Luke 1:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

Complimental prefaces and dedications, the language of flattery and the food and fuel of pride, are justly condemned by the wise and good; but it doth not therefore follow, that such as are useful and instructive are to be run down; such is this, in which St. Luke dedicates his gospel to his friend Theophilus, not as to his patron, though he was a man of honour, to protect it, but as to his pupil, to learn it, and hold it fast. It is not certain who this Theophilus was; the name signifies a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Luke 1:1-4

1:1-4 Since many have set their hands to the task of drawing up an account of the events which were completed amongst us, telling the story just as those who were the original eye-witnesses and who became the servants of the word handed it down to us, I too made up my mind to carry out a careful investigation of all things from the beginning, and to write to you, Theophilus, your excellency, an orderly account of them, so that you might have in your mind a full and reliable account of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 1:2

Even as they delivered them unto us ,.... By whom the evangelist means, as appears from the after description of them, the twelve apostles, and seventy disciples; who handed down to others the accounts of the birth, life, and death of Christ; and according to which the above Christians proposed to write: which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word ; either of the Gospel, or rather of Christ himself, the eternal Word of God; for from the beginning of Christ's... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 1:2

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses - Probably this alludes to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, which it is likely were written before St. Luke wrote his, and on the models of which he professes to write his own; and απ ' αρχης , from the beginning, must mean, from the time that Christ first began to proclaim the glad tidings of the kingdom; and αυτοπται , eye-witnesses, must necessarily signify, those who had been with him from the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

AN INTRODUCTION . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

Preface to the Gospel. Observe— I. THE AUTHOR 'S APOLOGY . How conspicuous in it are the elements of candor, simplicity, and earnestness! The first authorities as to the things related were "the eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word." He is careful to intimate that he is not one of them; not an apostle; not even one of the seventy, as some have supposed he was. The position which he assumes is simply this: Many had taken in hand to draw up "a narrative concerning those matters... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

Certainties concerning Christ. There are many things in connection with the gospel of Christ about which there is difference of view and some measure of uncertainty. But it is "those things which are most surely believed" that constitute the rock on which we rest, on which we build our hopes. We cannot live spiritually on uncertainties; they may serve the purpose of speculation or discussion, but they do not bring peace to the soul; they do not minister to life. We may thank God most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-4

The absolute certainty of the Christian religion. In this prologue by Luke we have an insight into the conditions and purposes of his publication. In an age without the art of printing, it was useful to obtain the patronage of the wealthy, and thus secure the production of such a number of "copies" as would save the volume front oblivion. Hence in the classic world dedications to rich men were the rule with authors rather than the exception. Luke's Gospel, which is the "classic" Gospel in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:1-80

After the Ascension and the events of the first Pentecost, which quickly followed their Master's return to heaven, the twelve and a few others who had walked in the company which followed Jesus during the years of his public ministry no doubt often met together and talked over the teaching and the acts of their risen and now glorified Master. As time passed on, a certain number of these acts, a certain number of the public and private discourses in the apostolic company, became adopted as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 1:2

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and ministers of the Word . The general accuracy of the recitals contained in those early Gospels is here conceded, as the source of these primitive writings was the tradition delivered by the eye-witnesses of the acts of Jesus; among these eye-witnesses the apostles would, of course, hold the foremost place. The whole statement may be roughly paraphrased thus: "The narrative of the memorable events which have... read more

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