Luke

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Author: Luke, the physician and companion of Paul · Written: c. AD 60-80 · Category: Gospels

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Introduction

The Gospel of Luke presents the most comprehensive and carefully researched account of Jesus' life, written by a Gentile physician for a primarily Gentile audience. Luke opens with a formal prologue addressed to "most excellent Theophilus," explaining that he has "followed all things closely for some time past" to write "an orderly account" so that readers might "know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed" (1:3-4). This is history with theological purpose, grounded in eyewitness testimony and careful investigation, presenting Jesus as the Savior of all humanity—Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor, righteous and sinners.

Luke emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and outcast. More than any other Gospel, Luke highlights Jesus' ministry to those excluded by society: tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, Samaritans, and Gentiles. The parables unique to Luke—the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Pharisee and the Publican, the Rich Man and Lazarus—showcase God's concern for the lost and His welcome of repentant sinners. Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (19:10), crossing every social and religious boundary to bring salvation to all who will receive it.

The Gospel gives unprecedented attention to women in Jesus' ministry. Luke records the annunciation to Mary, her Magnificat, and her journey to visit Elizabeth. Women travel with Jesus' band of disciples, supporting the ministry (8:1-3). Jesus raises a widow's son (7:11-17), commends the faith of a woman who anointed His feet (7:36-50), defends Mary's choice to sit at His feet as a disciple (10:38-42), and heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath (13:10-17). Women are the first witnesses of the resurrection. This emphasis demonstrates that the gospel transcends gender barriers—women are full participants in the kingdom.

Luke also emphasizes prayer, the Holy Spirit, and joy. Jesus prays before every major event—at His baptism, before choosing the twelve, at the transfiguration, in Gethsemane, on the cross. The Holy Spirit is prominent from the beginning—filling Elizabeth, Zacharias, Simeon, and descending on Jesus at His baptism. The Gospel begins and ends with joy—angels announce "good tidings of great joy" (2:10), and it concludes with disciples "continually in the temple, praising and blessing God" (24:53). Jesus is the bringer of salvation, and salvation produces rejoicing. Luke thus presents a universal Savior whose gospel brings joy to all peoples through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Book Outline

Key Themes

Key Verses

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

— Luke 1:3-4 (Luke's prologue explains his methodology and purpose. He has carefully investigated everything, consulted eyewitnesses, and written an orderly account so that readers might have certainty about Jesus. This is not myth or legend but history grounded in careful research and eyewitness testimony. Luke provides assurance that the gospel message is trustworthy.)

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

— Luke 2:10-11 (The angelic announcement summarizes Luke's Gospel. The message is "good tidings of great joy" for "all people"—not just Jews but all humanity. Jesus is identified as Savior, Christ (Messiah), and Lord—the One who brings salvation, fulfills God's promises, and deserves worship and obedience. This verse establishes the universal scope and joyful nature of the gospel.)

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

— Luke 4:18-19 (Jesus' inaugural sermon in Nazareth, quoting Isaiah 61, defines His mission. Anointed by the Spirit, He brings good news to the poor, freedom to captives, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed. This is the year of jubilee—God's great liberation. Jesus' ministry fulfills Isaiah's prophecy and demonstrates that the kingdom has arrived for the marginalized and needy.)

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

— Luke 9:23 (Jesus defines costly discipleship. Following Him requires self-denial and daily cross-bearing (Luke's unique addition)—not a one-time decision but ongoing surrender. Discipleship means dying to self-rule and living under Christ's lordship. This is the path of every disciple, not just martyrs or exceptional saints.)

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

— Luke 15:7 (This verse, from the parable of the Lost Sheep, reveals God's heart for the lost. Heaven rejoices over one repentant sinner—God is not indifferent to the lost but actively seeks them and celebrates their return. This justifies Jesus' ministry to tax collectors and sinners and assures us that no one is beyond God's welcoming grace.)

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

— Luke 19:10 (This verse, spoken in Zacchaeus's house, summarizes Jesus' mission. He came not to condemn but to save, not to wait for seekers but to actively seek the lost. This explains His table fellowship with sinners, His welcoming of outcasts, and His willingness to associate with the ritually unclean. The Savior seeks those who need saving.)

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

— Luke 23:34 (Jesus' prayer from the cross demonstrates radical forgiveness. Even while being crucified, He intercedes for His executioners, asking the Father to forgive them. This fulfills His own teaching to love enemies and pray for persecutors (6:27-28). Jesus practices what He preached, embodying perfect love and mercy even toward those killing Him.)

