Luke 1:4

KJV

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} thou mightest know {G1921} the certainty {G803} of {G4012} those things {G3056}, wherein {G3739} thou hast been instructed {G2727}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been taught.

Berean Standard Bible

so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

American Standard Version

that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:4 concludes the Gospel's prologue, articulating Luke's precise purpose in writing to Theophilus: to provide a firm, reliable, and historically verified account of the events concerning Jesus Christ. This verse underscores the author's commitment to meticulous research and orderly presentation, ensuring that Theophilus, and by extension all readers, could possess an unshakeable certainty regarding the foundational truths of their Christian instruction. It establishes the Gospel not merely as a spiritual narrative but as a thoroughly investigated historical document designed to confirm and deepen faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 1:4 serves as the culmination of Luke's carefully constructed prologue, which spans [Luke 1:1-4](/luke/1-1-4 "Luke's Prologue: Purpose and Method"). In the preceding verses, Luke sets forth his credentials and methodology. He states that many have undertaken to compile narratives ([Luke 1:1](/luke/1-1 "Luke 1:1 - Many have undertaken to compile narratives")), but he distinguishes his work by emphasizing his diligent investigation of "everything from the beginning" and his intention to write an "orderly account" ([Luke 1:3](/luke/1-3 "Luke 1:3 - Luke's Meticulous Research")). This verse, then, acts as the explicit statement of the *why* behind the *how*, revealing that the meticulous research and orderly presentation are all aimed at providing Theophilus with certainty. It transitions from the author's process to the desired outcome for the reader.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The recipient, Theophilus, is addressed as "most excellent" ([Luke 1:3](/luke/1-3 "Luke 1:3 - Addressing Theophilus")), a title often used for Roman officials or persons of high social standing. This suggests Luke's Gospel was intended for a sophisticated audience, likely Gentile, who would value historical accuracy and logical presentation. In the Greco-Roman world, historical writing was a respected genre, and Luke employs its conventions to present the Christian message. Furthermore, "instruction" (κατηχέω, *katēchéō*) points to the common practice of oral teaching in the early church, where new converts or inquirers would receive initial doctrinal training. Luke's written account would serve to solidify and authenticate this oral tradition, providing a permanent, authoritative record in a time when Christian teachings were often subject to misrepresentation or challenge.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. The primary theme is **certainty and assurance**, as Luke explicitly states his goal is for Theophilus to "know the certainty" of what he has learned. This speaks to the historical trustworthiness and divine truth of the events surrounding Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Christian faith is grounded in verifiable realities, not myths. Another key theme is the **confirmation of instruction**, highlighting that Theophilus had already received some form of Christian teaching. Luke's work is not entirely new information but a robust confirmation and deeper grounding of what was already known, underscoring the importance of building initial faith on solid, documented truth. Finally, Luke's emphasis on an "orderly account" based on "eyewitnesses" ([Luke 1:2](/luke/1-2 "Luke 1:2 - Eyewitness Accounts")) reinforces the theme of **historical veracity**, setting the stage for a reliable narrative that aims to be both factual and spiritually profound, much like the broader purpose of the Gospels as seen in [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of the Gospels").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** From G1921, this word means to "know upon some mark," or to "recognize." By implication, it means to "become fully acquainted with" or to "acknowledge." It suggests a full, accurate, and experiential knowledge, not merely a superficial understanding. Luke desires Theophilus to have a deep, confirming knowledge, recognizing the truth of the events.
* **certainty (Greek, _aspháleia'_):** From G803, this word implies "security" (literally or figuratively) or "safety." In this context, it refers to a firm, reliable, and undeniable truth. Luke is not offering mere speculation or opinion but a foundation that is secure, stable, and beyond doubt, providing a sense of assurance and confidence.
* **instructed (Greek, _katēchéō'_):** From G2727, this term means "to sound down into the ears," or by implication, "to indoctrinate" or "to apprise of." This is the root of our English word "catechize" and refers to systematic oral teaching or instruction. It implies that Theophilus had received a structured form of Christian education, which Luke's Gospel now seeks to validate and deepen with a written record.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou mightest know":** This clause, introduced by the Greek conjunction *hina* (G2443), clearly states Luke's purpose or intention in writing his Gospel. He aims for Theophilus to gain a full and deep understanding, moving beyond initial instruction to a settled conviction. The verb "know" (epiginṓskō) implies a comprehensive and confirmed knowledge, not just a casual acquaintance.
* **"the certainty of those things":** Luke specifies the object of this knowledge: "the certainty" (aspháleia). This refers to the firm, reliable, and secure truth of the events and teachings related to Jesus. The phrase "of those things" (lógos, G3056, here meaning "matters" or "accounts") points to the narratives and doctrines that Luke is about to present in his Gospel, emphasizing their factual and trustworthy nature.
* **"wherein thou hast been instructed":** This final clause clarifies that Theophilus had already received prior teaching (katēchéō). Luke's Gospel is thus not an introduction to entirely new concepts but a reinforcement and validation of the oral instruction Theophilus had already received. It serves to provide a solid, documented foundation for the truths he had been taught, moving his faith from initial belief to an informed and unshakeable conviction.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's prologue, culminating in [Luke 1:4](/luke/1-4 "Luke 1:4 - The Purpose of Luke's Gospel"), masterfully employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Purpose Statement**, where Luke explicitly declares his intent for writing, setting clear expectations for the reader. This provides a hermeneutical key for understanding the entire Gospel, framing it as a meticulously researched and historically verifiable account. The use of **Formal Language** and a respectful address ("most excellent Theophilus") lends an air of authority and gravitas to the work, aligning it with respected historical treatises of the time. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Confirmation**, assuring the reader that the forthcoming narrative will validate and deepen their existing knowledge, rather than introduce entirely new and unverified concepts. This builds trust and positions the Gospel as a reliable anchor for faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:4 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian faith as grounded in historical reality and divine truth. It asserts that belief in Jesus Christ is not based on myth or mere sentiment, but on verifiable events and reliable testimony. This emphasis on "certainty" underscores the objective truth of the Gospel message, providing a firm foundation for both personal conviction and evangelistic proclamation. It highlights God's condescension to reveal Himself in human history, making His saving acts accessible to human inquiry and understanding. This divine commitment to truth and clarity is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, assuring believers that their faith is well-placed.

