Luke 1:2

Berean Standard Bible
just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
 
King James Bible
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
 
NET Bible
like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.
 
Greek Text:
καθὼς παρέδοσαν ἡμῖν οἱ ἀπ' ἀρχῆς αὐτόπται καὶ ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου,
 
Transliteration:
kathōs paredosan hēmin hoi ap' archēs autoptai kai hypēretai genomenoi tou logou,
 
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Study Bible:
 
just as they were handed down
The phrase "just as they were handed down" suggests a tradition of careful transmission. The Greek word "παρέδοσαν" (paredosan) implies a deliberate and faithful passing on of information. This reflects the early Christian community's commitment to preserving the teachings and events of Jesus' life with accuracy. Historically, oral tradition was a primary method of preserving history and teachings in ancient cultures, and this phrase underscores the reliability of the Gospel accounts as they were transmitted from one generation to the next.
 
to us
The phrase "to us" indicates the recipients of this transmission, which includes both the immediate audience of Luke's Gospel and the broader Christian community. This personalizes the message, emphasizing that the Gospel is not just a historical account but a living tradition meant to inform and transform the lives of believers. It highlights the continuity of faith from the time of Jesus to the present, inviting readers to see themselves as part of this ongoing story.
 
by the initial eyewitnesses
The term "initial eyewitnesses" refers to those who directly observed the events of Jesus' life and ministry. The Greek word "αὐτόπται" (autoptai) means "eyewitnesses," emphasizing the firsthand nature of their testimony. This is crucial for establishing the credibility of the Gospel accounts, as it assures readers that the narratives are based on direct observation rather than hearsay. In a historical context, eyewitness testimony was highly valued and considered a reliable source of information.
 
and servants of the word
The phrase "servants of the word" highlights the role of these individuals as both witnesses and active participants in the dissemination of the Gospel. The Greek word "ὑπηρέται" (hypēretai) can be translated as "servants" or "ministers," indicating a sense of duty and dedication to the message of Christ. This underscores the idea that the Gospel is not merely a set of teachings but a divine message that requires faithful stewardship and proclamation. The "word" here refers to the logos, the divine message and truth embodied in Jesus Christ, which these servants were committed to spreading.
 
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Commentary:
 
Eyewitnesses: Luke refers to individuals who saw the events of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection with their own eyes. These would include the apostles and other followers of Jesus who were present during His ministry.
 
From the beginning: This indicates that the information Luke is using has been passed down from the very start of Jesus's ministry, ensuring a continuity and reliability of the narrative.
 
Ministers of the word: This term refers to those who not only witnessed the events but also took on the role of spreading, teaching, or preaching the message (the "word") about Jesus. These ministers are likely the same as the eyewitnesses or closely associated with them.
 
Delivered them to us: Luke is saying that the accounts he's using have been handed down to him by these credible sources. This implies a chain of transmission from the original events to Luke himself, suggesting that his Gospel is based on well-founded oral or written traditions.
 
Luke, in writing this, is essentially asserting the credibility of his account by grounding it in the testimony of those who were there. This approach was common in ancient historiography, where the reliability of a narrative was often established by citing sources, especially eyewitness accounts. Luke's aim is to provide an orderly and accurate account of the life of Jesus to Theophilus (mentioned in Luke 1:3), whom he addresses, possibly to confirm or deepen his faith or understanding.
 
This verse sets the stage for what follows in the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing historical reliability, theological depth, and the continuity of Christian teaching from its earliest witnesses.