Why is it important to trust accounts "handed down" by early Christians? Scripture Focus: Luke 1:1-4 “1 Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good to me also to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Why Trust What Was “Handed Down”? - The phrase “handed down” (v. 2) points to transmission from living witnesses who saw, heard, and touched Jesus (cf. 1 John 1:1-3). - Luke’s goal: “so that you may know the certainty” (v. 4). Confidence is the very purpose of the written record. - These accounts were compiled “orderly” (v. 3), showing care, research, and Spirit-guided accuracy. Eyewitness Authority - Acts 10:39-41—apostles declare, “We are witnesses of all He did.” - 2 Peter 1:16—“We did not follow cleverly devised myths…we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” - Eyewitnesses stake their lives on what they saw; most died rather than deny it. Apostolic Commission - John 17:20—Jesus prays for those who will believe “through their message.” - Matthew 28:18-20—Christ authorizes the apostles to teach “everything I have commanded you.” - Accepting their testimony equals accepting Jesus’ own words (Luke 10:16). Protection by the Spirit - John 14:26—Holy Spirit would “remind you of everything I have told you.” - 1 Corinthians 2:12-13—Paul writes “words taught by the Spirit.” - The Spirit guarantees accuracy beyond normal human memory. Continuity With the Old Testament Pattern - Deuteronomy 6:6-7—truth is to be diligently passed down. - Psalm 78:4—“We will not hide them…but tell the next generation.” - God’s people have always depended on faithful transmission. Defense Against False Teaching - Galatians 1:8—any gospel contrary to the one first preached is accursed. - Jude 3—“contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” - Knowing the original record equips believers to spot and reject distortions. Foundation for Living Faith - Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture, God-breathed, equips us “for every good work.” - Practical guidance, moral clarity, and assurance flow from trusting these accounts. Historical Reliability Underlines Spiritual Assurance - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8—Paul cites a creed received and then handed on, anchoring our hope in historical events. - Because Christ really lived, died, and rose—as the earliest witnesses proclaimed—believers have unshakable confidence (15:17-20). Response: Embrace and Pass It On - Acts 2:42—first believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” - 2 Timothy 2:2—“What you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men.” - Trusting the accounts means studying them, living by them, and transmitting them unchanged to the next generation. |
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