Luke 1:2 (verbal): Immediate continuation: Luke cites eyewitnesses and ministers who handed down the events, directly supporting the claim that many have undertaken to compile accounts.
Luke 1:3 (structural): Luke states his own purpose to write an orderly account after investigating everything carefully, directly following and responding to the situation introduced in 1:1.
Acts 1:1 (structural): Acts is the sequel to Luke’s Gospel (both Luke’s writings); Acts begins by referring to the 'former treatise' about Jesus' deeds, showing literary continuity and concern for orderly, historical reporting.
John 21:25 (thematic): John remarks that many other things Jesus did are not written down, echoing the awareness that multiple accounts exist and that authors select what to record.
2 Peter 1:16-18 (thematic): Peter appeals to eyewitness testimony and truthful proclamation against myths, paralleling Luke’s interest in accurate, orderly narration grounded in reliable sources.

Many have undertaken to set in order an account of the things that have been accomplished among us,
Since many have undertaken to set in order an account of the events that have been accomplished among us,

2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word handed them down to us,

καθως παρεδοσαν ημιν οι απ᾽αρχης αυτοπται και υπηρεται γενομενοι του λογου,

1 John 1:1-3 (verbal): Shares the phrase 'from the beginning' and foregrounds firsthand sensory testimony ('what we have heard, seen with our eyes, looked at, and touched'), paralleling Luke's appeal to eyewitnesses and those who handed on the word.
2 Peter 1:16 (verbal): Peter's explicit claim that the apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus' majesty echoes Luke's reliance on eyewitnesses and servants of the word as the basis for the Gospel account.
Acts 1:21-22 (thematic): Describes the criterion of apostleship as being with Jesus 'from the beginning'—closely related to Luke's description of those 'from the beginning' who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the message.
Luke 24:48 (thematic): Jesus commissions the disciples as witnesses to his resurrection and ministry, reinforcing Luke's emphasis that the Gospel derives from the testimony of witnesses who handed on these events.

just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word handed them down to us,

3 it seemed good to me also, having carefully investigated everything from the first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

εδοξε καμοι παρηκολουθηκοτι ανωθεν πασιν ακριβως καθεξης σοι γραψαι,κρατιστε Θεοφιλε,

Luke 1:1 (structural): The immediate opening of Luke's prologue; 1:1 states the occasion for writing, which 1:3 continues by explaining the author's purpose to compose an orderly account.
Luke 1:2 (verbal): 3 echoes the claim in 1:2 about relying on those 'from the beginning'—Luke emphasizes eyewitness-based, carefully gathered material as the basis for his narrative.
Acts 1:1 (structural): Acts opens by addressing Theophilus and referring to a 'former treatise' about what Jesus began to do—language and addressee link Luke 1:3 to the larger Luke–Acts composition and its stated continuity.
2 Peter 1:16 (thematic): Peter emphasizes that the apostles' proclamation was not 'made up' but witnessed firsthand; thematically parallels Luke's insistence on careful, eyewitness-grounded reporting rather than invention.
John 1:1 (thematic): John's prologue focuses on origins ('In the beginning') and foundational testimony; Luke 1:3's claim to trace events 'from the beginning' resonates with the prologue concern for establishing authoritative beginnings.

Having carefully investigated everything from the first, it seemed good to me also to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
it seemed fitting to me also, having carefully investigated everything from the first, to write for you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,

4 so that you may know the certainty of the things in which you have been instructed.

ινα επιγνως περι ων κατηχηθης λογων την ασφαλειαν.

Acts 1:1 (structural): Acts begins as a continuation of Luke’s first 'treatise'—both openings address Theophilus and show the same authorial prologue and purpose in framing an orderly account.
John 20:31 (thematic): John states the purpose of his writing in terms of producing certainty/faith in Jesus; similarly Luke 1:4 articulates writing to give Theophilus assurance about the taught matters.
1 John 5:13 (verbal): John explicitly says he writes so believers 'may know that they have eternal life'—a close parallel in intent to Luke’s claim to provide certainty about what has been taught.
2 Peter 1:16 (thematic): Peter insists his testimony rests on eyewitness experience rather than myths—echoing Luke’s interest in careful investigation and reliable reporting to secure certainty.

Since many have undertaken to set in order an account of the things that have been accomplished among us,

just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word handed them down to us,

it seemed good to me also, having carefully investigated everything from the first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

so that you may know the certainty of the things in which you have been instructed.