* [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Proofs of the Resurrection")
* [2 Peter 1:16](/2_peter/1-16 "2 Peter 1:16 - Not Cleverly Devised Myths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:4 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers today. In an age often marked by skepticism and a relativistic view of truth, Luke's commitment to providing "certainty" is a powerful reminder that Christian faith is rooted in historical events and divine revelation, not mere subjective experience or cultural tradition. This verse calls us to diligently pursue a deep, informed understanding of our faith, not content with superficial knowledge. It encourages us to engage with the Scriptures with a desire for conviction and assurance, allowing the meticulously recorded truths of God's Word to solidify our beliefs and equip us to articulate them confidently to others. Just as Luke sought to ground Theophilus, we are invited to build our spiritual lives on the unshakeable foundation of Christ and His Gospel, a foundation that can withstand doubt and opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Luke's stated purpose in [Luke 1:4](/luke/1-4 "Luke 1:4 - The Purpose of Luke's Gospel") strengthen your confidence in the historical reliability of the Gospels?**
* **In what areas of your faith do you desire greater "certainty," and how might a deeper study of Scripture help you achieve that?**
* **Considering that Theophilus had already been "instructed," what is the ongoing value of systematic teaching and study for mature believers?**
* **How does the emphasis on "certainty" in this verse equip you to address skepticism or doubt, both in yourself and in conversations with others?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that Theophilus had been "instructed"?**

Answer: The word "instructed" comes from the Greek *katēchéō* (κατηχέω), which is the root of our English word "catechize." This indicates that Theophilus had received systematic oral teaching or instruction in the Christian faith prior to Luke writing his Gospel. This was a common practice in the early church for new converts or those exploring Christianity. Luke's Gospel, then, serves to confirm, deepen, and provide a written, authoritative basis for the truths Theophilus had already learned orally, moving his understanding from initial instruction to a firm, verifiable conviction.

**Why was "certainty" so important for Luke to convey?**

Answer: In the context of the early church, Christians faced various challenges, including persecution, internal disagreements, and external skepticism from both Jewish and Greco-Roman communities. Providing "certainty" (Greek: *aspháleia*, meaning security, firmness, or reliability) was crucial to establish the credibility and divine authority of the Christian message. Luke, as a meticulous historian, aimed to demonstrate that the events surrounding Jesus Christ were not myths or rumors but verifiable historical facts, based on eyewitness testimony and careful investigation ([Luke 1:1-3](/luke/1-1-3 "Luke's Prologue: Research and Order")). This certainty would bolster the faith of believers like Theophilus and provide a solid foundation for defending the Gospel against opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:4, in its emphasis on the "certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed," points directly to the ultimate certainty found in Jesus Christ Himself. The "things" Luke meticulously investigated and recorded are the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus—the very core of the Gospel message. Christ is the embodiment of truth and the source of all certainty; He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). The historical reliability Luke champions serves to ground the reality of God's saving work in Christ, demonstrating that our hope is not in a fable but in the concrete actions of God in human history. The "instruction" Theophilus received, and the "certainty" Luke sought to provide, ultimately lead to a deeper, unwavering faith in the Person and finished work of Jesus, who is the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Thus, Luke's historical precision is not an end in itself but a means to confirm the profound, life-transforming truth of Christ, through whom we have assurance and peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")).

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

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.

Acts 18:25

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

2 Peter 1:15

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

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.

1 Corinthians 14:19

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.

Romans 2:18

And knowest [his] will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;