That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Luke's stated aim in writing was to furnish a reliable account so that the reader might know with certainty the things in which he had been instructed. That certainty was the intended outcome of careful, trustworthy narration, giving a firm foundation for what had already been taught.
Luke himself had instructed Theophilus and felt a continuing responsibility to direct and teach him. In fulfilling that responsibility he pointed Theophilus to his earlier account of the life of Christ, which was likewise addressed to Theophilus.
The certainty conveyed by the gospel record rests on the apostles having faithfully recorded the events they witnessed, the truths Jesus uttered, and things to come. Instruction is also to be confirmed by personal experience, so that one can speak from knowing the truth of what was taught.
Luke's stated aim in writing was to furnish a reliable account so that the reader might know with certainty the things in which he had been instructed. That certainty was the intended outcome of careful, trustworthy narration, giving a firm foundation for what had already been taught.
Luke himself had instructed Theophilus and felt a continuing responsibility to direct and teach him. In fulfilling that responsibility he pointed Theophilus to his earlier account of the life of Christ, which was likewise addressed to Theophilus.
The certainty conveyed by the gospel record rests on the apostles having faithfully recorded the events they witnessed, the truths Jesus uttered, and things to come. Instruction is also to be confirmed by personal experience, so that one can speak from knowing the truth of what was taught.