The Gospel of Luke: Prologue and Purpose

Introduction

Each of the four canonical Gospels begins in a unique way, reflecting the author’s theological and literary concerns. Matthew opens with a genealogy that roots Jesus in Israel’s sacred history. Mark launches abruptly with the proclamation of John the Baptist and the arrival of the kingdom. John soars to cosmic heights, declaring that the eternal Word became flesh.

Luke, by contrast, begins with a carefully crafted prologue (Luke 1:1–4). In just four verses, he provides insight into his sources, his method, his aims, and his audience. Written in elevated, polished Greek, the prologue is strikingly similar to the prefaces of Greco-Roman historians. It signals that Luke intends to write an account that is not only theological but also orderly, reliable, and historically anchored.

In this chapter, we will explore Luke’s prologue in detail. We will examine its literary style, Luke’s sources and methods, the identity of Theophilus, and Luke’s theological and pastoral aims. Finally, we will consider how this prologue sets the stage for the entire two-volume work of Luke–Acts.

Part 1: The Text of Luke’s Prologue

Luke 1:1–4 (NRSV):

“Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.”

This short passage is packed with meaning. It tells us:

• Others had written accounts before Luke.

• Luke has consulted traditions from eyewitnesses.

• He has carefully investigated everything.

• His aim is to provide Theophilus with an orderly narrative that brings certainty.

Part 2: The Literary Style of the Prologue

1. Polished Greek

The Greek of Luke 1:1–4 is among the most refined in the New Testament. Elsewhere in Luke–Acts, the language reflects Semitic rhythms and vocabulary, but here Luke demonstrates his ability to write in the style of educated Greco-Roman authors. This was a deliberate choice, signaling that his work should be taken seriously in the literary world.

2. Parallels in Greco-Roman Historiography

Historians like Herodotus, Thucydides, Polybius, and Josephus began their works with similar prefaces, in which they explained:

• Their purpose in writing.

• The reliability of their sources.

• Their methodology.

• The value of their work for readers.

For example, Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War 1.1) declares his aim to provide a record “for all time.” Josephus, in Against Apion, emphasizes his careful use of sources. Luke’s prologue, while not identical, shares this ethos: it situates the Gospel within the world of serious historiography.

3. “Orderly Account”

Luke promises to write an “orderly account” (kathexēs). This does not necessarily mean strict chronology, but rather a carefully structured and coherent narrative. Luke arranges material for theological clarity — for example, organizing Jesus’ ministry around journeys and discourses.

Part 3: Luke’s Sources and Methods

1. “Many Have Undertaken”

Luke acknowledges that others had already written accounts of Jesus’ life. This likely refers to the Gospel of Mark, widely regarded as Luke’s primary written source, and possibly to other collections of sayings and narratives. Unlike Matthew, who uses Mark but never mentions predecessors, Luke openly situates himself in a tradition of Gospel writing.

2. Eyewitness Testimony

Luke highlights that the stories “were handed on… by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” This establishes continuity with apostolic testimony. Though Luke himself was not an eyewitness, he presents his Gospel as rooted in the authority of those who were — the apostles and early ministers of the word.

3. Careful Investigation

Luke emphasizes his personal effort: he has “investigated everything carefully from the very first.” The verb suggests thorough research, critical evaluation of traditions, and attention to detail. He claims not originality but accuracy and reliability.

4. Luke as Historian and Theologian

Luke’s method places him within the world of ancient historiography, but his purpose is not simply to record facts. He writes as a theological historian, interpreting events as the fulfillment of God’s plan and shaping his narrative to build faith in Jesus as Messiah and Lord.

Part 4: Luke’s Audience and Addressee

1. Theophilus as Patron

Luke dedicates his Gospel to “most excellent Theophilus.” The title kratistos was used in addressing high-ranking officials (Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25). This suggests that Theophilus was likely a person of wealth or influence, possibly Luke’s patron who supported the production of the Gospel.

