Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
Luke is the only Evangelist who makes a preface to his Gospel, for the purpose of explaining briefly the motive which induced him to write. By addressing a single individual he may appear to have acted foolishly, instead of sounding the trumpet aloud, as was his duty, and inviting all men to believe.
Complimental prefaces and dedications, the language of flattery and the food and fuel of pride, are justly condemned by the wise and good; but it doth not therefore follow, that such as are useful and instructive are to be run down; such is this, in which St.
Commenting on Luke 1:1-4
PREFACE TO THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE. Little is certainly known concerning the time and place of writing this Gospel, or concerning the author. The first time we have any mention of the author is in his own history, . He was then the companion of Paul in his travel, and it is evident that he often attended Paul in his journeys, comp. .