wotruth.comA Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #1, Meeting #532– in its 21ST year THINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED AMONG USTHINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED

A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #1, Meeting #532– in its 21ST year

THINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED AMONG USTHINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED AMONG US

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT This is a letter written to a

government official who had beenconverted to Christ. Luke writes toassure Theophilus of the certainty ofthe things he has believed. Thisintroduces to us the essentiality ofbeing certain, or confidently sure, of thetruth of the Gospel. Doubt, or a lack ofconfidence in the basis of faith isdisastrous, even though it is quitecommon in our time. This Gospel willalso shed light on the seriousness oftampering with the text of Scripture,and saying things that cause seeds ofdoubt to rise in the hearts of people.When great stress is placed on theoriginal language, principles ofinterpretation, an inordinate emphasison contextual considerations, etc,spiritual jeopardy is invited into theheart. Certainty will be found to be inaffirmation.

The things embraced by those inChrist are not simplistic, and they arenot held loosely. God has not called usinto a religious system in whichthoughts of Himself are few and farbetween. There is no guesswork ortheorizing in true faith. Philosophizingand hypothesizing are given no place ofentrance, and human opinion is lockedout as well. In Christ there is thedominating presence of assurance,confidence, knowing, and certitude.The saints know “whom they havebelieved” (2 Tim 1:12), as well as whatthey believe (Lk 1:1). There is noprovision for doubt, distrust, orsuspicion – all of which are evidencesof unbelief, not faith.

Today, with a new breed of“Christians,” there is an alarmingpresence of confusion, ignorance, andunbelief in the churches. It is the direct

result of skewed preaching and a lackof faith. The fundamental knowledge ofGod and Jesus Christ, which are whatcomprise eternal life, are at anunacceptable level. This is the cause ofthe outbreak of sin in the modernchurch, the urgent need of behaviorcorrection, and the blight of mediocrityand disinterest.

The key religious leaders of ourday, with very few exceptions, haveaccommodated themselves to thedisinterest of the people. Althoughphysical campuses of staggering sizeand cost exist, and are falsely called“churches,” the assemblies are largelytailored for a single gathering weekly,with a few scattered and smallsubgroups once a week. The meetingsare generally relatively brief, at themost, perhaps, two hours, includingpraise, prayer, announcements,

TRANSLATION LEGEND: ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED=Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=Apostolic Bible Polygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Biblein Basic English (1949), BRENT=Brenton’s English Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version(1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), EMTV =English Majority Text (2002); ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ETRV = Easy to Read(1999), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible (1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT =Goodspeed (1923), GWN=God’s Word (1995), IE= International English (1973), ISV=International Standard Version (1967), JPS=Jewish Publication Society (1917),JUB=Jubilee Bible (2003); KJV=King James Version (1611), LITV= Literal Translation of the Bible (1976), LIVING=Living Bible (1971),MESSAGE=The Message (1993), MKJV= Modern KJV (1962), MONTGOMERY=Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD=Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB=New American Bible (2002), NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New AmericanStandard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=New International Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible (1985),NKJV=New King James Version (1979), NLT=New Living Translation (1996), NRSV=New Revised Standard Version (1989), PHILLIPS=JB Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT=Bishop’s New Testament (1595), RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj(1985), WEB=Webster Bible (1833),WEYMOUTH=Weymouth’s New Testament (1903), WILLIAMS=William’s New Testament (1937),TYNDALE=Tyndale’s Bible (1526), WYCLIFFE=Wycliffe New Testament (1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862)

---------- GREEK LEXICON LEGEND ----------- LEXICON LEGEND: FRIEBERG = Friberg Lexicon, UBS = Barclay-Newman, LOUW-NIDA = Louw-Nida Lexicon, LIDDELL SCOTT

Lesson Number 1

The Book of Luke, 09/05/2014

A MINISTRY INITIATED INMAY 1993, AND DEDICATEDTO STRENGTHENING THOSEWHO ARE IN CHRIST, BYBUILDING THEIR FAITH,ENHANCING THEIR JOY, ANDSTABILIZING THEIR HOPE, ENABLING THEM TO WORKOUT THEIR SALVATION WITHFEAR AND TREMBLING.

P E R S U A D E D O F T H ENECESSITY OF KNOWING THECERTAINTY OF THE THINGSWE BELIEVE, LUKE MAKES USMORE FIRM BY BUTTRESSINGO U R F A I T H , A N DCONFIRMING WE HAVE NOTEMBRACED FABLES.

DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outrightcontradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the LordHimself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.

LUKE 1:1 "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 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, 4 That thoumightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke 1:1-4

As the famine increases, Egypt and Canaan faint. Joseph gives all the money to Pharaoh. Grain was then sold for cattle and land. – Given O. Blakely The Famine Reaches Its Apex 1 of 17


Luke labors to dispel the kind of hindranceswith which the nominal church has learned tolive.

specials, the Lord’s Table, collections,and, what is called, a sermon. For mostof the people that is enough.

Compare this with the disciplesbeing with Jesus – all day every day.Everywhere He went, except for timeswhen He prayed alone, they were withHim. None of them complained aboutthis. I realize that it not intended to bea fixed standard. Yet, I wonder howthey were able to endure so much, ascompared to the modern people whosay they are with Christ, who canendure so little. Of course, if people cansee it, now that Jesus has ascendedinto heaven, and is filling all things (Eph4:10), His disciples can be with Him allof the time.

Luke labors to dispel the kind of hindrances with which the nominalchurch has learned to live. He isparticularly writing to an apparentlyrecent convert – a political dignity. Yethis word is very relevant in our time. Hewants Theophilus to know the thingsthat are heartily embraced, believed,and known by those who are really in

Christ Jesus. I say “really in Christ,”because it is questionable that thosewho lack a prevailing interest in, andappetite for Jesus Christ are “in Him” atall. Critical evidence is sorely lacking inthem. Further, this is not an acceptablecondition in which those professing tobe Christians ought to be found, andScripture does not condone that stance.

AN INTRODUCTION TO LUKE

LUKE WAS NOT AN APOSTLE OFCHRIST

Like Mark, James, and Jude, Lukewas not an apostle. Yet, he was givento see the working of the Lord with adiscerning eye. Yet he wrote tomeaningful letters of Scripture.

Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke,which we are now considering, sendingit to the same man to whom the book ofActs was written. In that book he didnot present any doctrine, he did reportthe activities of the early church withremarkable precision. There is questionabout it being inspired by God, as is allScripture (2 Tim 3:16-17). Think of this:

- His is the only account of thereplacement of Judas (Acts 1:16-26).

- The only record of the actualconferment of the Holy Spirit aspromised by Jesus (Acts 2:1-4).

- The first preaching of the Gospel.

- The first Jewish converts.

- The commencement of the church.

- The first incarceration of theapostles.

- The first purging of the church.

- The turning of the entire city ofSamaria to Christ.

- The first conversion of someone

returning their native country.- The first persecution of the church.

- The conversion of Saul of Tarsus.

- The first conversion of Gentiles atthe house of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48).

- The first doctrinal issue over thematter of circumcision (Acts 15).

- The only documented record ofPaul’s travels (Acts 13-28).

LUKE WAS A GENTILEThe name “Luke” is only

mentioned two times in the Scriptures,both by Paul (Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:11).The KJV refers to him also as “Lucas,”a transliteration of the Greek word“Loukas.” With that single exception,the word is always translated “Luke.”

Because “Luke” is a Greek name,it is assumed he was a Greek, for, sofar as we know, the Hebrews did notname their children with Greek names.This is also supported by the fact thathe was not recognized by Paul as beingamong “the circumcised” – "And Jesus,which is called Justus, who are of thecircumcision. These only are my

CONTENTS CONTENTS || INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION || AN INTRODUCTION TO LUKEAN INTRODUCTION TO LUKE|| AN INTRODUCTION TO THEOPHILUSAN INTRODUCTION TO THEOPHILUS|| MANY HAVE TAKEN IN HAND TO SETMANY HAVE TAKEN IN HAND TO SET

FORTH IN ORDER (1:1a)FORTH IN ORDER (1:1a)|| THE THINGS MOST ASSUREDLYTHE THINGS MOST ASSUREDLY

BELIEVED AMONG US (1b)BELIEVED AMONG US (1b)|| THEY DELIVERED THEM TO US (1:2a)THEY DELIVERED THEM TO US (1:2a)|| THEY WERE EYE WITNESSES (1:2b)THEY WERE EYE WITNESSES (1:2b)|| IT SEEMED GOOD TO ME (1:3a)IT SEEMED GOOD TO ME (1:3a)|| HAVING HAD PERFECTHAVING HAD PERFECT

UNDERSTANDING FROM THE VERYUNDERSTANDING FROM THE VERYFIRST (1:3b)FIRST (1:3b)

|| TO WRITE IN ORDER (1:3c)TO WRITE IN ORDER (1:3c)|| KNOWING THE CERTAINTY OF THOSEKNOWING THE CERTAINTY OF THOSE

THINGS (1:4a)THINGS (1:4a)|| WHEREIN THOU HAST BEENWHEREIN THOU HAST BEEN

INSTRUCTED (1:4b)INSTRUCTED (1:4b)|| CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION



fellowworkers unto the kingdom ofGod, which have been a comfort untome. Epaphras, who is one of you(Colossae), a servant of Christ, salutethyou, always laboring fervently for youin prayers, that ye may stand perfectand complete in all the will of God. ForI bear him record, that he hath a greatzeal for you, and them that are inLaodicea and them in Hierapolis. Luke,the beloved physician, and Demas,greet you" (Col 4:11-14).

