The Gospel of Luke

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The Gospel of Luke
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Introduction

• Largest of the Gospels- Luke and Acts are the 2
  longest books of the NT (maxed out scrolls)
• More unique material than Mt or Mk
• Only Gospel with sequel volume
• Luke and Acts comprise 30 of the NT
• Most sophisticated and polished Greek in NT,
  smooth but difficult

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Circumstances of writing

• Theophillus, lover of God patron helped support
  work Christian? publisher?
• Christianity was under suspicion in the Roman
  Empire as a new religion
• Political movement?
• Apologetic- Certainly this man is innocent Luke
  2347

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Distinctive Features of Luke

• Universal
• All men,
• All women, 43 references to women (many named)
• Jews, Gentiles as well as Jews- -
• all people 16, 210, 232 323-38 Adam.
• Poor and lowly as well as rich and powerful Lk
  416-30
• Preach Good News to the poor, release, recover,
  free, (Jubilee language)
• Mood of joyfulness and celebration (leap babies,
  rejoicing, banquets, etc.)

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Distinctive Features of Luke

• Emphasis on prayer (110,237-38, 612, etc.)
• Emphasis on the Holy Spirit (1, 2, 10, 11, 24)
• Apologetic agenda
• Innocence of Jesus
• Christianity not a threat
• Historical connection- people places, time and
  events (God has a plan and He work it through
  History)

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Distinctive Features of Luke

• Salvation History- God acts to save (168 2222,
  730,etc.)
• Divine Visitation 168
• Divine Determination 2222
• Divine Plan 730
• Divine Necessity 2426
• Emphasis on Israels special place in Gods
  scheme of Salvation History
• Only Gospel to begin and end in the Temple
• Very positive portrayal of the Jews who honor the
  Temple and Torah

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Organization and Structure of Luke / Acts
Luke
Ends of the Earth
Galilee 31-950
Judea and Samaria
Way to Jerusalem 951-1927
Jerusalem 1928-2453
Jerusalem
Acts 18
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Key to Luke / Acts

• Events in Jerusalem
• Cross and Resurrection
• Luke 24 37-42
• How has these events changed your life?