Luke wrote the two volume work on the origins of Christianity, namely his Gospel and the Acts.
In his preface which covers both Books, he emphasises the reliability of what he is writing. For he is absolutely clear that Jesus was no myth but a historical figure. So he sets out his case in five logical stages. (vv 1-4)
First certain "things ....have been fulfilled among us "(v 1) These were the events of Jesus's ministry
Secondly; these events were seen by eyewitnesses who "handed down"what they had seen,to others. (v 2)
Thirdly, Luke who was one of these,"carefully investigated everything from the beginning" (v 3)
Fourthly Luke wrote down the result of his research, giving an orderly account" of it. (v3)
Fifthly, there would be readers,including Theophilus,his distinguished patron, who would find in Luke's Gospel solid grounds for his faith.
But when did Luke pursue his investigations ? For he was not one of the Twelve or an eyewitness. He later enjoyed a two year residence in Palestine while Paul was imprisoned in Caeserea (Acts 24 ;27). How did he occupy his time ? We can only guess. Surely he travelled the length and breadth of the, gathering material for his Gospel and for the early Jesusalem-based story of the Acts,visiting the sites associated with Jesus's ministry, familiarising himself (as a Gentile) with Jewish culture, and interviewing eyewitnesses. These must have included the Virgin Mary by now an elderly lady. For Luke tells Mary's story including the intimacies surrounding Jeus"s birth.These can have come only from Mary herself. All this establishes our confidence in the historical reliability of Luke's writings. (Through the Bible Through the Year )
John Stott.
Yours Aye
Roy
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