An Orderly Account | Luke 1:1-4
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 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, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. - Luke 1:1-4 (ESV)
“The Gospel of Luke, more than any of the others, sets forth the wide and universal character of Christ’s kingdom. Luke is the evangelist of the Gentiles, showing that the Lord Jesus Christ is a Savior for all men, without distinction of nation or rank.” — J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke, Volume 1
“The gospel of the Kingdom of God, as announced by Jesus, is an invitation to live life as it was meant to be lived, and to be involved in what God is doing in the world.” — Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God (1998)
“The Gospels are the primary and most important writings for us, and Luke’s Gospel, in particular, offers a clear and faithful account of the things that Jesus did and taught. He has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to present the life of Christ in a way that leads to salvation.” — Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 3
Things to Know About the Gospel of Luke
• A Synoptic Gospel
• An Outsider Author
• A Specific Purpose
Luke Study Plan
The Early Years
Prophet. Priest. King.
The Holiness of Christ
The Sermon on the Plain
What Moves Jesus?
The Word of God
Who is Jesus?
Hard Sayings
The Final Days & Hours
Reflection Question: How Certain Are You About Your Faith?
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.” - Francis Bacon
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28, ESV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, ESV)
“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, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4, ESV)
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:6-11, ESV)
The Gospel According to Luke
“An Orderly Account”