The noun άσφα λεια in Lk 1.4 is usually understood to refer to the certainty of the facts about Jesus that Luke wishes to convey to Theophilus through his Gospel. This article proposes another interpretation of this noun, namely that it refers to the sureness of the words and the soundness of their argument. It does so by noting the use of the noun and its cognates in Greek literature on style where it indicates balance, soundness and the assurance that an argument not be contradicted. Luke writes in a known and accepted literary style, using `sound' and `safe' words in order to shore up against potential contradiction and argument.
Alexander, L.1993The Preface to Luke's Gospel: Literary Convention and Social Context in Luke 1.1-4 and Acts 1.1 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
2.
Aune, D.2002 `Luke 1.1-4: Historical or Scientific Prooimion?', in A. Christopherson, C. Claussen, J. Frey and B. Longenecker (eds.), Paul, Luke and the Graeco-Roman World: Essays in Honour of Alexander J.M. Wedderburn (JSNTSup, 217; Sheffield : Sheffield Academic Press): 138-48.
3.
Bovon, F.2002Luke 1: A Commentary on the Gospel of Luke 1.1—9.50 ( Minneapolis: Fortress Press).
4.
Cadbury, H.1922 ` Commentary on the Preface of Luke', in F.J. Foakes-Jackson and K. Lake (eds.), The Beginnings of Christianity. Part One: The Acts of the Apostles (London: Macmillan), II: 489-510.
5.
Fitzmyer, J.1981—1985Gospel According to Luke: Introduction, Translation and Notes (2 vols.; Garden City, NY: Doubleday).
Marshall, Howard I.1971Luke: Historian and Theologian (Grand Rapids: Zondervan).
8.
Moessner, D.1999 `The Appeal and Power of Poetics (Luke 1.1-4): Luke's Superior Credentials (παρακoλoυθηκότι), Narrative Sequence (καθεξ ς), and Firmness of Understanding (ή άσφαλεια) for the Reader', in D. Moessner (ed.), Jesus and the Heritage of Israel: Luke's Narrative Claim upon Israel's Legacy (Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International): 84-123.
9.
du Plessis, I.1974 `Once More: The Purpose of Luke's Prologue (Luke 1.1-4) ', NovT16: 259-271.
10.
Rhys Roberts, W.1910Dionysius of Halicarnassus: On Literary Composition; Being the Greek Text of the de Compositione Verborum. Edited with Introduction, Translation, Notes, Glossary and Appendices (London: Macmillan).
11.
1927The Poetics/Aristotle. On the Sublime/Longinus. On Style/Demetrius (London: W. Heinemann; New York: G.P. Putnam's sons).
12.
Ropes, J.H.1901 `An Observation on the Style of Luke', HSCP12: 299-305.
