Chapter 1:1-4 Introduction

 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,

Many have taken in hand — Great and remarkable characters have always many biographers. So it appears it was with our Lord:

Most surely believed among us — Facts confirmed by the fullest evidence - Every thing that had been done or said by Jesus Christ was so public, so plain, and so accredited by thousands of witnesses, who could have had no interest in supporting an imposture, as to carry the fullest conviction, to the hearts of those who heard and saw him, of the divinity of his doctrine, and the truth of his miracles.

1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses — Probably this alludes to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, which it is likely were written before St. Luke wrote his, and on the models of which he professes to write his own;

He wrote his history as Moses wrote his, of things 

---reported by tradition, 

---but ratified by inspiration.

1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Having had perfect understanding — παρηκολουθηκοτι ανωθεν, Having accurately traced up-entered into the very spirit of the work, and examined every thing to the bottom; in consequence of which investigation, I am completely convinced of the truth of the whole.

1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Theophilus — As the literal import of this word is friend of God, Θεου φιλος, some have supposed that under this name Luke comprised all the followers of Christ, to whom, as friends of God, he dedicated this faithful history of the life, doctrine, death, and resurrection of our Lord. 

But this interpretation ..... for, if all the followers of Christ are addressed, why is the singular number used?