1 SINCE [ 1 as is well known] many have undertaken to put in order and draw up a [ 1 thorough] narrative of the surely established deeds which have been accomplished and fulfilled 3 in and among us, 2 Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the [ 4 official] beginning [of Jesus' ministry] were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word [that is, of 5 the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God], 3 It seemed good and desirable to me, [and so I have determined] also after 6 having searched out diligently and followed all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 [My purpose is] that you may know the full truth and understand with certainty and security against error the accounts (histories) and doctrines of the faith of which you have been informed and in which you have been 7 orally instructed.