The Daily Office for September 24, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
It was customary in the first century to write a formal literary prologue for most works, like what we see with Luke's preface. The purpose of such a preface was to announce the reasons for writing, the methods followed, and the dedication of the work, often to the one paying for its production. Luke’s style and vocabulary in these opening four verses comprise perhaps the best example of classical Greek in the New Testament. It is also an indication of Luke’s extraordinary education and his fitness for the task God gave to him of writing such a complete biography of Christ.
Apparently, from the opening, we gather that there were a number of early attempts to record parts of Christ’s life and work, and also the beginnings of the New Testament church after His death and resurrection. These early narratives were probably written by other believers, with whom Luke seems to classify himself. They may have been truthful, authentic, and genuine accounts, but they were not God-breathed, and thus passed off the scene as they were replaced by the inspired documents penned by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Collect for the Day
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.