2. Theophilus as Catechumen

Some scholars suggest Theophilus was a Christian convert or catechumen who needed assurance about the faith. Luke’s aim was to provide him with confidence in what he had been taught.

3. Theophilus as Symbolic

Others note that “Theophilus” means “lover of God.” Perhaps the name represents not a specific person but any believer seeking confirmation of faith. The symbolic and literal readings are not mutually exclusive: Luke could have addressed his work to a real patron while also intending it for all “lovers of God.”

Part 5: Theological Purpose

1. Certainty in the Faith

Luke explicitly states his aim: “so that you may know the truth (asphaleia) concerning the things about which you have been instructed.” The Greek word implies firmness, security, and reliability. Luke writes to strengthen the faith of his readers, assuring them that the traditions they received are trustworthy.

2. Fulfillment of God’s Plan

Luke speaks of “the events that have been fulfilled among us.” He frames the story of Jesus as the climax of salvation history. What has happened in Jesus is not random but the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

3. Universal Horizon

By writing in polished Greek, adopting historiographical conventions, and addressing a possibly Gentile patron, Luke signals that the Gospel is not only for Jews but for all nations. This universal scope is a hallmark of Luke’s theology, carried forward into Acts with the mission to the Gentiles.

Part 6: The Prologue and Acts

Luke’s prologue sets the stage for his two-volume work. In Acts 1:1, Luke refers back to “the first account” he wrote for Theophilus, describing “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” The Gospel covers Jesus’ ministry; Acts continues the story through the work of the Spirit and the church.

The prologue thus introduces not just a Gospel but a unified narrative of God’s salvation history: from promise, to fulfillment in Jesus, to mission through the Spirit to the ends of the earth.

Part 7: Implications for Interpretation

1. Historical Reliability

Luke presents himself as a careful investigator and compiler. While modern scholars debate his historical precision, his claim to reliability means his work should be read with respect both as history and theology.

2. Theology and History Together

Luke’s prologue teaches us that history and theology are not opposed. For Luke, faithful theology is rooted in real events, and real events are interpreted theologically.

3. Pastoral Relevance

For Luke’s original readers — and for us today — the prologue offers assurance: Christian faith is grounded in trustworthy testimony. The Gospel is not myth or invention but rooted in eyewitness tradition and careful research.

Suggested Assignments

1. Exegetical Paper on Luke 1:1–4

• Task: Write a 2,500-word paper analyzing Luke’s prologue in depth.

• Focus: Literary form, historical parallels, and theological purpose.

2. Historiography Comparison

• Task: Compare Luke’s prologue with the prefaces of Thucydides, Josephus, and Polybius.

• Deliverable: A 1,500-word essay showing similarities and differences.

3. Audience Research Project

• Task: Research the identity of Theophilus. Present a 1,200-word analysis of the main theories (patron, official, catechumen, symbolic).

4. Theological Reflection

• Task: In 1,000 words, reflect on how Luke’s emphasis on certainty speaks to contemporary Christian concerns about reliability and faith.

5. Creative Assignment

• Task: Rewrite Luke’s prologue as if it were the opening of a modern biography or documentary. Present it in 500–750 words.

References

Brown, R. E. (1997). An introduction to the New Testament. Doubleday.

Conzelmann, H. (1982). The theology of St. Luke. Fortress Press.

Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke. Eerdmans.

Keener, C. S. (2014). Acts: An exegetical commentary (Vol. 1). Baker Academic.

Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke: A commentary on the Greek text. Eerdmans.

Nolland, J. (1989–1993). Luke (Vols. 1–3). Word Biblical Commentary.

Parsons, M. C. (2015). Luke: Storyteller, interpreter, evangelist (2nd ed.). Baker Academic.

Talbert, C. H. (2002). Reading Luke: A literary and theological commentary. Smyth & Helwys.

Wright, N. T. (2012). How God became king: The forgotten story of the Gospels. HarperOne.