What does Luke 1:4 mean?
The certainty which Luke wants to inspire is not a matter of wishful thinking, blind faith, or preference. His entire purpose for writing this gospel is to collect truth, in the form of eyewitness accounts, facts, and evidence (Luke 1:1–3). Luke was present for many crucial events in the early church, as a co-worker with the apostle Paul (Acts 1:1–3; 16:10). In his travels, he likely met many key figures in Jesus' earthly ministry. For this reason, Luke feels confident that his work can be of use.Biblical faith has always placed great emphasis on truth and reason (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 2:8). It is because of known events, and established truths, that Christians should be confident in God's promises (Hebrews 12:1; 2 Peter 1:16). We don't know who Theophilus is, exactly. What do know Luke seeks to strengthen his faith in the truths being taught about Jesus Christ. That greatly benefits modern readers, as well.
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.
