Introduction^(A)

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled^[a] among us, ² just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first^(B) were eyewitnesses^(C) and servants of the word.^{(D) 3} With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account^(E) for you, most excellent^(F) Theophilus,^{(G) 4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.^(H)

⁴ that he was buried,^(A) that he was raised^(B) on the third day^(C) according to the Scriptures,^{(D) 5} and that he appeared to Cephas,^[a](E) and then to the Twelve.^{(F) 6} After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.^{(G) 7} Then he appeared to James,^(H) then to all the apostles,^{(I) 8} and last of all he appeared to me also,^(J) as to one abnormally born.

¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?^(A) You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking^(B) about what we have seen and heard.”^(C)

³⁹ “We are witnesses^(A) of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,^{(B) 40} but God raised him from the dead^(C) on the third day and caused him to be seen.

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power,^(A) but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.^{(B) 17} He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”^[a](C)