Why should anybody, seeking truth, read a catalogue of ancient names?  Luke wanted to find and transmit facts about Jesus (Luke 1:1-4).  All true events take place at a specific time in a specific place.  So, Luke's attention of historical detail gives us confidence to refute those who falsely claim that the Bible is not true.  Many of the characters in Luke's book were still alive when it was published; if it were not true, they could say so.  Paul also appeals to living witnesses to verify the resurrection appearances of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).  

Also, these verses tell us when John's ministry started - AD29 which was the 15th year of the Emperor Tiberius's rule.  The whole of the Roman Empire would have known that.  Pontius Pilate ruled the southern part of Israel from AD26-36. Herod Antipas was in control of Galilee from 2BC to AD34, and his brother, Philip, ruled the east side of the Jordan 4BC-34AD.  Devout Jews would have known that.  And for Jews scattered far and wide by persecution, they would know that Annas and Caiaphas were regarded as equal high priests during that time.

Having secured the date for all his readers, Luke introduced John again: no longer a baby (Luke 1:57-66), but now a man of God.  He was a son of a priest but his calling was to be a prophet, to announce the arrival of Jesus.  He did that by commanding people to repent of their sins and to confess publicly in baptism.  Devout Jews were being asked to admit that their hearts were as wicked as the ungodly - for whom baptism was the point of acceptance of the sovereignty of God over them, renouncing a godless way of life.  The baptised people then committed themselves to love and serve the Lord Almighty, and be open to receive the Messiah, the Saviour of the world.

Repentance has never been fashionable, but it is always essential.  We can only find peace with God if we admit our rebellion against Him, and welcome Jesus as our Saviour (see www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more).  As John was to find out, it was a costly message, for which his head would be cut off (Mark 6:17-29).  But there is no other message which will get us ready to meet Jesus (Acts 4:12).  It is not good people who enter His heaven (there are no 100% good people), but heaven will be filled with bad people who admit it and ask for salvation by the blood of Christ.  So, if you are asked how to be right with God, tell them it starts with repentance.  And if you are troubled in your soul, remember 2 Corinthians 7:10: ‘Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death’. If you think that God will not save wicked people, remember Luke 5:32: ‘I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ Repentance levels the 'playing field' so that everybody who chooses to humble themselves, admit their sin and trust Jesus as Saviour can be saved!  If this is a message a friend or colleague needs to hear, tell them!