Luke 1:1-4

Luke 1:1-4

[1] Forasmuch  as many  have taken in hand  to set forth in order  a declaration  of  those things  which are most surely believed  among  [2] Even  as they delivered  which  from  the beginning  were  eyewitnesses,  and  ministers  of the word;  [3] It seemed  good to me also,  having had perfect  understanding  of all things  from the very first,  to write  in order,  most excellent  Theophilus,  [4] That  thou mightest know  the certainty  of  those things,  wherein  thou hast been instructed. 

What does Luke 1:1-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Luke introduced his Gospel in a classical literary fashion.
"It was customary among the great Greek and Hellenistic historians, including the first-century Jewish writer Josephus, to explain and justify their work in a preface. Their object was to assure the reader of their capability, thorough research, and reliability." [1]
Luke"s introduction contrasts with Matthew"s genealogy, Mark"s title statement, and John"s theological prologue. It would have been what a cultured Greek would have expected to find at the beginning of a reputable historical work. It is all one sentence in Greek.