“Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught” (Luke 1:1-4, NLT).

Luke was not the first to put the history of Jesus into written form. Scholars believe that Luke used Mark’s Gospel and other written and oral sources in his writing.

Like a private invesigator, Dr. Luke carefully examined everything about Jesus from the beginning in order to present a reliable case to his patron, Theophilus.

God’s plans and purposes can withstand our scrutiny.

It is incumbent on us as God’s people to know and understand God’s redemptive plan.

You should be like a private investigator of the gospel.

Read and study your Bible to learn God’s truth for yourself.

But don’t just read the Bible like a novel. Follow a Bible study plan or methodology.

Examine and scrutinize God’s Word using Bible study aids as needed, and then like Dr. Luke you can be certain of everything you have been taught and can accurately report your findings to others!

“Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT)