Luke doesn't simply state that others wrote before him; he uses the word "undertaken" (or "taken in hand") to suggest that these earlier attempts were not entirely successful or complete. He’s not just adding to a pile of existing accounts, but carefully preparing a more accurate and reliable narrative based on his own thorough investigation.
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke begins by explaining his careful approach to writing this account. He acknowledges that many others have already attempted to record the events of Jesus' life and ministry, but he feels compelled to provide his own thorough and accurate narrative for a specific person named Theophilus. This sets the stage for Luke's unique perspective and his detailed, orderly presentation of the Gospel story.
Before Luke put pen to parchment, the story of Jesus was already circulating. What did these earlier accounts look like, and why weren't they enough?
Luke begins by acknowledging that many others had already attempted to write down the events surrounding Jesus' life. These were not necessarily wrong, but they were incomplete or not carefully compiled.
What does it mean for things to be 'most surely believed'? Luke was after something more than just popular opinion.
The phrase 'most surely believed' (or 'accomplished' in some translations) in the original language points to a profound level of certainty and fulfillment.
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Understand the original words
diēgēsis · Greek Noun
A historical, written record of events or people, intended to preserve and communicate the significance of past actions. In a biblical context, it refers to the faithful transmission of God's redemptive works.
plērophoreō · Greek Verb (Passive Participle)
In a theological sense, this refers to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through history, where events are not merely accidental but are brought to pass by divine sovereignty and purpose.
autoptai · Greek Noun
Those who personally observed and experienced the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their testimony serves as the foundational authority for the Christian faith, grounding the gospel in historical reality.
logos · Greek Noun
Refers to the message of the gospel—the spoken or written proclamation of God's truth, promises, and the life of Jesus. It is the core subject matter of the Christian faith and the object of the apostles' ministry.
kathexēs · Greek Adverb/Adjective
A formal or structured presentation of facts, intended to provide clarity and coherence. In this context, it emphasizes the reliability and systematic nature of the gospel tradition.
Luke's preface highlights the need for a reliable, well-researched account of Jesus' life in a time when various, perhaps less accurate, narratives were circulating. This emphasizes the value of careful historical investigation in preserving the truth of the Gospel.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christianity—Jesus' death and resurrection—occurred, forming the foundation of the early Christian message.
c. AD 30-50
Early Oral and Written Accounts Circulate
Eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word share accounts of Jesus' life and teachings, leading to various early attempts at recording these events. These may have included oral traditions and possibly some initial written collections.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Luke Compiles His Gospel
Luke, after careful investigation and consultation with eyewitnesses, writes his Gospel for Theophilus, aiming to provide an accurate and orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry.
c. AD 60-62
Luke Writes the Book of Acts
Luke continues his narrative by writing the Book of Acts, detailing the early spread of Christianity, often in conjunction with his travels with the Apostle Paul.
This passage establishes Jesus as the Word, the divine agent through whom all things were made, setting the stage for Luke's task of recording His earthly life and ministry.
Acts 1:1Luke begins his sequel, the book of Acts, by referencing his previous work (the Gospel), highlighting the continuity of his historical account and his methodical approach.
1 Corinthians 15:3-7This passage summarizes the core events of Jesus' life and death that are central to the 'things most surely believed,' showing that Luke's work builds upon a well-established tradition.
2 Timothy 3:16This verse speaks to the divine inspiration behind Scripture, providing a theological framework for Luke's diligent historical research as a divinely guided process.
expositorsLuke 1:1: "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,"
Chapter 1THE GENESIS OF THE GOSPEL. THE four walls and the twelve gates of the Seer looked in different directions, but together they guarded, and opened into, one City of God. So the four Gospels look in different directions; each has its own peculiar aspect and inscription; but together they lead towards, and unveil, one Christ, "which is, and which was…
calvinLuke 1:1-4: "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,"
- Forasmuch as many have undertaken to compose a narrative of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2. Even as they delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word; 3. It seemed good to me also, having carefully examined all things from the beginning, to write to thee in detail, most excellent…
Luke doesn't simply state that others wrote before him; he uses the word "undertaken" (or "taken in hand") to suggest that these earlier attempts were not entirely successful or complete. He’s not just adding to a pile of existing accounts, but carefully preparing a more accurate and reliable narrative based on his own thorough investigation.
Luke begins by explaining his careful approach to writing this account. He acknowledges that many others have already attempted to record the events of Jesus' life and ministry, but he feels compelled to provide his own thorough and accurate narrative for a specific person named Theophilus. This sets the stage for Luke's unique perspective and his detailed, orderly presentation of the Gospel story.
Luke begins by explaining his careful approach to writing this account. He acknowledges that many others have already attempted to record the events of Jesus' life and ministry, but he feels compelled to provide his own thorough and accurate narrative for a specific person named Theophilus. This sets the stage for Luke's unique perspective and his detailed, orderly presentation of the Gospel story.
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me al…" — Luke doesn't simply state that others wrote before him; he uses the word "undertaken" (or "taken in hand") to suggest that these earlier attempts were not entirely successful or complete. He’s not ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026