LUKE WAS A PHYSICIANPaul referred to Luke as “the

beloved physician” (Col 4:14). Otherversions read, “dear friend Luke thedoctor,” NIV "well-loved medical friend,”BBE "dearly loved physician," CEB and "themost dear physician." DOUAY

It is generally assumed, and rightlyso I believe, that Luke ministered toPaul in the bearing of his infirmities (2Cor 11:30l 12:5,9,10; Gal 4:13).

LUKE WAS ONE OF PAUL’S PREMIERCOMPANIONS

Luke was the only companionwith Paul at the close of his life. Afterwriting to Timothy that his departurewas at hand, he added "Only Luke iswith me" (2 Tim 4:11). QuickVerseBible notes says of this verse, “Luke isthe only companion of Paul at the end.This is sad, but not surprising. It is clearthat an especially tender relationshiphad developed between the two menover the years. It is possible that Lukemay have served as the amanuensis(secretary) for the penning of thisepistle (as well as for 1 Timothy andTitus).”

Throughout the book of Acts,Luke states his presence in the eventschronicled therein by the word “us.” Hispresence with Paul appears to begin atthe point where Paul received a visiondirecting them to go to Macedonia.From that point on Luke uses the word“us” apart from quoting what someoneelse said–i.e. Acts 13:33,47; 14:11,17;15:7-9,24,25,28,36; 16:9). From thatpoint on we read:

- THE CALL TO MACEDONIA. “And afterhe had seen the vision, immediately

we endeavored to go intoMacedonia, assuredly gathering thatthe Lord had called US for to preachthe gospel unto them." (Acts16:10)

- PRESENT IN MACEDONIA. "And acertain woman named Lydia, a sellerof purple, of the city of Thyatira,which worshiped God, heard us:whose heart the Lord opened, thatshe attended unto the things whichwere spoken of Paul." (Acts 16:14)

- THE HOUSEHOLD OF LYDIA."And whenshe was baptized, and herhousehold, she besought us, saying,If ye have judged me to be faithfulto the Lord, come into my house,and abide there. And sheconstrained us." (Acts 16:15)

- THE WOMAN WITH THE SPIRIT OFDIVINATION. "And it came to pass, aswe went to prayer, a certain damselpossessed with a spirit of divinationmet us, which brought her mastersmuch gain by soothsaying: Thesame followed Paul and us, andcried, saying, These men are theservants of the most high God,which show unto US the way ofsalvation." (Acts 16:16-17)

- THE TRIP TO ASIA. "And thereaccompanied him into Asia So paterof Berean; and of the Thessalonians,Aristarchus and Seconds; and Gaiusof Derbe, and Timotheus; and ofAsia, Tychicus and Trophimus.These going before tarried for US atTreas." (Acts 20:4-5)

- SAILING TO ASSES AND MITYLENE. "And

we went before to ship, and sailedunto Asses, there intending to takein Paul: for so had he appointed,minding himself to go afoot. Andwhen he met with US at Asses, wetook him in, and came to Mitylene." (Acts 20:13-14).

- SAILING FROM MITYLENE. "And whenwe had accomplished those days,we departed and went our way; andthey all brought US on our way,with wives and children, till we wereout of the city: and we kneeleddown on the shore, and prayed." (Acts 21:5)

- WHEN AGABUS PROPHESIED. "And aswe tarried there many days, therecame down from Judaea a certainprophet, named Agabus. And whenhe was come unto us, he took Paul'sgirdle, and bound his own hands andfeet, and said, Thus saith the HolyGhost, So shall the Jews atJerusalem bind the man that owneththis girdle, and shall deliver him intothe hands of the Gentiles." (Acts21:10-11)

- WHEN THEY CAME TO JERUSALEM."There went with US also certain ofthe disciples of Caesarea, andbrought with them one Mnason ofCyprus, an old disciple, with whomwe should lodge. And when wewere come to Jerusalem, thebrethren received US gladly." (Acts21:16-17).

- WHEN PAUL WENT IN TO JAMES. "Andthe day following Paul went in withUS unto James; and all the elders

were present. And when he hadsaluted them, he declaredparticularly what things God had

Throughout the book of Acts, Luke states hispresence in the events chronicled therein by theword “us.” His presence with Paul appears tobegin at the point where Paul received a visiondirecting them to go to Macedonia.



Irenaeus (16th century)“Luke, the companion of Paul, put down in abook the gospel preached by him.” He alsosays, “Luke was not only a companion, butalso a fellow-laborer of the apostles,especially of Paul.”

Origen 185-253“The third is that according to Luke, thegospel commended by Paul, published forthe sake of the Gentile converts.”

COMMENTS ON LUKE wrought among the Gentiles by hisministry." (Acts 21:18-19).

- WHEN SAILING TO ITALY. “And when itwas determined that we should sailinto Italy, they delivered Paul andcertain other prisoners unto onenamed Julius, a centurion ofAugustus' band. And entering into aship of Adramyttium, we launched,meaning to sail by the coasts ofAsia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonianof Thessalonica, being with us." (Acts 27:1-2).

- WHEN CONTINUING TO ITALY FROMLYCIA. "And when we had sailedover the sea of Cilicia andPamphylia, we came to Myra, a cityof Lycia. And there the centurionfound a ship of Alexandria sailinginto Italy; and he put US therein." (Acts 27:5-6)

- DURING THE STORM AND SHIPWRECK."And when neither sun nor stars inmany days appeared, and no smalltempest lay on us, all hope that weshould be saved was then takenaway." (Acts 27:20)

- ON THE BARBAROUS ISLAND. "And thebarbarous people showed US nolittle kindness: for they kindled afire, and received US every one,because of the present rain, andbecause of the cold." (Acts 28:2)

- WITH THE CHIEF OF THE ISLAND,PUBLIUS. "In the same quarters werepossessions of the chief man of theisland, whose name was Publius;who received us, and lodged USthree days courteously." (Acts28:7)

- WHEN MANY OF THE ISLAND WEREHEALED. "So when this was done,others also, which had diseases inthe island, came, and were healed:Who also honored US with manyhonors; and when we departed, theyladed US with such things as werenecessary." (Acts 28:9-10)

- WHEN PAUL ARRIVED IN ROME. "Andfrom thence, when the brethrenheard of us, they came to meet USas far as Appii forum, and The threetaverns: whom when Paul saw, hethanked God, and took courage. Andwhen we came to Rome, thecenturion delivered the prisoners tothe captain of the guard: but Paulwas suffered to dwell by himselfwith a soldier that kept him." (Acts28:15-16)

SOMETHING TO NOTICEIn Luke’s writings, both in His

Gospel, and in the book of Acts, Lukenever draws attention to Himself. Amodern writer would probably havemade a number of observations, citingwhat it was like to personally be in ashipwreck, make it to shore in a storm,and be among a tribal people. Luke wasaware that, in their travels, Paul wasthe primary person, and not himself. Hiswork was the more weighty one.

Because of his extensive travelswith, and companionship of, Paul, manyof the church fathers felt the Gospel hewrote was a record of the Gospel Paulpreached. While that is no doubt true, Ido not prefer to state such a thing. Itseems to me to detract from the bookbeing written through the inspiration ofGod, as was all Scripture (2 Tim 3:16-17). Also, Luke confessed he had a“perfect understanding” of the thingshe recorded. That is how I prefer tothink of this book.

It is evident that Luke devoted hislife to the Lord. From the first recordedtime that he was with Paul in Troas.(Acts 16:8-11), until Paul arrived inRome (Acts 28:16), was approximatelyten years – a solid decade with theapostle Paul, with no record of him everleaving him. What a sterling testimonyto the reliability and devotion of thisman. Being a physician, it is more thanlikely that he had extensive education.However, in the interest of the work ofthe Lord, he appears to have largelyforfeited that advantage in order todevote himself to the work of Paul,

ministering to him, and recording thegeneral activities of the church from theascension of Christ until Paul’s arrival inRome.

The period of time from theascension of Christ until the officialjoining of Luke with Paul was aboutseventeen years – a period filled withholy activity, persecution, and thespread of the Gospel. It is distinctlypossible that Luke was present duringthat entire period, which would accountfor him saying he had a perfectunderstanding “from the beginning.”

Some are of the opinion Luke was one of the “seventy,” sent out by Jesus (Luke 10:1-12). JEROME Others think hewas the companion of Cleophas, which iswhy the companion is unnamed in theaccount recorded in Luke 24.THEOPHYL Alegend recorded by the increduloushistorian Nicephorus Callisus (died1450) states Luke was acquainted withthe art of painting, and provided thefirst portraits of the Lord, His mother,and His chief apostles.

You see what men are prone to dowith a little revelation. Not content withthe Spirit’s record, they seek to develophistory to suit their own liking, anddraw attention to themselves. Thistrend is very prevalent in our time.Strictly speaking, the Word of God isnot for scholars, but for believers. Itmust be recognized that scholarship,however valuable it may appear to be,takes a back-seat to believing.



AN INTRODUCTION TO THEOPHILUS

Theophilus is mentioned onlytwice in Scripture, both of them in thewritings of Luke. The Gospel of Luke,as stated in the text, was written tothis man. Additionally, the book of Actswas written to him in order todocument what happed after “the dayin which He was taken up, after that Hethrough the Holy Ghost had givencommandments unto the apostleswhom He had chosen: To whom alsoHe showed Himself alive after Hispassion by many infallible proofs, being

seen of them forty days, and speakingof the things pertaining to the kingdomof God" (Acts 1:2-3).

