“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 1:3-4
What a treasure we have in Scripture! Luke introduces his gospel account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus by discussing his historical methods (interviews with eyewitnesses and consulting primary sources) and purpose in writing. He meticulously gathered the data and talked to those who were present so that all who love God (that’s what “Theophilus” literally means) could have an organized account of Jesus and complete confidence in what we read.
As followers of Jesus Christ we can have extraordinary confidence in the Bible! What we read about Jesus truly happened and these writings make it very clear: He was prophet, preacher, teacher, miracle worker, anointed messiah, Son of God, and God in the flesh. By his sin-free life, sacrificial death, and well-verified physical resurrection from the dead that our sins are forgiven, we gain eternal life, and we enjoy ongoing union with Christ once we believe in Him.