NOTES for Luk 1:1-4
These first lines of the Gospel contain one of the greatest mysteries of the New Testament. Beginning his narrative, Luke addresses a certain most excellent Theophilus, who was, by all appearances, his disciple. This address turns the whole text from an abstract legend into a very personal story that one person wants to share with another. The evangelist does not begin with loud words and weighty phrases; it is far more important to him to explain to his reader exactly what must be known about the life of Christ.
Christianity is not a set of doctrines and rules, but a living faith passed from heart to heart. It is a faith that lives in the relationships of people who, just like Luke and Theophilus, want to share with one another the joyful news of the life, death, and resurrection of the Savior.