The name Theophilus means“friend” (philus) of “God (theo). Someof the “church fathers” take theposition that this is not a person at all,but is addressed to all believers, whom,they say, are friends of God. However,the expression “most excellentTheophilus” (Luke 1:3) seems to me toforbid such a contrived explanation. For

myself, it will suffice to say that Thisman was apparently a believer, hadoccupied some high office, and was anacquaintance of Luke. It is thought,with reasonable support, that theGospel of Luke (56 A.D.) was writtenabout seven years before the book ofActs (63 A.D.). Whether precise or not,that suggests some obvious devotionon the part of Theophilus over thatseven-year interval of time. He did notlose his interest in the things of Godover that period of time.

MANY HAVE TAKEN IN HAND TO SET FORTH IN ORDER

" LUKE 1:1a Forasmuch as many havetaken in hand to set forth in order. . . ”

FORASMUCH. “Forasmuch as.”Other versions read, “inasmuch,” NKJV

“Since,” NRSV "As," BBE "Now,” NET

"Seeing that," NJB and “since [as is wellknown].” AMPLIFIED

The lexical meaning of the word“forasmuch,” is “Conjunction: seeing that,forasmuch as; since now,” THAYER “a causalconjunction with reference to a well-known factsince indeed, inasmuch as, considering that,”FRIBERG “because, since, for, inasmuch as.” LOUW-NIDA

Luke will now cite a circumstancethat had encouraged him to write thistreatise to Theophilus. One of the traitsof a godly mind is that of holydeliberation – being moved along bythoughtful and proper incentives.

MANY HAVE TAKEN IN HAND“. . . many have taken in hand...”

Other versions read, “Many haveundertaken,” NASB "a number of attemptshave been made," BBE "Many peoplehave already applied themselves," CEB

"many have been disposed to" MRD

"Many people have set out to," NLT

“many people have tried to,” IE “Manypeople have tried to,” CEV “Many peoplehave done their best.” GNB

Early on, there had been a

plethora of writings about Jesus.Actually, most of them eventually fellby the wayside of erroneous thought.Perhaps some were needlessredundancy, or the writer did not seeenough to write about Jesus, having avery limited and rudimentary view ofthe Savior. We have a similarphenomenon today – many preachers,teachers, and writers that have a verylimited view of the truth. There is aneed for someone to rise up and throwdown modern imaginations.

This also involves the awarenessof how others have treated the subjectof dissertation. Some things that arewritten are incorrect, perhaps skewed,and may even be a deliberatemisrepresentation of the truth of God.There is a need for such writings to beexposed so they will not lead othersastray. Other things need to beconfirmed in order to establish theunanimity that exists among those whoare living by faith. Still others areclumsily stated and need clarification.

- Jesus Himself dealt with things likethis. In the teaching of His discipleson a mountain, He four times saidthe following: “Ye have heard that ithath been said . . . But I say untoyou” (Matt 5:31-48–esp. verses31,33,38, and 43). Two times Hespecifically addressed certain

sayings: “Ye have heard that is wassaid,” then providing a morethorough view of things Matt5:21,27).

- Jesus rebuked the church inPergamos for having some amongthem that held to the doctrine ofBalaam, and the doctrine of theNicolaitanes, which He hated (Rev2:14-15).

- He warned His disciples about “thedoctrine of the doctrine of thePharisees and of the Sadducees”(Matt 16:6,11-12).

- Jesus spoke of the blind leading theblind, and both falling into the ditch(Matt 5:14).

- The apostles and elders cametoge the r to co r r ec t themisconception that some fromJerusalem were teaching: "Exceptye be circumcised after the mannerof Moses, ye cannot be saved"(Acts 15:1).

- In his letter to the churches inGalatia, Paul decimated some falseteaching concerning circumcisionthat they had been taught (Gal5:6,12; 6:13,15).

- Paul addressed the erroneous saying



that some had credited to him: “Letus do evil that good may come”(Rom 3:8). He challenged some inthe church in Corinth who weresaying, “There is no resurrection ofthe dead” (1 Cor 15:12).

- Paul warned the Colossians aboutdoctrinal encroachments thatinvolved the observing of Jewishfeasts, and heathen philosophy (Col2:8-10).

- Jude warned his readers aboutcertain men who had crept in amongthem unawares, and were subtlyturning them away from the Lord(Jude 1:4).

Luke sees a need to provide somemore focused and precise writingconcerning Christ Jesus and the thingsrelated to Him.

TO SET FORTH IN ORDER"1:1b . . . to set forth in order.”

Other versions read, “set in order anarrative,” NKJV “compile an account,”NASB “draw up an account,” NIV “setdown an orderly account,” NRSV “to puttogether in order an account, BBE

“Several biographies of Christ,” LIVING

“arrange a narrative,” ABP “tried to tellthe story of what God has done amongus,” CEV “compose accounts of themovement which has developed amongus,” GOODSPEED and, “put in order anddraw up a [thorough] narrative.” AMPLIFIED

The mind of man, as I see things,is intended to think in an orderly andpurposeful manner. This is whyimaginations, self-exalting thoughts,and unreasonableness are intrusionsinto the mind rather than trulyproductive considerations. These arethings to be thrown down, else soundthinking and profitable reasoning will beimpossible. This is the reason for theunfortunate existence of skewedpreaching and for formation offundamentally flawed bodies of religiousthought.

When Paul declared the truth, heoften “reasoned” with the people (Acts17:2; 18:4,19; 24:25). He was settingforth truth within the context of Divine

purpose, and the totality of God’srevelation. When he confrontedopposition and had seen hostility, it wasbecause the objectors had adopted an erroneous line of reasoning. They hadread and valued the Scriptures,combined them with human tradition,and come up with inaccurateconclusions that actually were set inopposition to the truth of God.

Godly reasoning postulates theorderly integration of thoughts.Sometimes, but not always, thisinvolves perceiving the proper sequenceof things:–i.e., first law, thentransgression (Rom 4:15); first theputting away of sin, then justification(Rom :8-9); first justification, thenglorification (Rom 8:30).

In saying “many have taken inhand,” Luke is not speaking of apostleswho had written an orderly account ofthe events he will describe (Matthew

and John). Those two could hardly bereferred to as “many.” Rather, he isreferring to spurious gospels thateventually faded away. The specificones to which he refers had apparentlyalready been tried by the apostles,found wanting, and removed, for whichwe give thanks. That was part of theresponsibility of the apostles – toensure that the truth of God was in thehands and minds of the people, andcompeting and fragmentary gospelsremoved. They buttressed this by theirfaithful proclamation of the truth ofGod, especially as revealed in theGospel. Paul, as the apostle to theGentiles, did the same thing, pointingout heresy, showing its inconsistency,and lifting up the truth of God.

Later, a plethora of false gospelswere distributed, which were alsothrown down by those leaders whoembraced and comprehended the truth ofGod. Among them are the following. This



is not a pleasant ministry, but it is aneedful one – and spiritual weaponry hasbeen provided to do it (2 Cor 10:3-4).

TAKEN FROM http://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/apocryphal-gospels

- Acts of Paul- Gospel of Thomas and Gospel of the

Egyptians (both of these taught thatsexual acts within marriage werewrong, and that salvation is notobtained through faith, but throughmystical knowledge) – Gnosticgospels

- Gospel of Judas (taught that Jesusasked Judas to betray Him so thatHis spirit would be liberated from Hishuman body)

- The Gospel of Thomas- Gospel of the twelve apostles- Gospel of Barnabas- Gospel of Bartholomew- Gospel of Mary- Gospel of Egyptians- Gospel of the Hebrews

- The Gospel of the Nazarenes- The Gospel of Marcion (deleted the

baptism and temptation ofJesus)–200 A.D.

- The Ebionite Gospel- The Apocalypse of Peter (200 A.D.).

SOME OBSERVATIONSAs time continued to march

toward the consummation of all things,the caliber of Christian leaders began todeteriorate. This was largely owing tothe g rowing dominance ofinstitutionalization, and reliance uponacademics , and educat iona laccreditation. Even though theseformalizations were imagined to be themeans of plugging up the entrance oferror, they became the conduit throughwhich it came. Instead of error beingthrown down as soon as it surfaced,men formed symposiums to examinethe error with nothing more than humanunderstanding. This tardy andineffectual manner of dealing with erroractually allowed for the formation of

sects, or denominations. In this wayerror eventually came to be tolerated,because those who embraced it choseto call themselves “Christians.” Ratherthan a strong militant stance againsterror, a new tolerant attitude wasadopted in the interest of not offending“the weaker brother.” The result of thisaccommodating attitude is a splinteredand ineffective Christendom that hasbrought disgrace to God and His Son,an emaciated and powerless church, ahidden Gospel, and a dominatingspiritual ignorance of the things of God.

In my understanding, this isprecisely the thing that Luke wrote tocounteract. He had the understandingthat was required to lay out the Gospelin an orderly and God-glorifying manner.He also perceived that knowing thetruth set men free from religious erroras well as moral contamination andalienation from God. An ignorance ofthe things of God is always devastating,and therefore harmful to believers.

THE THINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED AMONG US

“ 1:1c . . . a declaration of thosethings which are most surely believedamong us."

