Common English Bible CEB
New International Version NIV
1 Many people have already applied themselves to the task of compiling an account of the events that have been fulfilled among us.
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Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
2 They used what the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed down to us.
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just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3 Now, after having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, I have also decided to write a carefully ordered account for you, most honorable Theophilus.
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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,
4 I want you to have confidence in the soundness of the instruction you have received.
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so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
5 During the rule of King Herod of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.
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In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.
6 They were both righteous before God, blameless in their observance of all the Lord's commandments and regulations.
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Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.