'Former' in the Bible

My former narrative, Theophilus, dealt with all that Jesus did and taught as a beginning, down to the day on which,

to put away, in regard to your former mode of life, your original evil nature which is doomed to perish as befits its misleading impulses,

Remember your former leaders--it was they who brought you God's Message. Bear in mind how they ended their lives, and imitate their faith.