Luke 1:4

Letters to the Faithful - Luke 1:4

Berean Standard Bible

so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

King James Bible

That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Greek Text:

ἵνα ἐπιγνῷς περὶ ὧν κατηχήθης λόγων τὴν ἀσφάλειαν.

Transliteration:

hina epignōs peri hōn katēchēthēs logōn tēn asphaleian.

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so that you may know

This phrase indicates the purpose of the Gospel of Luke. The author, traditionally identified as Luke the physician and companion of Paul, aims to provide assurance and clarity. The Greek word for "know" (ἐπιγνῷς) suggests a deep, experiential understanding, not just intellectual knowledge. This reflects the biblical emphasis on knowing God personally, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 9:24 and John 17:3.

the certainty

The term "certainty" underscores the reliability and truthfulness of the Gospel message. In a historical context, Luke writes to Theophilus, likely a person of high status, to affirm the truth of the Christian faith amidst a world of competing philosophies and religions. This assurance is crucial for believers facing persecution or doubt, echoing the certainty of God's promises found throughout Scripture, such as in Hebrews 6:19.

of the things

This refers to the events and teachings concerning Jesus Christ. Luke's Gospel is meticulously researched, as indicated in the prologue (Luke 1:1-3), and aligns with the other synoptic Gospels. The "things" include Jesus' birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, which fulfill Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2, confirming Jesus as the promised Messiah.

you have been taught

The phrase implies that Theophilus, and by extension the readers, have already received instruction in the Christian faith. This reflects the early church's practice of catechesis, or religious instruction, as seen in Acts 2:42. The teachings would have included the core tenets of the faith, such as the Apostles' Creed, and the ethical teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the continuity and consistency of the Gospel message from the apostles to the present.

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Beloved, grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, whose truth endures forever. I write to you, as one compelled by the Spirit, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught, that your hearts may be steadfast in the hope that is set before you. For it is not with fleeting words or uncertain tales that we proclaim this message, but with the assurance of that which has been fulfilled among us, delivered by those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word from the beginning. 

Hear, O people, the call to draw near to the eternal truth, which is not bound by time nor diminished by the shifting shadows of this world. The Lord, in His infinite mercy, has revealed Himself to us, not as a distant ruler, but as the One who walks among His people, who knows the frailties of our frame, and who has borne our sorrows. From the foundations of the earth, He purposed to redeem us, to call us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This is no mere story, but the testimony of generations, sealed by the blood of martyrs, confirmed by the Spirit, and alive in the hearts of those who seek Him.

Consider the days of old, when the angel of the Lord declared to humble servants the coming of the Savior, when shepherds beheld the glory of God in a lowly manger, and when wise men from afar bowed before the King of kings. These things were not done in secret, but openly, that all might know the certainty of His coming. The prophets foretold it, the apostles proclaimed it, and the Spirit bears witness to it even now. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, that we might behold His glory and be transformed by His love.

O you who hear these words, whether you stand in the courts of kings or labor in the fields, whether you are young or old, rich or poor, learned or unlearned, know this: the truth of God is not reserved for a few, but is offered freely to all who will receive it. It is a treasure that does not fade, a light that does not dim, a hope that does not disappoint. The Lord does not turn away the brokenhearted, nor does He despise the contrite spirit. He calls to you, saying, “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 

Let not your heart be troubled by the uncertainties of this age, nor let your faith waver in the face of trials. For the One who has promised is faithful. He has not left you as orphans, but has sent His Spirit to guide you into all truth. The world may offer its fleeting pleasures, its empty promises, and its shifting philosophies, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Cling to it, beloved, as a sailor clings to the anchor in the storm, as a weary traveler clings to the promise of home.

And what shall you do with this certainty? Shall you hide it under a basket or bury it in the ground? No, let it shine forth as a city on a hill! Proclaim it with boldness, live it with humility, and share it with love. Let your life be a living epistle, read by all, that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. For you are not merely hearers of the Word, but doers, called to walk in the steps of Him who went about doing good, healing the broken, and setting the captives free.

To the weary, I say, lift up your eyes, for your redemption draws near. To the doubting, I say, seek Him with all your heart, and you will find Him. To the joyful, I say, rejoice evermore, for your names are written in heaven. And to all, I say, hold fast to the truth that has been delivered unto you, for it is your life, your shield, and your exceeding great reward.

Now may the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory, strengthen you, establish you, and fill you with His peace. May you walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, rooted and grounded in love, abounding in faith, and overflowing with hope. To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, be glory and honor, now and forevermore. Amen.

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O Gracious and Everlasting Father, You who are the source of all truth and the fountain of unending grace, we come before You with hearts lifted in reverence, united in the sacred bond of Your love, and joined with all who proclaim Your name across the earth. We approach Your throne, not as solitary voices, but as a chorus of souls—men and women, young and old, from bustling cities to quiet plains, from halls of learning to humble dwellings—each known and cherished by You. We pray that Your Spirit may fill us, that we may stand firm in the certainty of the truth You have revealed, and that Your peace may rest upon all who seek You.

We glorify You, O Lord, for Your steadfast love that pursued us before we knew to seek You, for Your wisdom that crafted a story of redemption before the stars were set in their courses. You did not remain afar, veiled in mystery, but drew near in compassion, making Yourself known through the One who walked among us, who spoke words of life, and who showed us the way to Your heart. We give thanks for the faithful witnesses who carried this truth, who saw Your works with their eyes, and who passed down the testimony of Your grace through generations. Their legacy is a light that does not dim, a promise that does not waver, and a hope that endures through every trial.

Hear our prayer, O God, for all Your people, scattered yet bound together by Your Spirit. For those whose hearts are heavy with sorrow, grant comfort that soothes the soul; for those who wander in doubt, shine forth Your truth that guides; for those who labor under burdens, provide strength that sustains. We lift up the weary, that they may find rest in Your presence; the broken, that they may be mended by Your mercy; and the searching, that they may discover the joy of Your salvation. Let none feel abandoned, for You are the God who sees, the Father who cares, and the Savior who draws near to all who call upon You.

We entreat You, O Lord, to shield us from the fleeting allure of this world, from promises that fade like shadows and pleasures that vanish like mist. Anchor us in the truth You have entrusted to us, a foundation unshaken by the storms of life, a beacon that pierces the darkest night. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may walk in wisdom, live in love, and reflect Your glory in all we do. Grant us boldness to share Your truth, humility to serve one another, and compassion to embrace those who are far from You. May our lives be as letters written by Your hand, read by all, pointing to the hope that dwells within us.

We pray for the young, that they may grow in the light of Your love; for the aged, that they may walk their final steps with peace; for the powerful, that they may steward their authority with justice; and for the lowly, that they may know their infinite worth in Your sight. Unite us, O God, as one people, knit together by Your grace, strengthened by Your power, and guided by Your truth. Let us be a community that lifts up the fallen, binds up the brokenhearted, and shares the good news of Your unending love.

Now, O God of all mercy, pour out Your peace upon us. Equip us to live as Your ambassadors, to shine as lights in a world longing for hope, and to love with a love that mirrors Your own. Keep us steadfast in faith, radiant in hope, and fervent in devotion. To You, who are able to do exceedingly beyond all we could ask or imagine, be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore. Amen.