At once, you should be able to seethe disastrous effects of divisionswithin the professing church, withcontradicting persuasions andmessages, the lack of brotherly love,and cloisters that have gathered aroundmere human opinion.

The present condition ofChristendom is a flagrant contradictionof what is stated in this text. Officiallythere are about 41,000 “Christian”denominations. The Roman Catholicchurch affirms it is the one true church.The Apostolic church, and the Orthodoxchurch also make the claim of being theoriginal church. Some segments of theRestoration Movement also claim thisdistinction, together with some factionswithin the Baptist church and other“Apostolic” groups.

Luke will now address somethingthat sets “the body of Christ” apartfrom all human institutions. He willspeak of those in Christ as separatefrom all other peoples. He will affirmthey hold to a “declaration” that is heldby no other body of people. Part of theinfluence of the truth is the oneness ofthose who embrace and proclaim it.

This has always been true. Whenthe custodians of truth fail to proclaimit, the effect of the truth itself fails.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,the prophet Isaiah proclaimed this,which actually took place in Israel."And judgment is turned awaybackward, and justice standeth afar off:for truth is fallen in the street, andequity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth;and he that departeth from evil makethhimself a prey: and the LORD saw it,and it displeased Him that there was nojudgment" (Isa 59:14-15). Otherversions express those highlightedphrases in this way: “truth has

At once, you should be able to see thedisastrous effects of divisions within theprofessing church, with contradictingpersuasions and messages, the lack ofbrotherly love, and cloisters that havegathered around mere human opinion.



stumbled in the street . . . truth islacking,” NASB “truth has stumbled in thestreets . . . truth is nowhere to befound,” NIV “truth stumbles in the publicsquare . . . truth is lacking,” NRSV

"stumbles in the public court. . . truthis missing," CJB "truth hath been feeblein the street . . . and the truth islacking" YLT “Truth falls dead in thestreets . . . truth is gone,” LIVING and“Truth has fallen in the street (the city’sforum) . . . yes, truth is lacking” AMPLIFIED

I suppose there are some naivesouls who do not think truth can fall orfail, but the Holy Spirit says otherwise. The truth of the matter is that God willnot allow such conditions to remainindefinitely. Rather, He will do what Hesaid through Amos –send a famine ofHEARING the Word of the Lord. Here isthat salient prophecy. "Behold, the dayscome, saith the Lord GOD, that I willsend a famine in the land, not a famineof bread, nor a thirst for water, but ofhearing the words of the LORD: Andthey shall wander from sea to sea, andfrom the north even to the east, theyshall run to and fro to seek the word ofthe LORD, and shall not find it. In thatday shall the fair virgins and young menfaint for thirst" (Amos 8:11-13). This isthe circumstance of our time. The Wordof God still exists. However, it is theHEARING of it that is no longercommon. The pulpits have largely driedup, and been given over to cheap andineffectual counseling at the best, andraw entertainment at the worst.

This general condition is largelyunknown because the attention ofprofessing “Christians” has been drawnto lesser things. Now, few professingbelievers have a clear and cogent ideaof the things to which Luke now refers:“those things which are most surelybelieved among us."

Now Luke will labor to keep sucha thing from happening. He knows thatif the truth is not understood, it will notbe proclaimed, and it will not betranslated into life. If there is nocertainty, there will not be a consistentdeclaration. Therefore, he will, underthe direction of the Holy Spirit, putthem down in writing.

A DECLARATION“ 1:1c . . . a declaration . . .” Other

versions read, “a narrative,” NKJV

“compile an account,” NASB “draw up anaccount,” NIV “set down an orderlyaccount,” NRSV "put together in order anaccount," BBE "draw up a relation," DARBY

"draw up accounts of the events," NJB

“biographies,” LIVING “a narrative of thefacts,” WEYMOUTH and “put in order anddraw up a [thorough] narrative. AMPLIFIED

John Gill writes this explanation ofthe verse: “that is, they undertook to write andpublish a very particular and exact narrative of thebirth, life, actions, doctrines, miracles, sufferings,death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ;things which Luke, and other Christians, had thefullest and strongest evidence, and were confidentlyassured of, and most firmly believed, even with a fullassurance of faith.” JOHN GILL

The point Luke is making is thatthese various accounts did not presenta clear record to the people. In somecases, this might have been a deliberateattempt to malign the Christ and thosewho believed on Him. However,although that is possible, it does notappear to me that this is thecircumstance to which Luke refers. Irather see this as referring to theattempts of relative novices to set forththe Christ. They did not have enoughunderstanding to present the facts ofthe case, taking into account thefollowing.

- That the facts men sought to reportwere actually the working of “thewonderful works of God” (Acts2:11; John 14:10).

- That the facts were done infulfillment of God’s “will” (John4:34; 6:38).

- That they were done in fulfillment ofthe law and the prophets (Matt5:17).

- That the end of Christ’s life wasmore meaningful than what He didas He “went about doing good, andhealing all who were possessed ofthe devil” (Acts 10:38) – Rom 8:34.

- That men needed more than an

example of how to live.

- That Christ’s greater ministry was inheaven, following His death andresurrection (Acts 2:33-36; 5:31Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20-22; Heb 7:25;8:1).

- That Jesus did not come to bringpeace (Matt 10:34).

Men still have this tendency ofpresenting the truth of God in thewrong manner.

- As though Jesus came to solidifydomestic families.

- As though He came so men mightbe in good health, and have muchwealth.

- As though He came so men could bethe head, and not the tail, be lendersinstead of borrowers, and functionas leaders in governmental circles.

In all of these emphases, anunshakable body of reality is notrequired – but such is required for mento stand by faith, and prepare for theend of the world and the coming ofChrist.

THOSE THINGS“ . . . of those things . . .” These

things relate specifically to Christ Jesus– the reason for His entrance into theworld, what was accomplished whileHe was in the world; and what He isdoing now that He has been seated atthe right hand of God. All of thecontrived purposes of men are notsupported by facts, but bysuppositions. They do not rest upon thedeath, burial, resurrection, andexaltation of Christ – and that isbecause those realities were driven bya high and God-ordained purpose.

MOST SURELY BELIEVED “ . . . which are most surely

believed . . .” Other versions read,“which have been fulfilled among us,”NKJV “things accomplished among us,”NASB “been surely believed,” NIV FOOTNOTE "those events which took place amongus," BBE "the matters fully believed



among us" DARBY "those things, whereofwe are fully persuaded" GENEVA "thoseevents, of which we have fullassurance," MRD "things which are surelyknown among us," TNT "matters thathave been fully assured among us," YLT

“the certainties which have taken placeamong us,” IE “the facts which arereceived with full assurance among us,”WEYMOUTH “those matters which havebeen fully established among us,”MONTGOMERY “having full assurance amongus,” ABP “the story of what God hasdone among us,” CEV “the things thathappened among us to complete God'splan,” ERV “accounts of the movementwhich has developed among us,”GOODSPEED “those things which among ushave been most certain,” JUB and “thesurely established deeds which havebeen accomplished and fulfilled in andamong us.” AMPLIFIED

I do not know when the imaginedmeaning of “what God has done among us” was thought to be correct (ascompared to “surely believed.” Thiswas not representative of the thinkingin the past. Below are some examplesof how this text was viewed byrespected commentators. This does notconstitute proof of the matter, but onlysubstantiates that a change in thinkingtook place in the Christian community.

PULPIT COMMENTARY. “There was evidently noquestioning in the Church of the first days about thetruth of the story of the teaching and the mightyworks of Jesus of Nazareth.”

JOHN GILL. “That is, they undertook to write andpublish a very particular and exact narrative of the

birth, life, actions, doctrines, miracles, sufferings,death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ;things which Luke, and other Christians, had thefullest and strongest evidence, and were confidentlyassured of, and most firmly believed, even with a fullassurance of faith.”

JOHN CALVIN. “It looks, therefore, as if he wereexpressing a resolution to do what had been alreadydone. I reply, though he deals gently with those whohad written before him, he does not altogetherapprove of their labors. He does not expressly saythat they had written on matters with which they wereimperfectly acquainted, but by laying claim to certaintyas to the facts, he modestly denies their title to fulland unshaken confidence.”

ALBERT BARNES. “That all Christians do “mostsurely believe” the truth of the gospel. It is theirlife, their hope, their all. Nor can they doubt thattheir Savior lived, bled, died, rose, and still lives;that he was their atoning sacrifice, and that he is Godover all, blessed forever.”

ADAM CLARKE. “Facts confirmed by the fullestevidence- twn peplhroforhmenwn pragmatwn.Every thing that had been done or said by Jesus Christwas so public, so plain, and so accredited bythousands of witnesses, who could have had nointerest in supporting an imposture, as to carry thefullest conviction, to the hearts of those who heardand saw him, of the divinity of his doctrine, and thetruth of his miracles.”

MATTHEW HENRY: “That the things he wrote of werethings that were most surely believed among allCHRISTIANS, and therefore things which they ought tobe instructed in, that they may know what they believe,and things which ought to be transmitted to posterity(who are as much concerned in them as we are); and,in order to that, to be committed to writing, which isthe surest way of conveyance to the ages to come.”

This by no means is offered asundeniable proof of the meaning of thepassage. I only intend to point out achange took place in the thinking ofpurported language experts.

