I have always loved the intellectual side of the Christian faith. Far from “blind faith,” the Bible is filled with details that should make smart people pay attention. Perhaps no New Testament sentence says it better than this: “With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3,4).

Notice the details: “I myself” refers to Luke, a medical doctor who is writing this paragraph in the classical/complex Greek style. In other words, Luke is an intelligent man. “Carefully investigated” describes Luke’s approach to his research, which was the opposite of a quick Google search or a lazy freshman just hoping to turn in an essay at the 11th hour. “Everything from the beginning” points to the thoroughness of this gospel, which begins before the conception of Jesus and walks us all the way through our Savior’s return to heaven, the only one of the four gospels that covers that span of events. “Most excellent Theophilus” might refer to Luke’s patron, a wealthy man who could have given a research grant so that Luke could dedicate his brilliant mind to this work as a full-time job.

Put it all together and you have even more reasons to read Luke and find certainty in the Christian faith.