Luke 1:3

Verse 3. It seemed good. I thought it best; or, I have also determined. It seemed to be called for that there should be a full, authentic, and accurate account of these matters. Having had perfect understanding, &c. The literal translation of the original here would be, "having exactly traced everything from the first;" or, "having, by diligent and careful investigation, followed up everything to the source, to obtain an accurate account of the matter." This much better expresses the idea. Luke did not profess to have seen these things, and this expression is designed to show how he acquired his information. It was by tracing up every account till he became satisfied of its truth.