LUKE 1:3. “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,”
IT SEEMED GOOD TO ME. There are some people who are able to say, The things to be said in just the right way. The Spirit of God could use Dr. Luke; He was the kind of man who never took Credit to himself for whatever he wrote; But at the same time recognized the need of a book That would clearly lay out to those who would read, Jesus is the Perfect Man, to Him they must heed.
From the little we know about this special man, He was willing to help Paul, as part of his band. He wrote down in order some special insights; That we would never have if he was not willing to write. He unfolded in words many things as they were; The Spirit was there to make sure no error Was made in the text, as He guided along The doctor to tell many things that were done.
Many of the incidents in the work of the Lord When He was here, Luke was thus to record; That are not found elsewhere in the scriptures of truth. God used the skill and the eye of observant Dr. Luke, Who was seeing the work and the things Jesus said, With a critical eye as a medical man would. He makes note of the physical, like hands and feet. He also notes Jesus’ human-touch, when men He did meet.
The beauty of the writing of the Gospel of Luke; Is known world over for the care that he took, To make understandable what he did know, And pass on to others that they too would show; The work and the words from the day of His birth; To the death of the Savior, who lived on this earth. Luke’s Gospel writings and the book of the Acts, God used to give clear light on unique, special facts.
“I am thankful Father, that you gave some people the “pen of a ready writer”, otherwise we would be always wondering about how things were and what they should be like now. Luke must have been special to You, because he was used to give so many unique stories and illustrations that give great light. I would like to be able in some way, to be used to pass on truths to my generation, in order for them to be more able to live and testify to Your grace and power.” In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
LUKE 1: 3b-4. “Most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” THEOPHILUS.
THE MAN: For a man to be called “most excellent” would mean several important things. First, he was a man who probably filled a high position in either the government or in business. He would have to be trustworthy to attain that role. His reputation would be intact in more than one situation in life. Second, he had done a good job at whatever calling he was in or he could not have maintained that position. To be consistent in an occupation over an extended period of time is a good estimation of a man’s character and proficiency. Third, he was willing to learn and keep on learning. He had been instructed and apparently had some questions regarding the circumstances around the life and teaching of the Lord. He wanted his facts to be absolutely right. In both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of the Acts, the “things wherein thou hast been instructed,” and the “things most surely believed among us,” were important to him.
THE MESSAGE: The uniqueness of the Gospel of Luke with the emphasis on the perfect manliness of the Lord Jesus Christ would certainly appeal to a Greek. There are many mentions in both books written by Luke to Theophilus on human life situations. The circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ are cases in point. The thoughts and words of Zacharias and Elizabeth are significant and very identifiable to every couple. The thoughts and prayer of Mary are so important to consider. Even though they seem profound at first, it is obvious in reading what Luke wrote that she had considered the impact of the birth of Christ All through Luke right up to the last chapter, there are human-interest stories. Two people walking along a road, downcast in spirit, confused and wondering what was going to happen next, and then joined by the Lord Jesus as Luke says, “Jesus drew near and went with them,” gives great power to the whole resurrection story.
THE METHOD: The facts were written down by Luke (no doubt a methodical man who as a physician would be careful in getting things right) and were transmitted in the best possible way – the written word. To a Greek, accuracy and a way to study the subject thoroughly would be important. After scrutiny and careful consideration, Theophilus would be able to pass on all that he read with confidence that it was correct in every sense. He in turn would make sure copies, accurately transcribed, would be passed on to other believers and the “scriptures of truth” would be used over and over to feed, assure and instruct the people of God.
“O God and Father of truth and righteousness: it is always a reason for confidence and comfort to realize that Thy word has been accurately passed on to us without any further need of authentication. The ones Thou hast used in the past to transcribe Thy truth and pass it on, were reliable people. That is a characteristic I covet to have and maintain. By Thy divine means, please use this person to transmit Thy truth in a trustworthy and accurate manner. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”