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,
Original Language Analysis
ἔδοξεν
It seemed
G1380
ἔδοξεν
It seemed
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
1 of 11
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
κἀμοὶ
good to me also
G2504
κἀμοὶ
good to me also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
2 of 11
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
παρηκολουθηκότι
understanding
G3877
παρηκολουθηκότι
understanding
Strong's:
G3877
Word #:
3 of 11
to follow near, i.e., (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to
ἄνωθεν
from the very first
G509
ἄνωθεν
from the very first
Strong's:
G509
Word #:
4 of 11
from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew
καθεξῆς
in order
G2517
καθεξῆς
in order
Strong's:
G2517
Word #:
7 of 11
thereafter, i.e., consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or time
γράψαι
to write
G1125
γράψαι
to write
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
9 of 11
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Cross References
Acts 1:1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,Acts 26:25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.Acts 23:26Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.Acts 24:3We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.Acts 11:4But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,Acts 15:25It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,Acts 15:19Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:Acts 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;Ecclesiastes 12:9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.Luke 1:1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Historical Context
As a physician and companion of Paul, Luke had access to eyewitnesses and written sources. His 'orderly account' (kathexes) suggests chronological and theological arrangement to demonstrate the certainty of Christian teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Luke's careful research demonstrate that faith and reason are compatible?
- What does this verse teach about how God uses human faculties in inspiration?
- Why is an 'orderly account' important for understanding redemptive history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Luke's claim to 'perfect understanding' (Greek 'parekolouthekoti akribos') means he traced everything carefully from the beginning. This demonstrates both divine inspiration and human diligence in Gospel composition. The Reformed principle of verbal inspiration doesn't negate careful historical investigation; rather, God's sovereignty works through providential means. Luke's methodical research serves God's purpose of providing an orderly, accurate account.