Luke 1:3
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,
Luke 1:3 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Luke, the author, traditionally thought to be Luke himself, is addressing a man named Theophilus. The verse begins with the author stating that he has a perfect understanding of all things from the very beginning, implying that he is well-equipped to convey the message he is about to share. By mentioning Theophilus as "most excellent," the author shows respect and admiration towards him, suggesting that he is writing this account specifically for Theophilus. It is important to note that the name Theophilus means "lover of God" or "beloved by God," indicating that this letter may be intended for someone who holds a special place in the author's life. This verse serves as an introduction to the gospel of Luke, hinting at the author's motivation for writing and setting the stage for the narrative that follows.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the author of the book of Luke, commonly believed to be the evangelist Luke, addresses a recipient named Theophilus. The word "Theophilus" means "lover of God" or "beloved of God" in Greek. Some scholars suggest that Theophilus may have been a specific individual to whom Luke was writing, while others believe that the name may be symbolic, representing any person who loves God and seeks to understand the teachings of Christianity. The author states that he had a perfect understanding of all things from the very beginning, indicating that he was well-versed in the events surrounding the life of Jesus Christ. By choosing to write in an orderly fashion, the author aims to provide Theophilus with a comprehensive and organized account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This commitment to clarity and accuracy underscores the author's dedication to presenting a coherent narrative that would strengthen the faith of his intended audience.
Luke 1:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;
World English Bible
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
Douay-Rheims
It seemed good to me also, having diligently attained to all things from the beginning, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Geneva Bible (1599)
It seemed good also to me (most noble Theophilus) assoone as I had searched out perfectly all things from the beginning, to write vnto thee thereof from point to point,