1:4

so that you may know: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that introduces the purpose for which Luke wrote to Theophilus. He wrote in order that Theophilus would know that everything that he had been taught about Jesus was true. The word may is one way to express purpose in this context. It does not indicate uncertainty. Some other ways to translate so that you may know are:

so you can be certain (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
to help you know (New Century Version)

Express this purpose in a natural way in your language. In some languages, it may be natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

I do this so that you will know (Good News Translation)

the certainty of the things you have been taught: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the certainty means “the reliability.” It describes something as worthy of trust. Luke wanted Theophilus to be confident that the things that he had learned about Jesus were true. Some other ways to translate this are:

that what you have been taught is true (New Century Version)
-or-
that the teaching you received is reliable

the things you have been taught: The phrase the things you have been taught refers to the history and teachings of Jesus that believers had taught or told Theophilus. It is passive in form. It may be more natural in your language to use an active form. For example:

the things that others have taught you

General Comment on 1:1–4

Luke inserted the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “most excellent Theophilus” into the middle of the long sentence in 1:3–4. If it is not natural in your language to do this, here are other options:

• Translate the name Theophilus and the description “most excellent” at the beginning of 1:1. For example:

Great Theophilus, many….

• Use a natural way to begin a letter in your language and translate the description “most excellent” in 1:3 or in 1:4. For example:

1aDear Theophilus, many…. 3dSo it seemed good to me, too, to write to you who are highly respected….
-or-

1a
⌊I am writing this book for you,⌋ Theophilus. Many ⌊others⌋…. 4aso that you whom people greatly esteem….

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