Dedication to Theophilus

1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, ² just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,^{(A) 3} I, too, decided, as one having a grasp of everything from the start,^[a] to write a well-ordered account for you, most excellent Theophilus,^{(B) 4} so that you may have a firm grasp of the words in which you have been instructed.

⁹ As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.^(A)

¹³ Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^{(A) 14} Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

³² But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings,^(A)

³ Remember, then, what you received and heard; obey it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.^(A)