What does Luke 1:2 mean?
Christian beliefs did not originate with the writing of the Gospels. Years before books like the gospel of Luke were completed, letters such as those written by Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1–2) and James (James 1:1) were in circulation. The core beliefs of the Christian faith came even before then. What Luke presents is not a new, unknown story. These events were being spoken and written about by those who had seen, heard, and experienced Christ's ministry first-hand. Since Luke has extensive personal experience in these matters (Acts 16:10), he feels qualified to add his research to that conversation (Luke 1:1, 3).Luke will explain that he wants to assure Christians about the truths of their faith. He seeks to promote certainty in those who read these records (Luke 1:4). Knowing these events are confirmed by those who saw them in person should inspire confidence. Believers in Jesus are not relying on shallow acceptance, but on facts established by eyewitnesses and reliable sources.
Luke 1:1–4 introduces the purpose of this gospel. Luke intends to compile an "orderly account" of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. His content is based on personal experience, eyewitness testimony, and other firsthand sources. These beliefs predate the writing of the New Testament, and Luke's goal is to inspire confidence in those truths. The book of Acts is a direct continuation of this process (Acts 1:1–3).
The angel Gabriel predicts two miraculous births. The first is a son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth: an older, childless priest and his wife. Because Zechariah initially doubts this message, he is temporarily made unable to speak. Their child will be known as John the Baptist, a powerful herald of the Messiah. The Promised One whom John will proclaim is the second birth predicted by Gabriel. He tells an engaged virgin, Mary, that God will miraculously conceive His Son in her. The two women meet and rejoice over their blessings. John's arrival sets the stage for Luke's familiar account of the birth of Jesus Christ.