Bible Strands
Luke 1:2
just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author writes to Theophilus, situating his written account within the existing tradition of early records. He explains his investigation follows the material already received from those who first witnessed and ministered to the events.
The words — παρέδοσαν (paredosan) means "delivered" or "handed down," and αὐτόπται (autoptai) translates literally to "eyewitnesses." These terms describe the mechanism and source of the tradition the author received.
The thread — The transmission of foundational accounts appears in Hebrews 2:3, which traces the message to those who first announced it. The commission to serve as witnesses aligns with Acts 26:16, where the Lord appoints a figure to testify to what has occurred.
Why it lands — The text establishes that the written record depends on a verified chain of transmission from initial witnesses. It requires readers to acknowledge the historical grounding of the account before drawing any conclusions from it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Cross-references
- John 15:27 And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
- Acts 26:16 ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.
- Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
- 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
- 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life.
- Acts 1:3 After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
- Acts 1:21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
- Mark 1:1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
- Acts 10:39 We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree,
- Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.