The lexical meaning of the wordtranslated “believed” is as follows: “tobear or bring full, to make full; to cause a thing to beshown to the full; to fulfil the ministry in every; tocarry through to the end, things that have beenaccomplished; to fill one with any thought, conviction,or inclination; to make one certain, to persuade,convince one; to be persuaded, persuaded, fullyconvinced or assured; c3) to render inclined or benton; Usage: AV - be fully persuaded 2, be most surelybelieved 1, be fully known 1, make full proof.” THAYER

I therefore conclude that, from thestandpoint of etymology, there is nojustifiable reason for not accepting thestandard reading, “those things whichare most surely believed among us."

More Suitable ContextuallyIn my judgment, the words “surely

believed,” blend in better with the text.Luke’s Gospel is estimated to have beenwritten between 60-70 A.D. The bookof Acts contains records of Paul arrivingin Rome, which was close to 60 A.D.All of this being true, at least thirty,and as many as forty, years had passedsince Jesus ascended into heaven. Tome, it is inconceivable that “us” islimited to those who actually witnessedthe events chronicled in this Gospel.Notwithstanding, because this cannotbe conclusively proved, I must let thematter rest there, stating that this ishow I understand it.

AMONG US“ . . . among us." The vast

majority of the versions read “amongus.”I understand this to mean Luke iswriting to Theophilus about the thingsof which believers of that time werepersuaded.

WHAT ABOUT “AMONG US” TODAY?What would a person say today

about what is “most surely believedamong us?” – and who would “us” be?If one was to attempt to speak for allbelievers – which is who Luke wasspeaking for– I cannot begin to imagine

I cannot begin to imagine the kind ofanswers that might be put forward. As awhole, Christendom cannot even agree onwho Jesus is, why He came, what Heaccomplished, what He is doing now, and thethings related to Him coming again.



the kind of answers that might be putforward. As a whole, Christendomcannot even agree on who Jesus is,why He came, what He accomplished,what He is doing now, and the thingsrelated to Him coming again. In fact, it

is my persuasion that if any localcongregation was asked to put forwardthe things concerning which everyonewas persuaded, there is no question inmy mind but that the people wouldattempt to defend their sect – and, even

at that, they would probably be able tomake only a relatively brief statement.This kind of language – “most surelybelieved” is simply not the waycontemporary Christians speak.

THEY DELIVERED THEM UNTO US

“ 1:2a Even as they delivered themunto us . . .”

THEY“Even as they . . .” Other versions

read “those.” NKJV As Luke will clarify,these were the apostles – menpersonally chosen by the Christ Himself.Throughout His ministry, from thebeginning to the end, they were withHim. They are declared to be the “first”in rank that were placed within thechurch, which is the body of Christ:"But now hath God set the membersevery one of them in the body, as ithath pleased him . . . "And God hathset some in the church, first apostles,secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers,after that miracles, then gifts ofhealings, helps, governments,diversities of tongues" (1 Cor 12:18).The “prophets” placed “secondarily” inthe church are not the “prophets”classed with Moses –i.e. “Moses andthe prophets” (Luke 16:29,31; 24:27;John 1:45). Insofar as preeminence wasconcerned, Jesus said, "For all theprophets and the law prophesied untilJohn" (Matt 11:13). Their ministry wasto prepare for Christ. The prophets thatare secondary in the church are thosewith gifted insight into the things ofGod, who consistently speak “untoedification, exhortation, and comfort”(1 Cor 11:3). There were men of thiscaliber in the church at Antioch ofSyria: "Now there were in the churchthat was at Antioch certain prophetsand teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeonthat was called Niger, and Lucius of

Cyrene, and Manaen, which had beenbrought up with Herod the tetrarch, and

Saul" (Acts 13:1). Also, note that“teachers” are third in rank in thechurch (1 Cor 12:28).

It is what the apostles taught thatLuke described as “those things whichare most surely believed among us.”

DELIVERED THEM TO US “ . . . delivered them unto us . . .”

Other versions read, “just as,” NKJV "basedon," CJB "According as" DOUAY "Theyreceived their information from,” GWN “onthe authority of,” WEYMOUTH “They wrotewhat we had been told,” CEV “What theyhave written agrees with,” “They wrotewhat we have been told,” GNB and “usingreports handed down.” MESSAGE

You see what a tangled web hasbeen woven by those who representthe text as saying “things accomplishedamong us,” NIV instead “things that aremost assuredly believed among us.” Inthe first instance, we have men writingabout things that took place amongthem, but their report is not what itought to be. Therefore, Luke is requiredto write some additional things, and todo so in an orderly manner.

The “done among us” is not at allLuke’s meaning. He is going to accountfor the things that are surely believedamong the saints, tracing it back to whatthe apostles had made known aboutwhat was accomplished by Jesus.

It is the doctrine of the apostlesthat is to be preached, and taught withinsight. The early church was faithful incontinuing “steadfastly in,” first of all,“the apostles doctrine” (Acts 2:42).

What is referred to as the “greatcommission” was delivered specificallyto the apostles (Matt 28:18-20; Mk16:15-16). It is true that, by inference,this is to be done by others: “Teachingthem to observe all things whatsoeverI have commanded you: and, lo, I amwith you alway, even unto the end ofthe world. Amen" (Matt 28:20) –although no inspired man every saidsuch a thing. No one should preachwho is ignorant of “the apostles’doctrine.” Further, no man is sanctionedto preach any “doctrine” or “gospel”that was not taught by the apostles.Any message that does not center in,and is not summed up in, the LordJesus Christ, is neither gospel nor truth.

Notwithstanding this ratherobvious conclusion, there is such adiversity of gospels, saviors, andsalvation being preached that it is mind-boggling. Professed “Christianity” ismore divided than any other body ofreligious thought. Even though believersare told, "Now I beseech you, brethren,by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that ye all speak the same thing, andthat there be no divisions among you;but that ye be perfectly joined togetherin the same mind and in the samejudgment." (1 Cor 1:10), men haveinsisted on causing and maintainingdivisions, not having the same mind,and not using he same judgment. Thatsimply means they have not taken thisadmonition seriously, and that is a sinof the greatest gravity.

Notwithstanding this rather obvious conclusion, thereis such a diversity of gospels, saviors, and salvationbeing preached that it is mind-boggling.



THEY WERE EYE WITNESSES

“ 1:2b. . . which from the beginningwere eyewitnesses . . .” Other versionsread, “from the first wereeyewitnesses,” NIV “those who sawthem from the first," BBE "the originaleyewitnesses" CEB "those who from thestart were eyewitnesses," CJB "whichfrom the beginning saw them theirselves,” GENEVA "They used theeyewitness reports circulating among usfrom the early disciples," NLT "whichfrom the beginning saw themthemselves with their eyes," PNT "whofrom the beginning became eye-witnesses," YLT “and those who fromthe [official] beginning [of Jesus’ministry] were eyewitnesses.” AMPLIFIED

It is possible to read this andimagine that anyone who was an eyewitness to the working of those thingsmost assuredly believed among us, wasqualified to be a witness. But this is notat all the case. This very fact is whatcasts the shadow of doubt on men’suse of, what they have chosen to call,“the great commission.”

These men were hand-picked bythe Lord Jesus Himself. Luke himselfgives the account: "And when it wasday, He called unto him His disciples:and of them He chose twelve, whomalso He named apostles; Simon, (whomHe also named Peter,) and Andrew hisbrother, James and John, Philip andBartholomew, Matthew and Thomas,James the son of Alphaeus, and Simoncalled Zelotes, And Judas the brother ofJames, and Judas Iscariot, which alsowas the traitor" (Luke 6:13-16).

Mark’s Gospel adds this: "And Heordained twelve, that they should beWITH HIM, and that HE MIGHT SENDTHEM FORTH TO PREACH, and to havepower to heal sicknesses, and to castout devils" (Mark 3:14-15). Everyonewas not free to be with Jesus all of thetime. There were people He “sentaway” (Matt 15:39; Mk 4:36; 6:45;8:9). But it is never said of His apostles,“and He sent them away.”

Jesus told “the twelve” things Hedid not say to anyone else (About Elijahand John the Baptist, Matt 17:10-12).He explained things to them He did notexplain to anyone else (expounding theparable of the sower, Mk 4:11-20). Hetook them places to which He took noone else (Gethsemane, John 18:1).They were permitted to be with Him,when no one was allowed to be withthem (the Last Supper, Lk 22:15). Theircalling, experience, and purpose wereabsolutely unique.

The qualifications for an apostlewere spelled out by Peter, as they wereawaiting the promise of the Father:"Wherefore of these men which havecompanied with us all the time that theLord Jesus went in and out among us,Beginning from the baptism of John,unto that same day that he was takenup from us, must one be ordained to bea witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22). Even at that time, twowere found who met the qualification:"Joseph called Barsabas, who wassurnamed Justus, and Mathias" (Acts1:23) – but only one was chosen,Mathias. The inspired record says “hewas numbered with the twelve” (Acts1:26), and “the twelve” are mentionedas being in place before Saul of Tarsuswas called (Acts 6:2; 1 Cor 15:5). Paulwas the exclusive apostle to theGentiles (Rom 11:13; 1 Tim 2:7; 2 Tim1:11).

There were things revealed to theapostles that were not directly revealedto anyone else. For example, no other

people were told, "Howbeit when He,the Spirit of truth, is come, He willguide you into ALL TRUTH: for He shallnot speak of Himself; but whatsoeverHe shall hear, that shall He speak: andHe will show you things to come. Heshall glorify Me: for He shall receive ofMine, and shall show it unto you. Allthings that the Father hath are Mine:therefore said I, that He shall take ofMine, and shall show it unto you" (John16:13-15).

