The Dedication to Theophilus

1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled^[a] among us,^{(A) 2} just as the original eyewitnesses^(B) and servants of the word^(C) handed them down to us. ³ So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable^(D) Theophilus,^{(E) 4} so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.^[b](F)

Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth

⁵ In the days of King Herod^(G) of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division^(H) named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

³⁵ Jesus wept.^(A)

Prologue: Our Declaration

1 What was from the beginning,^(A) what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word^(B) of life— ² that life was revealed,^(C) and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us^(D)— ³ what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship^(E) with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father^(F) and with his Son, Jesus Christ.