Luke 1:1-4

Luk 1:1 Considering the fact that so many have tried to put together a record of the prophecies that have been fulfilled among us,
Luk 1:2 attempting to be just as accurate as the original eyewitnesses and officers of the word were who told us about them,
Luk 1:3 I also thought, after carefully reviewing all these works, to write a historical account for you, Dr. Theophilus,
Luk 1:4 so that you may know well about the reliability of the things you were taught.

apologetics and discipling

Dr. Luke was a scientist. He believed in what he could prove. He had found that the gospel message about Jesus Christ was reliable. When all the historical evidence was reviewed, eyewitnesses questioned, and details checked — the things that Christians had been taught were found to be true. The arguments against Christ and Christianity were proven to be mistaken.

But Dr. Luke was not satisfied in just knowing that he knew the truth. He felt compelled to share it. He believed that he could pass on his confidence in the reliability of the gospel message. Do we share that objective?

Dr. Luke had a friend, a very influential friend. Luke wanted to share what he had discovered about the soundness of the Christian faith with his friend, Dr. Theophilus. This was his way of contributing to the discipling of Theophilus.

LORD, show us how to defend the reliability of the gospel as a means of discipling others.