I Understand this to mean that ourunderstanding must begin with thetestimony of the apostles. The Spiritwill illuminate their word to us, but wewill not know what they knew until wehave been exposed to what they said.That is the way Jesus intends for thisto work. It is why He kept the twelvewith Him all the time. It is why He toldthem things no one else heard.

It was necessary for an apostle tohave seen everything Jesus did in Hisministry, and hear every revelation orexplanation of the truth that came fromHis mouth. They had to have beenexposed to all of the events of Christ’sministry, from the beginning to the end.The role of the Holy Spirit toward themwas to breathe life into all of thesethings, bringing them to theirremembrance, and opening them totheir understanding. Thus, they coulddeclare them with insight and power.

This is how the body of Christworks. Various gifts are given topeople, as determined by the Lord

I Understand this to mean that ourunderstanding must begin with the testimonyof the apostles. The Spirit will illuminatetheir word to us, but we will not know whatthey knew until we have been exposed towhat they said.



Himself. These gifts are to be used forthe edifying of the body of Christ, inorder that the body may function as it isintended. In this arrangement certainbenefits are enjoyed through othermembers of the body, who have

become the means through whichJesus ministers to His brethren – thechurch. The apostles are the appointedmeans through which the “doctrine” isexpressed – the record Luke will nowset before Theophilus, and ultimately us

also, in an orderly and precise manner.His understanding of what the apostlestaught, given to him by the Head of thechurch both qualifies and enables him todo this. Luke’s record is about whatJesus began to do and teach (Acts 1:1).

THEY WERE MINISTERS OF THE WORD

“ 1:2C . . . and ministers of theword."

Luke is still writing concerning theapostles, in whose doctrine the earlychurch continued steadfastly.

MINISTERS“. . . and ministers . . .” Other

versions read, “servants of the Word,”NASB "preachers of the word," BBE

"proclaimers of the message," CJB

"attendants on the Word" (Luke 1:2DARBY "servants of God's word,” GWN

"reports circulating among us," NLT

"officers of the Word,” YLT “preachedthe story,” IE devoted to the service ofthe divine Message,”WEYMOUTH “ministersof the message,” WILLIAMS “assistantshaving been of the word,” ABP “servedGod by telling people his message,” ERV

“teachers of the message,” GOODSPEED

“who served this Word with their verylives,” MESSAGE and “ministers of theWord [that is, of the doctrineconcerning the attainment throughChrist of salvation in the kingdom ofGod].” AMPLIFIED

The word translated “ministers” isnot the same word that is ordinarilytranslated “minister,” or “servant”(doulos), which means slave, orsomeone on subjection to another.Here, however, the Greek word usedhere is “hoop-ay-ret-ace,” which means“in the NT of the officers and attendants ofmagistrates; any one who aids another in anywork.” THAYER It is more the idea of anofficial that is laboring together with theHead, rather than one who is merelycarrying out orders.

Some notable commentators areof the opinion that anyone andeveryone who witnessed the work ofJesus, including the seventy that were

sent out, are included in this text. I do not subscribe to that view. In fact, itappears that Luke’s narrative suggeststhat is exactly what had producedincomplete accounts of what wassurely believed among the brethren. Thethings Jesus promised to the apostleswere not delivered to every believer.

- “He shall teach you all things, andbring to your remembrancewhatsoever I have said unto you”(John 14:26).

- "But when the Comforter is come,whom I will send unto you from theFather, even the Spirit of truth,which proceedeth from the Father,he shall testify of me: And ye alsoshall bear witness, because ye havebeen with me from the beginning." (John 15:26-27).

- "Howbeit when he, the Spirit oftruth, is come, he will guide you intoall truth: for he shall not speak ofhimself; but whatsoever he shallhear, that shall he speak: and he willshow you things to come. He shallglorify me: for he shall receive ofmine, and shall show it unto you."All things that the Father hath aremine: therefore said I, that he shalltake of mine, and shall show it untoyou" (John 16:13-15).

A similar order is found in therevelation given to John on the Isle ofPatmos. Here is how it is stated. "TheRevelation of Jesus Christ, which Godgave unto Him, to show unto Hisservants things which must shortlycome to pass; and he sent and signifiedit by His angel unto His servant John: Who bare record of the word of God,and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,and of all things that he saw . . . Johnto the seven churches which are inAsia: Grace be unto you, and peace,from him which is, and which was, andwhich is to come; and from the sevenSpirits which are before his throne" (Rev 1:1,2,4). Notice the hierarchy.

- God gave the Revelation to Christ. - Christ gave it to His angel.- The angel gave it to John.- John delivered it to the messengers

of the seven churches to whom themessage was to be delivered.

- The churches were told that themessages was spoken by the HolySpirit to the churches (Rev2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22).

There was a thoroughness in theministry of the Holy Spirit to theapostles that was unique. It wasbecause their work was unique. They



put the foundation in place, while allothers built upon it. That foundationhad to be flawless, so it was andremains, strictly managed from heaven.

OF THE WORD “ . . . of the word." In this case,

the “word” is used in its general sense– a message, as opposed to a singleword. However, there is a sense inwhich this message is single and

unchangeable. It is not one of severalequally valuable messages, but standsby itself, over and above all othermessages. It is not a word that isadapted to times and circumstances,but is a message that addresses men atthe levels where everyone is the same– either saved or lost, righteous, orunrighteous, in Christ, or outside ofChrist. This is a message that will neverrequire updating. It is from an

unchangeable God (Mal 3:6), concernsan “eternal purpose” (Eph 3:11), and“eternal salvation” (Heb 5:9), with“eternal life: (Tit 1:2), and “eternalglory”(2 Tim 2:10). It offers “eternalredemption” (Heb 9:12), and promisesan “eternal inheritance” (Heb 9:15).That, dear reader, is a “great salvation,”and no one can afford to neglect it (Heb2:3). No discerning person will want todisregard the salvation of God.

IT SEEMED GOOD TO ME ALSO

" 1:3a It seemed good to me also...”Other versions read, “it seemed fitting,”NASB “I too decided,” NRSV "I thought itwould be a good idea," GWN “it seemedproper," MRD “I determined also,” TNT “itoccurred to me that it would be well,”LIVING “it has seemed right,” WEYMOUTH “feltimpressed to,” WILLIAMS and “It seemedgood and desirable to me.” AMPLIFIED

John was led by God to providesome additional details about the thingsmost assuredly believed among thefollowers of Jesus. All of the factsrelated to the life of Jesus upon theearth would not be recorded by a singleman. This would allow for multiplewitnesses of the life of Jesus that werein some ways different, yet perfectly

harmonious. The true nature of Jesuswas revealed in all four Gospels, withnone of them competing with anotherone. It appears to me that this wasnecessary because of the astoundingnumber of things Jesus said and did,the number of individuals that wereimpacted by His Presence, and thescope of the things that He said anddid. I gather that no single person wascapable of containing and recalling suchsheer volume.

The inspiration of God transcendshuman reasoning, but, in some ways,the capacity of created beings remainslimited to some degree. There is even acertain transcendency to theseconsiderations that, for me, dictates

limited comment. It will suffice to saythat, for Luke, it made perfect sense torecord events related to the life ofJesus, informing Theophilus of thequantity and nature of the things thatwere most assuredly believed amongthe followers of Jesus.

Within a sectarian environment,this kind of thing situation would rarely,if ever, be presented. For one thing,sectarianism does not allow for such avolume of considerations. Additionally,the theology of the factionist tends tointellectual and spiritual simplicity.Varying, yet valid, perspectives are notallowed in a sectarian environment.,which, by its very nature, is bothnarrow and bigoted.

HAVING HAD PERFECT UNDERSTANDING FROM THE VERY FIRST

“ 1:3b . . . , having had perfectunderstanding of all things from thevery first . . .”

Other versions read, “havinginvestigated everything carefullyfrom the beginning,” NASB “I myselfhave investigated everythingthoroughly from the beginning,” NIV

“having followed all things closelyfor some time past,” RSV "havingtraced the course of all thingsaccurately from the first," ASV

"made observation, with greatcare, of the direction of events intheir order," BBE "having traced the

course of all things accurately from thefirst," ERV "as soon as I had searched outperfectly all things from the beginning,"GENEVA "after carefully going over thewhole story from the beginning," NJB

"having followed from the first after allthings exactly," YLT “it occurred to methat it would be well to recheck allthese accounts from first to last andafter thorough investigation,” LIVING and“after having searched out diligentlyand followed all things closely andtraced accurately the course from thehighest to the minutest detail from thevery first.” AMPLIFIED

I must confess that I do not at allagree with the majority of thesetranslations. They present a picture thatis wholly lacking. Most of theseversions present Luke’s Gospel, as athough it was merely the result of adetailed study of all of the documentsand witnesses that had been incirculation. Such expressions do nottake into consideration the inspiration ofthe Holy Spirit, who doubtless movedLuke to write this account. The HolySpirit also must have given himunderstanding, as Jesus did before Heleft the world, and as the Spirit didwhen He recalled the words of Jesus to



the apostles (John 14:26), andguided them into all truth (John16:13). How is it that God wouldopen the eyes of the understandingof all believers to the truth of theGospel, but would allow Luke togain understanding by an academicexercise? Has an academicapproach to the Scriptures everbeen the mode of the Kingdom. Isit remotely possible that theprodigious ministry of Jesus couldbe summed up by merely reviewingthat has been written about Jesus?And then, would God make such arecord part of “the Scriptures?”

