According to Luke

Luke 1 (NASB)

1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us,

1. Others have written other gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark)
2. “accomplished among us” – not “we accomplished”

2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,

1. Other gospel accounts were distributed among the believers
2. Accounts were by eyewitnesses. (Matthew was a disciple/eye witness)
3. “from the beginning” – Matthew was at the beginning of the Jesus’ ministry, Mark was at the beginning of the church (Acts)
4. Writers were servants of the word – appropriate for them to write an account.
• the_luck_duck deftly noted "word" could be "Word" a la John 1:1. Greek word here is "logos" as in John.
  

3it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;

1. Luke was not an eyewitness but a historian, or “investigative reporter”
2. Though not an eyewitness, Luke investigated from the beginning. (2^nd mention of “from the beginning")
3. Written account, not an oral tradition
4. Account is organized chronologically
• Greek: "orderly", so may not necessarily be chronological
  
5. Who is Theophilus? Real person? General term?
6. Name is Greek: “God Lover”, He was Gentile.
7. “Most excellent” – maybe he was an official?

4so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

1. Luke’s purpose for writing: “may know the truth”
2. “taught” – Theophilus wasn’t an eyewitness either, likely didn’t know Jesus.

Conclusion: The Gospel According to Luke is written so that the non-eyewitnesses, the Gentile “God Lover” in particular (that's me!), may know that the things they believe are true.