Verse
…the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you
Explanation
Here Luke declares the credentials and intention of the gospel of Luke, the credentials are an investigated, researched and thoroughly accurate account of Jesus life and ministry. This book is not organized, not chronologically or by subject, but organized as a large essay or argument designed to convince the reader of the authenticity and truthfulness of Jesus being messiah, and belief in his person and mission.
Real life Meaning
When reading the book of Luke, we can expect each story, miracle and teaching will follow this “orderly account” principle. So each verse builds on the points raised in the verse before. So when we read a verse or see something difficult to understand or out of place in Luke, we can explore the previous and next stories, knowing Luke has carefully placed each on with the purpose of continuing and building on the arguments before and afterward as a harmonious whole designed to create a belief in Jesus.
So when studying the gospel of Luke, our first work is finding out the authors original intent. Searching for this first, gives us the best chance of reading the Bible for what it is trying to say and not reading into it what we want it to say.
When studying every difficult passages and every passage, finding the context of the argument and following it through should inform our interpretation of the passage.
Your Response to God
Dear God, please let me be faithful when reading this book, and listen to your voice through the careful inspiration of this Book of your Bible. Teach me the plain meaning through of these verses in the context of these passages. So I can accurately apply the lessons learned to my life.