Therefore, I reject theseversions of Luke 1:3, countingthem as nothing more than theexpression of human imagination.

But it is not enough to merelyd i s a g r e e w i t h t h e s erepresentations. I intend to showyou their utter absurdity.

If Luke’s Gospel is really asort of compilation of otherdocuments and reports that wereextant during that time, then hisGospel would be unique only in thematter of order, or sequence.However, this is not at all the case.

FIFTY TWO THINGS LUKEREPORTS THAT ARE NOT IN ANY

OF THE OTHER GOSPELSHere are fifty-two things

recorded by Luke that are not inany other section of the Scriptures.No other Gospel reports them.They include thirteen parables, anumber of Jesus’ miracles, andevents related to His betrayal,death, resurrection, and postresurrection appearances. This isprobably not a complete index, butwill confirm the magnitude of atask that could simply not beaccomplished with the humanintellect and discipline alone.

- The birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:5-23,57-80).

- Mary’s contact with Elizabeth (Lk1:39-45).

- Mary’s song of praise (Lk 1:46-56).

- The taxation at the time of Jesus’ birth (Lk2:1-3).

- Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem (Lk2:4-5).

- The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Lk 2:6-7).- Angel’s appearance to the shepherds (Lk

2:8-20).- The circumcision of Jesus (Lk 2:21).- The presentation of the baby Jesus to the

Lord (Lk 2:22-24).- The record of God’s word to Simeon, and

Simeon’s prophecy (Lk 2:25-35).- The record of Anna the prophetess (Lk

2:36-38).- The growth of Jesus (Lk 2:40, 52).- The trip of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to

Jerusalem when he was twelve (Lk 2:41-51).

- The counsel of John the Baptist to thosewho asked him questions (Lk 3:10-14).

- The genealogy is traced from Adam to Jesus(Luke 3:23-38).

- Jesus’ sermon in Nazareth (Lk 4:16-30).- Mentioned a time when “the power of the

Lord was present to heal them” (Lk 5:17)- Healing of the woman bowed over for

eighteen years (Lk 13:10-17).- Healing of the man with dropsy (Lk 14:1-6).- Healing of Malchus’ ear (Lk 22:49-51).- Details of His appearance to the two on the

road to Emmaus (Lk 24:15-45).- Opening of the understanding of two of His

disciples, that they might understand theScriptures (Lk 24:45).

- The ascension of Jesus (Lk 24:51).- Parable of the two debtors (Lk 7:41-47).- Women who supported Jesus (Lk 8:3).- Parable of the rich fool who tore down his

barns (Lk 12:16-21).- Parable of servants waiting for their Lord,

who came to them and served them (Lk12:35-40).

- Parable of the barren fig tree (Lk 13:6-9)- Parable of the good Samaritan (Lk 10:30-

37).- Parable of the man whom, at midnight,

asked to be lent three loaves (Lk 11:5-8).- Parable of a man who prepared a great

supper (Lk 14:15-24).

- Parable of the lost coin (Lk 15:8-10).- Parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:15-31).- Parable of the unjust steward (Lk 16:1-9).- Account of Lazarus and the rich man (Lk

16:19-31).- Parable of the importunate widow (Lk 18:1-

8).- Parable of the prayers of one Pharisee and

a publican (Lk 18:9-14).- Parable of the pounds (Lk 19:1-17).- Ten lepers healed, with only one returning

(Lk 17:11-19).- About counting the cost (Lk 14:28-33).- Account of Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10).- Account of two disciples getting the colt

tied, and bringing it to Jesus (Lk 19:30-35).- The identity of the two who prepared the

Passover on the eve of Christ’s betrayal –Peter and John (Lk 22:8-12).

- Jesus telling Peter of Satan desiring tosift him, and that He would pray for him (Lk22:31-32).

- An angel appearing in Gethsemane andstrengthening Jesus as He prayed (Lk22:43).

- Jesus sweating, as it were, great drops ofblood (Lk 22:44).

- Healing of Malchus’ ear, that Peter cut off (Lk 22:51).

- Pilate and Herod becoming friends (Lk23:12).

- Jesus saying to the thief, “Today shalt thoube with me in paradise” (Lk 23:43).

- The report of Cleopas and his companion tothe eleven and those who were with them(Lk 24:33-35).

- The opening of the understanding of theeleven and those with them after Hisresurrection (Lk 24:44-49).

- After Jesus’ ascension, the disciplesreturning to Jerusalem with great joy,continuing in the Temple, praising andblessing God (Lk 24:51-53).

Permit me to emphasize that I willnot accept the postulate that such arecord could possibly be accomplishedwithout the illuminating ministry of theHoly Spirit.

Permit me to emphasize that I will not acceptthe postulate that such a record couldpossibly be accomplished without theilluminating ministry of the Holy Spirit.



TO WRITE IN ORDER

“ 1:3c . . . to write unto thee inorder, most excellent Theophilus."

Other versions read, “an orderlyaccount,” NKJV “in consecutive order,”NASB "the direction of events in theirorder," BBE "carefully ordered account,"CEB "write to thee with method," DARBY

"from point to point," GENEVA "a carefulaccount," NLT “I put it in order,” IE “aconnected account,” WEYMOUTH “exactlywhat took place,” CEV “in orderlyfashion,” EMTV ““from the highest tothe minutest detail.” AMPLIFIED

This does not suggest thatMatthew, Mark, and John were notwritten in precise order – for theywere so written. Luke is rathercomparing his writing with thewritings of “others” who had takenupon themselves to record the thingsassociated with Jesus, relying upontheir own understanding. Thosespurious gospels had obvious left outsome critical things, and that becausethey were not inspired. Of course,those who imagine that Luke’s Gospelis the outworking of his own

understanding and analytical skillshave unwittingly classed him withthose who wrote spurious gospels.

The working of the Lord,

particularly in salvation, is notcharacterized by randomness or a lackof order. That He does things in anorderly manner is seen in the creation,and even more so in salvation.

Jesus portrayed this in one ofHis matchless parables. "For the earthbringeth forth fruit of herself; first theblade, then the ear, after that the fullcorn in the ear" (Mark 4:28).Orderliness allows for progression.

This kind of order is seen in theaccomplishment of salvation.

- First foreknowledge, thenpredestination, then calling, thenjustification, then glorification (Rom8:29-30).

- First come, then learn (Matt 11:28-29).

- First keep, then do (Deut 26:16).

- First deny self, then take up yourcross, then follow Jesus (Matt16:24).

- First repent, then be baptized (Acts2:38).

- First the schoolmaster, then faithcomes (Gal 3:24-25).

- First suffering, then reigning (2 Tim2:12).

Even so, there was a certainorderliness in reporting the life ofJesus.

- The birth and preparatory ministryof John the Baptist.

- The birth of Jesus.- The growth of Jesus.- The baptism and setting apart of

Jesus.- The ministry of Jesus.- The appointed growing opposition

of His enemies.- The betrayal of Jesus.- The death of Jesus- The resurrection of Jesus.- The appearance of the risen Jesus.- The ascension of Jesus.

All of this is summarized inJesus saying He had to “finish” thework He had been given to do (John4:34; 5:36). Of course, a progressivework, and the finishing of anassignment, assumes an objective – inthis case, the fulfilling of God’spurpose.

It is imperative that this be seen– that Jesus was fulfilling anassignment, and purpose of HisFather. This is comprehended bydeclaration, and by observing theorderliness with which Jesus carriedout His Father’s commandment.

There is a sense in which theorderliness of the Gospel confirms thatit came from God Himself. God is aGod or order and precision.

KNOWING THE CERTAINTY OF THOSE THINGS

" 1:4a That thou mightest knowthe certainty of those things . . .”

Other versions read, “the exacttruth,” NASB “the truth,” NRSV "certain

knowledge," BBE "the soundness of theinstruction," CEB "how well-founded arethe things," CJB "the verity of thosewords," DOUAY "that what you've beentold is true," GWN "so you can be

certain of the truth," NLT “to reassureyou of the truth,” LIVING and “that youmay know the full truth andunderstand with certainty andsecurity.” AMPLIFIED

Of course, a progressive work, and the finishing ofan assignment, assumes an objective – in this case,the fulfilling of God’s purpose.



Our next Hungry Saints Meeting will be held on Friday, 9/19/14. We will continue our series of lessons in theGospel of Luke. The second lesson will cover verses 5-17 of chapter 1: “AN ANGEL REVEALS SOMETHING TOZACHARIAS.”It had been a long dry spiritual period, and Israel was not in good shape. They were living under thepower of Imperial Rome, and were being allowed to conduct their religious routines. Although was a high priestand priests, there had been no prophet for many years – even centuries. But the time had now arrived, longprophesied by the holy prophets of old, when a Messiah would be sent to Israel. He would, according to theprophets, be preceded by a power messenger from God. Now Zacharias learns this involves him and his aged wife.Our meeting will begin at 7:00 P.M. You are invited to bring your family and friends for fellowship around theWord of God. Refreshments are served afterward, with a time of extended fellowship for everyone.

Here is an area where themodern church has not done well –making sure the people know thecertainty, or absolute truth and reality,of what they have believed.

And how does Luke go aboutestablishing the “the certainty ofthose things ”which have beenbelieved?” He does not use argumentsto establish the truth. He does notappeal to some form of human logic,or the original language, or the originalmanuscripts. He does not cite somehermeneutical principal, or rely uponlinguistic expertise. or declare that he

has omniscience. Neither, indeed,does he claim, logical aptitude, orreasoning superiority. Such thingsmay be highly valued by men, butthey do not appear to have beenconsidered valuable by Luke.

