensuring that our faith is built upon the solid rock of truth.

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 26:25

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Acts 11:4

But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying,

Acts 24:3

We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

Acts 23:26

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting.

Acts 15:19

Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

1 Corinthians 7:40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.