The origin of the Gospel records.
Luke reminds Theophilus of his having written his Gospel, and of the circumstances which called for his labors (comp. Luke 1:1-4). Incidentally we are assured that the historical figure of Christ is the essential foundation of the Christian system; and, therefore, such extreme care was necessary in securing authentic records of his words and works. The trustworthiness of our Gospels may be efficiently impressed by the illustration and enforcement of the following points, which are suggestive enough to be presented without elaboration:—
I. SHOW THE LEADING POINTS OF APOSTOLIC PREACHING AND TEACHING. They were facts, of Christ's coming, teaching, personnel, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
II. IN DECLARING THESE, THE APOSTLES INVITED COMPARISON WITH THE OLDER SCRIPTURES. They appealed to existing and recognized inspired writings.
III. THEIR FACTS NEEDED TO BE SET IN DEFINITE WRITTEN FORM. If comparisons were to be efficiently made, the precise facts must be assured. As preached, there would be variety in the statement of the incidents and expressions of our Lord's life, and no suitable basis for faith.
IV. THE MATERIALS FOR SUCH WRITING MUST BE GATHERED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. Each disciple remembered some special thing. Our Lord's mother could tell what nobody else could know. Other women had special narratives to give. Peter, James, and John were on several occasions of importance alone with Christ.
V. SUCH MATERIALS REQUIRED THE EDITING OF SOME COMPETENT MEN. Illustrate Luke's fitness—as educated, as Paul's companion, as evidencing a careful, critical habit, and as having access to the best information.
Show that, of the many Gospels, and parts of Gospels, that may have been written, there was a Divine selection of four. The wisdom of the selection may be pointed out and impressed; and also the special bearing of Luke's two treatises on the basis-facts of the Pauline theology. Luke's facts underlie Paul's doctrines.—R.T.