SECTION I. (Book 1)
S. LUKE. CHAP. I. (Book 1)
The Preface or Epistle Dedicatory. The occasion and warranty of Lukes writing the Gospel.
FOR AS MUCH as many a 1.1 have taken in hand b 1.2 to set forth in order a declaration of these things which are c 1.3 most surely believed among us. 2. Even as they d 1.4 delivered them unto us which from the beginning were eye-witnesses, and Ministers of the Word: 3. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things e 1.5 from the very first, to write unto thee f 1.6 in order most excellent Theophilus. 4. That g 1.7 thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been in∣structed.
Reason of the Order.
FOrasmuch as none of the Evangelists have made a Preface to their story, but only Luke, this of his may serve as a general one for all the rest. And like the beau∣tiful gate of the Temple, may be as an entrance, or inlet into the glorious and royal Fabrick of the Gospels.
Harmony and Explanation.
Ver. 1. Many have taken in hand.* 1.8
HE condemneth not the undertakings of these men▪ as very many Expositors hold he doth; for first, he saith, they had taken in hand a declaration of those things which were most surely believed. Secondly, He saith, they had done it even as the eye-witnesses and Ministers had delivered it. Thirdly, He maketh his own under∣taking of the like nature with theirs, when he saith, It seemed good to me also: But he mentioneth these their writings as only humane Authorities [undertaken without