Anchor My Faith

Title: The Purpose of the Gospels

The text we will work from in this lesson is: : “^{Lk 1:1} 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).

In the years from the time of Jesus and when Luke wrote his gospel account, others who were eyewitnesses wrote down things they had seen Jesus do and heard him say. Gathering up all the information Luke could find he attempts to write an orderly account of the ministry of Jesus. It is the intention of Luke to bring these fragmented pieces together into a single narrative, to preserve the original doctrines of Jesus and his extraordinary miracles.

An “orderly account” does not necessarily mean a given order or arrangement, but simply a narrative. As we work our way through the gospel harmonization, we will come to understand how difficult it is to develop a timeline of when events occurred because that relationship, in so many cases, was not included. Some of the verse placement we will use is questionable, but all one can do is to make a choice based on the best context possible. Mr. Payton makes reference to this in the prefix to “The NET Bible Synthetic Harmony of the Gospels – Study Edition”. Follow this link to review his comments.

It is uncertain who Theophilus was. His title of “most excellent” suggest an official or someone of high social standing. It seems likely that Theophilus was a very reputable Greek or Roman, who was one of St. Luke’s disciples. This introduction to the gospel of Luke seems to suggest this to be a private historical narrative sent to Theophilus for his safe keeping. It is believed that this introduction was later found and added to the beginning of this narrative.

Luke wrote this gospel for the benefit of Theophilus and for our benefit, that that he and we might be more strongly assured of and more firmly established in the truths of the Gospel. Having the gospel in written form gives believers more certainty than the memory of an oral proclamation can give.

Prayer

Father, how thankful we are to have the gospels preserved in written form, from which we can study and grow in the process of sanctification. We are thankful that they show the uniqueness of Jesus and the importance of the doctrine he taught. Father, please open up these gospels to our study and through the work of the Holy Spirit, apply the principles to our lives so that we might walk in a way pleasing to you.