Luke 1:1 Meaning: Why So Many Accounts of Jesus?
Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
Seeing that many did take in hand to set in order a narration of the matters that have been fully assured among us,
Forasmuch as many have undertaken to draw up a relation concerning the matters fully believed among us,
Meaning in one sentence
Luke 1:1 shows why many wrote about Jesus and why Luke carefully compiled his own reliable account for our certainty.
Context
Luke opens his gospel with a brief preface, something no other gospel writer does. He tells us that many people had already written accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. These were based on what eyewitnesses had passed down: people who had seen Jesus with their own eyes and served him. Luke was not one of those eyewitnesses, but he had followed everything carefully from the start. So he decided to write an orderly account for a man named Theophilus, so that Theophilus could know for sure that what he had been taught was true. This verse sets the stage for the whole gospel: a careful, reliable story of what God had done through Jesus.
Key Words
Three Greek words help us feel the weight of what Luke is doing here. The verb translated “have undertaken” (epicheireō) literally means to put one’s hand to a task. It suggests something demanding, not casual. Writing about Jesus was no small thing; it required effort and care.
The word translated “set in order” or “draw up” (anataxasthai) means to compile in an orderly arrangement. Luke respects the earlier attempts but sees a need for a careful arrangement that leads readers through the story.
And the word translated “fulfilled” (peplērophorēmenōn) is rich: it means to bring something to its full measure, to accomplish it completely. The events of Jesus’ life were not just stories. They were God’s purposes brought to completion. Luke is telling us these are not rumours or myths: they are finished, settled matters that changed the world.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have understood the “many” in different ways. Some, like Matthew Henry, think these were early Christian attempts: notes or fragments of Jesus’ sayings and deeds that circulated before the gospels were written. Others, like Gill, believe Luke is not referring to Matthew or Mark, since those were written by eyewitnesses or close associates. Calvin points out that Luke places himself humbly alongside these other writers; he is not dismissing their work but adding his own careful account. Across traditions, readers agree that Luke’s preface shows the early church’s commitment to preserving the truth about Jesus based on reliable testimony. Luke’s dedication to Theophilus, whether a specific person or a title meaning “lover of God,” reminds us that these words were written for real people seeking certainty.
A common misunderstanding
Some think Luke is complaining that so many people had written about Jesus, as if he is upset about competition. In fact, Luke uses the word “many” to show that there was already a widespread effort to record Jesus’ story. He is not criticizing them; he is joining them. He writes “it seemed good to me also” (verse 3), placing himself in their company. The earlier accounts were valuable, but Luke wants to offer a thorough, orderly version for the sake of certainty.
Living This Out
This verse invites you to trust that the gospel you hold is not a made-up story. Luke took the time to investigate, to sort through what others had written, and to write down what could be relied on. You do not need to be an expert to trust it. But when doubts come, remember that God used careful human work: research, interviews, writing, to give you a sure foundation. This week, if you find yourself wondering whether the Bible can be trusted, remember that Luke wrote so that you “might know the certainty” (Luke 1:4). It was written for you.
Main takeaway: Luke’s careful research and orderly writing give us a trustworthy account of Jesus’ life, based on what eyewitnesses saw and what God fulfilled.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Many people wrote down stories about Jesus. Luke was one of them. He wanted to make sure everything was written down in the right order so we could know the truth.
For ages 9, 12
Luke tells us that many people had already written about Jesus before he wrote his gospel. But Luke did something special: he carefully checked everything with people who had actually seen Jesus. He wrote his gospel so that his friend Theophilus, and you, could be sure that what you have been taught about Jesus is true. God used Luke’s hard work to give us a reliable book.
Questions People Ask
Who are the “many” in Luke 1:1?
They were early Christians who wrote accounts of Jesus’ life based on what eyewitnesses had passed down. We do not know exactly who they were, but their work shows how quickly the church shared Jesus’ story.
Is Luke criticizing the other writers?
No. Luke says “it seemed good to me also,” placing himself alongside them. He respects their work but adds his own careful, orderly account for the sake of certainty.
Are these other accounts still around?
They appear to have been lost. Only the four Gospels in the Bible have been preserved by the church as the reliable, inspired accounts of Jesus’ life.
Why did Luke write if others had already written?
Luke wanted to write a complete, accurate, and orderly account based on careful investigation, so that his reader Theophilus could be certain of the truth.
What does “fulfilled among us” mean?
It means that the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were God’s plan brought to completion. They are not ordinary events but the fulfillment of God’s promises.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study