Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
from the very first—that is, from the very earliest events; referring to those precious details of the birth and early life, not only of our Lord, but of His forerunner, which we owe to Luke alone.
in order—or "consecutively"—in contrast, probably, with the disjointed productions to which he had referred. But this must not be pressed too far; for, on comparing it with the other Gospels, we see that in some particulars the strict chronological order is not observed in this Gospel.
most excellent—or "most noble"—a title of rank applied by this same writer twice to Felix and once to Festus (Acts 22:26; Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25). It is likely, therefore, that "Theophilus" was chief magistrate of some city in Greece or Asia Minor [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Luke 1:3:
Luke 1:1
Luke 1:79
Luke 3:1-2
Acts 1:1-2
1 Timothy 4:6
2 Timothy 3:10
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.