"Luke begins by mentioning uninspired gospels by Christians, then the oral tradition of the apostles and concludes that scripture alone will allow Theophilus to know for certain what the truth is.

1. Luke 1:1-4 so clearly shows the superiority of scripture over oral tradition, that Roman Catholic and Orthodox tradition defenders have no idea what to do with it!
2. Luke begins by mentioning uninspired gospels by Christians, then the oral tradition of the apostles and concludes that scripture alone will allow Theophilus to know for certain what the truth is.
3. If oral tradition could bring about certainty, then Theophilus would not be puzzled about what the exact truth was.
4. Obviously there were many different oral traditions in addition to the words of the apostles. Theophilus was not able to determine for himself, which of these oral traditions were valid and which were not.
5. Only through scripture, could Theophilus know the exact truth for cirtain.

"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught." Luke 1:1-4

NASB: so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

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

NIV: so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

RSV: that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed.

ASV: that thou mightest know the certainty concerning the things wherein thou wast instructed.

C. Defining "exact truth" of 1:4 [greek: asphaleia]

Vine defines the word, "exact truth" as meaning, "not liable to fall, steadfast, firm, hence denoting safety".

Strong defines the word "asphaleia", "1. firmness, stability. 2 certainty, undoubted truth. 3 security from enemies and dangers, safety."

1. Therefore, only though scripture, to the exclusion of both oral apostolic tradition and the many uninspired gospels written by Christians, can we know the truth.
2. Although oral tradition is just as inspired as Scripture alone brings

1. The Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches are in grave danger of error by insisting that oral apostolic tradition is as reliable as scripture.
2. Scripture alone brings certainty!

by Steve Rudd

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