Luke 1:2
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Original Language Analysis
παρέδοσαν
as they delivered
G3860
παρέδοσαν
as they delivered
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
2 of 12
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 12
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
G746
ἀρχῆς
the beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
6 of 12
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑπηρέται
ministers
G5257
ὑπηρέται
ministers
Strong's:
G5257
Word #:
9 of 12
an under-oarsman, i.e., (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
γενόμενοι
were
G1096
γενόμενοι
were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
10 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
John 15:27And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Acts 26:16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;2 Peter 1:16For 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.Mark 1:1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:Acts 4:20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.Acts 1:3To 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:Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Luke 24:48And ye are witnesses of these things.
Historical Context
Written circa 60-62 AD, Luke addresses Theophilus ('lover of God'), likely a Roman official or patron. The emphasis on eyewitness testimony reflects the apostolic generation's passing and the need to preserve authentic accounts for future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the eyewitness foundation of Scripture strengthen your confidence in the Gospel?
- Why is the historical reliability of Christ's life essential to Christian faith?
- What responsibility do believers have to faithfully transmit the Gospel to the next generation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke emphasizes the apostolic foundation of his Gospel through 'eyewitnesses and ministers of the word.' The Greek 'autoptai' (eyewitnesses) indicates those who saw with their own eyes, establishing the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts. This apostolic witness forms the bedrock of Christian faith, transmitted through faithful men (2 Tim 2:2). Luke's methodology reflects divine providence in preserving accurate testimony of Christ's life and ministry.