his parents and the questioning with the doctors. His Gospel “ sheds a sacred halo and celestial charm over infancy, as per- petuating the paradise of innocence in a sinful world. The first two chapters will always be the favorite chapters for chil- dren, and all who delight to gather around the manger of Bethlehem, and to rejoice with shepherds in the field and angels in heaven” (Schaff).
CHAPTER: L PROLOGUE.
1. Forasmuch as (ésevSyep). Only here in New Testa- ment. A compound conjunction: émeé, since, 57, as is well known, and ep, giving the sense of certainty.
Have taken in hand (éexelpyoav). Used by Luke only. A literal translation. The word carries the sense of a difficult undertaking (see Acts xix. 13), and implies that previous at- tempts have not been successful. Tt oceurs frequently in medi- cal language. Hippocrates begins one of his medical treatises very much as Luke begins his gospel. “As many as have taken in hand (émexelpnoav) to speak or to write concerning the healing art.”
To set forth in order (dvatdfac9a). Only here in New Testament. The A. V. is true to the core of the word, which is taco, to put in order, or arrange. Rev. happily gives the force of the preposition ava, up, by the rendering draw up.
A declaration (Suyynow). Only here in New Testament. From 8d, through, and 7ycopat, to lead the way. Uence some- thing which leads the reader through the mass of facts: a nar- rative, as A. V., with the accompanying idea of thoroughness. Note the singular number. Many took in hand to draw up,
not narratives, but a narrative, embracing the whole of the
252 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cx I
evangelic matter. The word was particularly applied to a medical treatise. Galen applies it at least seventy-three times to the writings of Hippocrates.
Which are most surely believed (rav memAnpopopnuévor). From mdjpqs, full, and popéw, the frequentative form of pépa, to bring, meaning to bring frequently or habitually. Hence, to bring full measure ; to fulfil. Compare 2 Tim. iv.5,17. Also of full assurance. Applied to persons. Rom. iv. 21; Heb. x. 22. As applied to things, therefore, the sense of the A. Y. is inadmissible. Render as Rev., have been fulsilled. The word is chosen to indicate that these events happened in accordance with a preconceived design. Wye., been filled in us.
Among us, Explained by the words in the next sentence, who were eye-witnesses and ministers.
2. Even as. Referring to the composition of the narrative.
Delivered (aapédocav). “Not necessarily excluding written traditions, but referring mainly to oral tradition. Note the dis- tinction between the many who attempted to draw up a narra- tive and the eye-witnesses and ministers who handed down the facts.
From the beginning (ar dpyjs). The official beginning, the commencement of Jesus’ ministry. Compare Acts i. 1, 21, 22; John xv. 27.
Eye-witnesses and ministers. Personal knowledge and practical experience were necessary elements of an apostle. Eye-witnesses (aitomras). Only here in New Testament. Peter uses another word, ézromrae (2 Pet. i. 16). Frequent in medi- cal writers, of a personal examination of disease or of the parts of the body. Compare the modern medical term autopsy. Ministers (imnpéra). See on Matt. v. 25. In medical lan- guage denoting the attendants or assistants of the principal physician.
Cu. 1] LUKE. 25d
3. Having had perfect understanding (sapnxodovdnKor1). Incorrect. The verb means to follow closely, and hence to trace accurately. See 2 Tim. iii. 10, where Rev. reads thou didst follow for thow hast fully known. Rev. renders here having traced the course. The word occurs frequently in medi- cal writings, and sometimes, as here, with axpiBas, accurately. Tynd., having searched out diligently.
From the very first (4vaIev). Lit., from above ; the events being conceived in a descending series.
Accurately (axpi8as) From axpor, the highest or farthest point. Hence to trace down to the last and minutest detail.