Luke simply affirms whathappened, without even makingeditorial remarks. He relies upon thepower of the Gospel itself. Heapparently knew that he was beingdirected by the Holy Spirit, whichmade his record something that couldbe used by the Holy Spirit to establishconfidence in the truth of the Gospel.

The “certainty” is established bya witness, by a proclamation – bypreaching! This perfectly accords withthe statement of Paul, with whomLuke spent considerable time. "Forafter that in the wisdom of God theworld by wisdom knew not God, itpleased God by the foolishness ofpreaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:21). This statement providesample proof for the fact that Luke’sGospel is not the result of anintellectual exercise, or the mereperusal and summarization of recordsand testimonies that were extant atthat time.

WHEREIN THOU HAST BEEN INSTRUCTED

“ 1:4b . . . wherein thou hast beeninstructed." Other versions read,“about things you have been taught,”NASB “Thing of which you have beeninformed,” RSV "those things aboutwhich you were given teaching," BBE

"the soundness of the instruction youhave received," CEB “the things whichyou have been taught by word ofmouth,” WEYMOUTH “doctrines of thefaith of which you have been informedand in which you have been orallyinstructed.” AMPLIFIED

It is estimated that Luke wrotethis Gospel in the reasonable vicinityof 56 A.D. If that supposition isanywhere near correct, it provides uswith the kind of preaching andteaching that was considered normalin those days. There were falseteachers, to be sure, as First

Corinthians (2 Cor 11:4), GalatiansGal 1:6), Philippians (Phil 3:18-19),Colossians (Col 2:8), Jude (Jude 1:4),and Revelation (Rev 2:14-15; 2:24)confirm. But even then, these werenot yet the standard things beingpreached. They were departure fromthe norm. For the most part, peoplewho were said to have believed theGospel, had believed the true Gospel(Acts 9:42; 13:48; 16:1; Rom 13:11;1 Cor 3:5; Eph 1:13; 2 Thess 1:10;Heb 4:3).

However, in our time, it cannotbe assumed that those who say theyhave believed have responded to thetrue Gospel of Christ. Now, both thepreaching and the hearing of theGospel has to be questioned, and thatis largely owing to the fruit that suchpreaching has produced.

Suffice it to say, when a personhas believed the Gospel that is “thepower of God unto salvation” (Rom1:16), a legitimate effort can beexpended to ensure they know thecertainty of what they have beentaught. In fact, it is imperative, that ifthe intended growth up into Christtakes place (Eph 4:15), the peoplemust be brought to the point wherethey can confidently confess, "For thewhich cause I also suffer these I knowwhom I have believed, and ampersuaded that he is able to keep thatwhich I have committed unto himagainst that day" (2 Tim 1:12). Or, asJohn states in his first epistle, "thatye may know that ye have eternallife" (1 John 5:13). That is theultimate reason for Luke’s Gospel.


A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #1, Meeting #532– in its 21ST yearPARTICIPATING BROTHERS AND SISTERSPARTICIPATING BROTHERS AND SISTERS

SPEAKING/LEADING/MINISTERING IN THE ASSEMBLY SPEAKING/LEADING/MINISTERING IN THE ASSEMBLY The Word of Truth Fellowship, Joplin, MO

DURING AUGUST, 2014

1. Blakely, Benjamin (AM Opening).2. Blakely, Given O. (PM Sermon, PM Sermon).3. Blakely, Hannah (Read AM Sermon Text).4. Blakely, Jonathan (AM Table Meditation, AM Sermon, Lead

AM Singing).5. Blakely, June (Lead PM Prayers, Teach AM Class).6. Blakely, Mattie (Lead PM Singing, PM Introduction)7. Blakely, Michael (Play Piano, Teach AM Class, AM Table

Meditation, PM Table Meditation, PM Exhortation, PM TableMeditation).

8. Blakely, Michele (Play Piano (Opening Word).9. Blakely, Paul (Lead Scripture Shower).10. Blakely, Roxanne (Lead AM Scripture Shower).11. Cobb, Matthew (AM Exhortation, AM Sermon).12. Cobb, Justin (Lead Scripture Shower, PM Table Meditation).13. Cobb, Nicole (Lead PM Singing).14. Cobb, Robert (AM Table Meditation, AM Exhortation, AM

Calling, PM Table Meditation, PM Sermon).15. Cobb, Seth (Read AM Sermon Text)16. Dill, Sarah (Closing Scripture/Benediction).17. Hutchcraft, Aaron (AM Exhortation, AM Sermon, AM Table

Meditation, PM Introduction, PM Exhortation).18. Hutchcraft, Adah (AM Opening, PM Introduction)19. Hutchcraft, Aleia (Read AM Sermon Text, Closing

Scripture/Benediction)20. Hutchcraft, Barbara (Lead AM Singing, Lead Scripture

Shower, PM Introduction).21. Hutchcraft, Debbie (Play Piano, AM Calling, Lead PM

Singing, L:ead PM Singing)22. Hutchcraft, Gene (AM Sermon, Teach AM Class, PM Table

Meditation, PM Exhortation).23. Hutchcraft, Jason (AM Exhortation, AM Calling, AM

Exhortation, PM Sermon, PM Exhortation).24. Hutchcraft, Judah (Play Piano Specials, Read PM Sermon

Text, Introduction to PM Sermon, Introduction top PMSermon).

25. Hutchcraft, Silas (Read PM Sermon Text).26. Miller, Enoch (Closing Scripture/Benediction).27. Parker, Melissa (Lead Scripture Shower, AM Calling, Lead

PM Singing).28. Parker, Tony (AM Table Meditation, Teach AM Class).29. Sims, Annie (Read PM Sermon Text).30. Sims, Baylie (Read AM Sermon Text).31. Sims Girls – Annie, Hannah, Rachel ().32. Sims, Rachel (Closing Scripture/Benediction) 33. Sims, Ricky (PM Table Meditation).34. Sims, Tasha (Lead PM Singing, PM Introduction).35. Williams, Emma (Read PM Sermon Text).36. Williams, Jeremy (AM Calling, AM Sermon, AM Exhortation).

Williams, Levi (Read AM Sermon Text, ClosingScripture/Benediction).

37. Williams, Logan (Play Communion Music, Lead AM Singing.Introduction to PM Sermon).

38. Williams, Nichole (AM Opening).39. Williams, Sydnee (Read PM Sermon Text)40. Preparing Lord’s Supper (Various sisters).

A DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS MINISTRIES DURING OUR GATHERINGS“Openings and Introductions” = 7-10 minute exposition of truth to promote spiritual focus; “Lead Singing” – AM Songs selected by Leader, PM SongsLead in favorites by the brethren;“Calling” = 7-10 minute exposition of truth designed to provoke disciplined thought; “Sermon” = 45 minute expositionof the things of God as revealed in Scripture; “Exhortation” = 5-8 minute challenge to act upon the truth we have heard; “Table Meditation” = 8-12minute exposition of matters relating to Christ’s role in salvation; “Lead Scripture shower” = Leading of the quoting/reading of Scripture withoutcomment; “Lead prayer session” = Presentation of three matters for prayer that are taken from the Word of God; “Lead Intercessory Prayer” =A time of focused prayers for personal needs; “Closing Scripture/Benediction” – Closing of the AM Gathering

THE BODY OF CHRISTIt is a fact: “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him” (1 Cor 12:18). He did not set them in the home, but “in the body.” He did not placethem in society, but “in the body.” They are functioning members of the body who fill necessary functions – edifying roles in the solemn assembly (1 Cor 12:19-27). The functioning valueand ministry of “the body” is realized when it is “together,” not when the people are separated. The ministry of each member is determined by their faith – “a measure of faith” that hasbeen given to them in order to the “profit” of the entire body (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:7). This is how the Lord has put together “the church, which is His body” (Eph 1:22-23). We make noapologies for the ministry of the entire body – publicly, in the assembly, and in order to the edification of the saints. This is all done in an orderly manner, with due thoughtfulness and regardfor those who are in Christ Jesus, and who, in faithfulness to God who gave these various abilities. Our assemblies are designed to allow for the various expressions and insightful responsesof all who are of honest and good heart, have faith, and are in, and living for, the Lord Jesus.



AN ANGEL APPEARS TO ZACHARIASAN ANGEL APPEARS TO ZACHARIAS

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT Luke commences his Gospel

record by affirming his objective is toestablish the certainty of the thingsmost surely believed by those who arein Christ Jesus (Lk 1:1-4). I am

persuaded he approached it in the samemanner as Mark, who began his Gospel,"The beginning of the gospel of JesusChrist, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1).Mark also commences with the ministryof John the Baptist (Mk 1:1-4).

Matthew begins his Gospel with thegenealogy leading up to Jesus (Matt1:1-17). John begins his Gospel bypointing out how Jesus was “the Word”before the world began (John 1:1-3)then focusing on the Ministry of John

TRANSLATION LEGEND: ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED=Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=Apostolic Bible Polygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Biblein Basic English (1949), BRENT=Brenton’s English Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version(1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), EMTV =English Majority Text (2002); ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ETRV = Easy to Read(1999), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible (1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT =Goodspeed (1923), GWN=God’s Word (1995), IE= International English (1973), ISV=Internati

Documents

wotruth.comA Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Luke, Lesson #1, Meeting #532– in its 21ST year THINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED AMONG USTHINGS MOST ASSUREDLY BELIEVED