1. Many people have attempted to write about the things that have taken place among us.
2. Reports of these things were handed down to us. There were people who saw these things for themselves from the beginning and then passed the word on.
3. I myself have carefully looked into everything from the beginning. So it seemed good also to me to write down an orderly report of exactly what happened. I am doing this for you, most excellent Theophilus.
4. I want you to know that the things you have been taught are true.
5. Herod was king of Judea. During the time he was ruling, there was a priest named Zechariah. He belonged to a group of priests named after Abijah. His wife Elizabeth also came from the family line of Aaron.