The Gospel of Luke
PDF Notes
PDF Slides
(click to view, right-click to download)
 |
1st page of Luke in Lindisfarne Gospels, c. AD 715.
Latin: “Quoniam quidem multi conati sunt ordinare narrationem”
(“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account…”).
- Longest book in the New Testament
- Part 1 of the 2 volume set Luke / Acts
- Most polished Greek in the New Testament
- Carefully researched and ordered account
- Stated Purpose: to assure his readers of the truth about Jesus and the gospel - much in the style of a Greek ἀπολογία (apology = ‘defense’)
Author and Audience and Date
- formal prologue, in the style of a Greek treatise
- written especially for all the culturally Greek
- If Matthew is Jewish, and Mark is Roman, Luke is Greek
Who was Luke?
- traveling companion of Paul, who called him a “fellow worker” (Philemon 23-24 NASB95)
- also a doctor, called the “beloved physician” by Paul (Colossians 4:14 NASB95)
- it seems that Luke only stayed with Paul at the end of his life (2 Timothy 4.11 NASB95)
- his refined Greek writing style, and his profession as a doctor, show that he was highly educated
The Lord calls both the highly educated like Paul and Luke, and those with no formal training like Peter and John
Audience and Date
- Both Luke and Acts are addressed to Theophilus (loved of God), and that is all we know for certain
- “most excellent” is an honorary form of address - he was likely of noble rank
- it is possible that he may have been Luke’s patron in bearing the cost of writing Luke and Acts
- Luke intends his writing to be for people everywhere, but gives honor to Theophilus by naming him.
- Date: shortly after Mark, c. AD 65
Structure
- Structure is not as clear as in Matthew and Mark, but that does not mean it is haphazard
- Includes many events and sayings not recorded in Matthew or Mark
- These are due Luke’s diligent research, and interviewing of eyewitnesses.
- Examples:
- Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.29-37 NASB95)
- Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32 NASB95)
Outline
- Prologue, characteristic of Greek literature (1.1-4)
- Parallel Births and Childhoods of John and Jesus - Prophetic Songs (1.5-2.52)
- Preparation for Ministry (3.1-4-13)
- Preaching and Power in Galilee (4.14-9.50)
- Proceeding to Jerusalem - Peripatetic Parables (9.51-18.27)
- Passion Week (19.28-23.56)
- Post-resurrection Appearances (24.1-53)
Now it happened that when the days for Him to be taken up were soon to be fulfilled, He set His face to go to Jerusalem (9:51)
Why do you think Luke focuses attention for 10 chapters on Jesus going to Jerusalem?
The movement away from Jerusalem in Acts matches the movement toward Jerusalem in Luke. In Luke, Jesus moves from Galilee, through Samaria, to Judea and the cross. After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Spirit-empowered witnesses of Jesus take the gospel from Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 NASB95).
as Jesus was resolute to go to Jerusalem, so we are resolute to go to the nations with the Good News of what Jesus has done and is doing to bring salvation to all the world!
Themes
Salvation for all World
- In the Synoptic Gospels, only Luke uses the word “salvation” - 13 times in Luke and Acts
- The Gospel is for the marginalized: poor and needy, women, social outcasts
- Simeon’s prophetic word in the Temple as he rejoices before the Lord
For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.” (2:30-32)
- The genealogy in chapter 3 goes back to Adam, not just to Abraham. For all the world not for Jews only
- In the parable of the Good Samaritan in chapter 10, the “hero” is a despised Samaritan, and the anti-heroes are a priest and a Levite. (Upside down Kingdom)
- Salvation comes from the Jews, but it is for all the world
Women
Today there are those who think that the Christian Gospel marginalizes and oppresses women. The gospel of Luke shows that Jesus has a high regard for women!
- In Luke’s birth narrative, he focuses on the women, Elizabeth the mother of John, and Mary the mother of Jesus, whereas Matthew highlights Joseph
- He emphasizes Mary’s humble submission to the will of God, as an example to be followed
- He honors Anna the prayer warrior and prophetess who receives and recognizes the newborn Savior Jesus in the Temple
- He includes women in the account of Jesus preaching
Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. (8:1-3)
- Mary’s prophetic Song of Praise “The Magnificat” (Luke 1.47-55 NASB95) - one of the most beautiful songs of praise in all of Scripture
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed. (1:51-53)
which brings us to:
Social Outcasts
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (2:10-11)
- The Lord reveals His glory and the Good News of the Savior not first to the rich and famous, but to poor shepherds
- in the ancient world shepherds were regarded as shifty, untrustworthy, even thieving migrant-workers. (not the cute guys in the Christmas pageant)
The focal point at the opening of Jesus’ ministry
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.” (4:16-19)
Lepers and Tax Collectors (the worst of the worst)
While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him. (5:12-13)
Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (18:10-14)
- Zaccheus the Tax Collector in chapter 19
Fulfillment of God’s Plan
The Greeks tended to be skeptical of anything “new” or innovative.
It was therefore important for Luke to show that the Gospel was the fulfillment of the Plan of the Ages, not some fad or fashion.
- Luke uses the Greek word δεῖ (it is necessary) 18 times, often to show how God’s plan is being fulfilled.
Some examples:
The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.” (9:22)
Nevertheless I must journey on today and tomorrow and the next day; for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem. (13:33)
For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” (22:37)
He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” (24:6-7)
“These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (24:44)
Note: Jesus just named the TaNaKh.
The Holy Spirit
Luke puts a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit in the unfolding of the Gospel
Of John: he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. (1:15)
To Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you (1:35)
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (1:41)
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, (1:67)
Of Simeon in the Temple: …the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (2:25-26)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness… (4:1-2)
At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth… (10:21)
And looking ahead to the future work of the Holy Spirit in us, which leads us into his 2nd volume, the Book of Acts
“As for me, I baptize you with water, but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the strap of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (3:16)
do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say. (12:11-12)
And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (24:49)
Τhe Father Heart of God
He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (6:35-36)
I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. (10:21)
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (11:13)
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (12:32)
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (15:10)
- The Father loses His dignity - He rejoices!
- Just as the Father in next parable runs out to meet his son who is coming home!
 |
Assignment
Preparing
- Read chapter 5 of Introducing the New Testament (Luke)
- Read Luke chapters 1, 15, 24
- Watch The Bible Project Luke Part 1 and Luke Part 2 below
Respond to the following:
Knowing
- What was Luke’s profession?
- Did Luke write any other books in the New Testament? Which ones?
- Which apostle did Luke travel with?
Reflecting
Choose two or three of the following:
- Write a one paragraph summary of the Gospel of Luke.
- Write a one sentence summary of the Gospel of Luke.
- If you were to name one personal takeaway from the Gospel of Luke, what would it be?
Communicating
One of the greatest griefs of our times is father-hurt and fatherlessness. Many people have had absent fathers or abusive fathers, which often hinders them from fully receiving the wonderful love of our Father in Heaven. When talking to someone (maybe yourself!) who is wounded in this way, how could you apply some words from Luke to bring help and healing to a hurting soul?
