(1) Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, (2) Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye witnesses 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 unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, (4) That thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed.
I do not think it necessary to detain the Reader with any long observation on this preface. The reasons Luke assigns for entering upon this solemn service, plainly shew that the hand of the Lord was upon him. The certainty of the truths he was about to deliver, arose, not only from being with others eye witnesses of them, but he, and they, are said to have been ministers of the word; thereby intimating that he considered himself called to it by the Lord; for he saith, that it seemed good to him. Who this Theophilus was, is not certain; but it should seem to have been One taught of God, by what is said of his instruction in the faith. And hence we learn, for whom the Gospel is designed, and to whom God the Holy Ghost sends it; similar to what Paul said in his preaching, Men and Brethren, Children of the stock of Abraham and whosoever among you feareth God, to You is the word of this salvation sent! Acts 13:26; Galatians 3:29. Reader! if God the Spirit so commissions His word of salvation to your heart and mine, this will be a blessed testimony to us both, not only of the truth of his holy scriptures, but also of our personal interest in them. And this will be what the same Apostle said to the Church of the Thessalonians, the highest proof of our election of God, when his Gospel comes unto us, not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5.