1.

Prologue of Lukes epistles Luke 1: 1 4

The life and ministry of Jesus has stirred a great movement at the first century. We can
understand this fact as per Luke 1: 1. Luke here writes that many have attempted to write
an account on the life of Jesus. And they were not wrong! What others have written agrees
with what we have heard from the eyewitnesses, says Luke. But he wants to give a good
and orderly account on the life of Jesus because he claims to have perfect understanding
of what has transpired. How does he have a perfect understanding of all that has
happened? Because he was inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1: 21; 2 Timothy 3: 16) and
also he was in close association with Apostle Paul which might have brought him in
proximity to the other disciples (2 Timothy 4: 11; Acts 16: 10, 11).
What is the purpose of Luke in writing this account?
o He wants to make sure that the things they (Luke and Theophilus) believe are
certain and not cunningly devised fables. There is an emphasis on evidence here.
The early Christians did not just listen to stories from ancestors and then had blind
faith on them. They wanted evidence. Their faith rested on solid ground. Luke
qualifies his epistles as being attested by eyewitnesses. We find another occasion in
the New Testament where Paul urges believers that Jesus appeared to many after
his resurrection and so, we can believe in him (1 Corinthians 15: 1 8).
o Another probable reason why Luke wrote his account on the life of Jesus could be
that since many were attempting to write an account of the events, Luke may have
wanted to prevent any fabrication of history.
Who is Theophilus?
o Luke address Theophilus as most excellent. The words Most excellent or most noble
is usually used for roman governors as a show of respect. We can see this from Acts
23: 26; 24: 3; 26: 25. It may be that Luke was trying to reach out to Theophilus and
in order to provide credibility of what he says, he is compiling the history about the
life of Jesus from eyewitnesses. Ellen White also says that Luke was Theophilus
teacher.
o Ellen White says, Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, and Theophilus, to whom it is
addressed, had been pleasantly associated. From Luke, Theophilus had received
much instruction and great light. Luke had been Theophilus' teacher, and he still felt
a responsibility to direct and instruct him, and to sustain and protect him in his
work.
o At that time it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to someone for
examination and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had
confidence, to perform this important work. He first directs the attention of
Theophilus to the record of Christ's life as given in the book of Luke, which had also
 been addressed by the same writer to Theophilus. [Acts 1:1-5 quoted.] . . . The
teachings of Christ were to be preserved in manuscripts and books (MS 40, 1903). 1

1 Ibid.
 2. Prologue of Johns epistle John 1: 1 18; DA 19 26
In this very interesting introduction, Apostle John begins with establishing the divinity of
Jesus. Even when beginning his other epistle apostle John uses similar phrase.
o 1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen
with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the
Word of life; 2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness,
and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested
unto us;) 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also
may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his
Son Jesus Christ. 4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 1
John 1: 1 4.
Jesus as the Word.
o The word was God. The Word is Jesus (John 1: 14).
o John also says that all things were made by him (Jesus). This thought is repeated in
Vs. 10. He also mentions it in Revelation 4: 11.
o If Jesus created all things, then he must be present before all things.
o Paul says, And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:
17.
o He (Jesus) was the Word of God,--God's thought made audible. {DA 19.2}
o But while God's Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also
speaks decidedly regarding His pre-existence. The Word existed as a divine being,
even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father "The Word
was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Before men or angels were
created, the Word was with God, and was God. {1SM 247.2}
o The world was made by Him, "and without him was not any thing made that was
made" (John 1:3). If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words
spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was
God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God
over all, blessed forevermore. {1SM 247.3}
Jesus as the Light of men
o John next focuses on Jesus as light. John says that in Jesus was life and the life was
the light of men. The life that was in Jesus was what lights every man up.
o The life that John here writes is not the physical life for all men haven physical life.
The life that John talks about is the eternal life which is only in Christ. It is only
through Christ that we have eternal life. It is only be receiving Christ that we receive
eternal life.
1 John 5: 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of
God hath not life.
"In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." It is not physical life that
is here specified, but eternal life, the life which is exclusively the property of
 God. The Word, who was with God, and who was God, had this life. Physical
life is something which each individual received. It is not eternal or immortal;
for God, the Lifegiver, takes it again. Man has no control over his life. But the
life of Christ was unborrowed. No one can take this life from Him. "I lay it
down of myself," He said. In Him was life, original, unborrowed, underived.
This life is not inherent in man. He can possess it only through Christ. He
cannot earn it; it is given him as a free gift if he will believe in Christ as his
personal Saviour. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3. This is the open
fountain of life for the world (ST Feb. 13, 1912). {5BC 1130.3}
o But sadly, when Christ came to this earth, the people were not able to receive
Christ. The darkness could not perceive the light. Because the people were blind
that they would not be able to receive Christ, God in his mercy sent John. John was
sent by God to bear witness to the light. But sadly, the majority rejected John and
also rejected Christ. He came to his own, but they received him not.
o But the remnant received him and to them he gave the power to become the sons
of God. How did they receive him? Because they believed on his name. The word
power in Greek is translated as right, privilege. Thus, we see that those who
believed on Jesus, received him and became the sons of God.
Word became flesh
o The reason for the incarnation is revealed in this verse. John writes the Jesus was
full of grace and truth. John speaks about Gods grace. Then he makes an
interesting contrast. He says law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by
Christ. Then, he points out that no one has seen the Father except Christ and Christ
has come to declare about the Father.
o Ellen White while describing the state of the world at the time of Jesus. The priests
and rabbis have invented many rites and ceremonies and in order to keep the laws
of God. As a result, they made it impossible to obey Gods commandments. Because
of this the people had a very imbalanced view of God, they saw God as a rigid
being, devoid of love. And in order to counteract this, Jesus came to this world to
give a correct understanding of God.
o "With all their minute and burdensome injunctions, it was an impossibility to keep
the law. Those who desired to serve God, and who tried to observe the rabbinical
precepts, toiled under a heavy burden. They could find no rest from the accusings of
a troubled conscience. Thus Satan worked to discourage the people, to lower their
conception of the character of God, and to bring the faith of Israel into contempt."
{DA 29.3}