What is the meaning of Luke 1:4? so that Luke opens with purpose. After gathering eyewitness accounts, he writes, “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). This “so that” signals intention: Luke wants Theophilus—and us—to move from secondhand hearsay to firsthand confidence. Other writers share this motive: • John states his Gospel was written “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ” (John 20:31). • Peter stresses he did not follow “cleverly devised myths” but true events (2 Peter 1:16). • Paul longs for believers “so that I may present you fully mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). These passages echo Luke’s heart: Scripture’s record is purposeful, aiming to ground faith in real history. you may know Luke’s next words zoom in on personal assurance: “you may know.” God does not leave us with vague impressions; He invites knowledge anchored in truth. • 1 John 5:13 says, “I have written to you who believe… so that you may know that you have eternal life.” • Romans 15:4 reminds us that what was written “was written for our instruction, so that through endurance… we might have hope.” • Colossians 2:2 prays believers will attain “all the riches of full assurance of understanding.” Knowledge here is relational and experiential—confidence that grows as we study and trust God’s Word. the certainty The Greek term Luke uses points to stability, firmness, being unshakable. Scripture is not tentative; it is rock-solid. • Hebrews 6:19 calls hope in Christ “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” • Acts 17:31 declares God “has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed, and He has given proof to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” • Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Luke wants readers to stand on a foundation that will not crack under cultural pressure or personal trial. of the things What “things” does Luke mean? The entire sweep of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, resurrection, and teachings. Verses 1-3 confirm Luke researched “the things that have been fulfilled among us.” • 2 Peter 1:19-21 links these events with prophetic Scripture, ensuring that both the events and their interpretation come from God. • Acts 1:1-3 notes Luke’s earlier volume (his Gospel) chronicled “all that Jesus began to do and teach,” grounding faith in verifiable acts. In recording these “things,” Luke shows Christianity is anchored in historical reality, not abstract philosophy. you have been taught Theophilus had already received instruction; Luke writes to reinforce it. Ongoing teaching cements truth in hearts. • 2 Timothy 3:14-15 urges, “Continue in what you have learned… for from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures.” • Titus 1:9 tells elders to “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” • Acts 18:25 describes Apollos as “instructed in the way of the Lord,” yet still needing fuller accuracy. Discipleship is a lifelong journey. Written Scripture undergirds oral teaching, ensuring what we believe remains faithful and precise. summary Luke 1:4 shows that God wants believers to possess settled assurance. Through carefully researched history, Spirit-inspired writing, and faithful teaching, we can know—not guess—the truth about Jesus Christ. Scripture provides an unshakeable foundation so that our faith is certain, our hope secure, and our lives grounded in the trustworthy acts and words of our Savior. |
    |