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

— Luke 24:46-47 (The risen Christ commissions His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations. This universal mission flows from Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection—the gospel message grounded in historical events. The commission begins in Jerusalem but extends to all peoples, fulfilling the promise that Jesus is Savior of all. This verse bridges Luke's Gospel and Acts.)

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), a Gentile Christian and companion of Paul. Luke traveled with Paul on portions of his missionary journeys (the "we" sections in Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16), giving him access to eyewitnesses and firsthand knowledge of the early church's expansion. As a Gentile writing for Gentiles, Luke explains Jewish customs, translates Aramaic terms, and emphasizes the gospel's universal scope.

Luke wrote for Theophilus ("lover of God" or "loved by God"), who may have been Luke's patron funding the research and publication, a high-ranking official ("most excellent" suggests social status), or a representative figure for all Gentile believers seeking certainty about the gospel. Luke's prologue follows the conventions of Greco-Roman historiography, establishing his credibility as a careful researcher who consulted eyewitnesses and earlier accounts to produce an orderly narrative.

The date of composition is debated, with proposals ranging from AD 60 to 80. Those favoring an earlier date (AD 60-62) note that Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome without mentioning his death (c. AD 67), the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70), or Nero's persecution (AD 64-68)—events Luke surely would have mentioned had they already occurred. The later date (AD 70-80) assumes Luke used Mark as a source (generally dated to the 60s) and wrote after Jerusalem's destruction. Either way, Luke wrote as a second-generation Christian, relying on eyewitness testimony to preserve the apostolic message for future generations.

Luke's Gospel addresses Gentile Christians who needed to understand how Jesus fulfills Jewish expectations while bringing salvation to all peoples. The Gospel answers key questions: How does Jesus relate to Israel's history? Why did Jewish leaders reject Him while Gentiles believe? How should the church understand wealth and poverty? What does discipleship cost? Luke provides historical grounding and theological clarity, showing that God's plan has always included all nations and that Jesus is the Savior the world needs.

Literary Style

Luke demonstrates superior literary skill among the Gospel writers. His Greek is polished and sophisticated, showing classical education and rhetorical training. The prologue (1:1-4) follows the conventions of Hellenistic historiography, while the birth narratives (1:5-2:52) adopt a Hebraic style reminiscent of the Septuagint, perhaps reflecting Luke's Hebrew sources. This versatility shows Luke's ability to adapt style to content and audience.

Luke includes more unique material than any other Gospel—approximately 50% of his content appears nowhere else. This includes the birth narratives from Mary's perspective, beloved parables (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Rich Man and Lazarus, Pharisee and Publican, Persistent Widow, Rich Fool), unique miracles and encounters, and the Emmaus road narrative. Luke clearly had access to sources unavailable to Matthew and Mark, perhaps including Mary herself and other women disciples.

The journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27) dominates the Gospel's middle section, comprising nearly 40% of the narrative. This extended travel section, unique to Luke, creates dramatic tension and theological emphasis. Jesus "stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" (9:51), and the narrative repeatedly notes He is traveling toward the city (9:53; 13:22, 33; 17:11; 18:31; 19:11, 28). This journey frames Jesus' teaching on discipleship, prayer, and the kingdom, emphasizing His resolute obedience to the Father's will and His mission to accomplish redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke employs literary artistry throughout. The Gospel begins and ends in the temple (1:5-23; 24:53), creating an inclusio that frames the narrative. Parallelism structures the birth narratives—announcements to Zacharias and Mary, births of John and Jesus, childhood accounts. Parables unique to Luke often come in pairs: the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin (15:1-10), the Pharisee and Publican (18:9-14), teaching similar truths from different angles. Luke also uses irony effectively—the religious reject Jesus while outcasts receive Him, the rich are sent away empty while the poor are filled, the first are last and the last first.

The Gospel demonstrates careful historical grounding. Luke dates events by Roman rulers and governors: John begins ministry "in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar" (3:1), Jesus is born when "Cyrenius was governor of Syria" (2:2). These references, whatever their precise historical correlation, show Luke's concern to anchor the gospel in real history, not timeless myth. The gospel events occurred in datable time and verifiable space.

Theological Significance

Luke's Christology presents Jesus as the divine Savior who brings God's salvation to all humanity. The title "Savior" (soter), rare in the Gospels, appears prominently in Luke (2:11; Acts 5:31; 13:23). Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) who fulfills Israel's hopes, yet His mission extends beyond ethnic Israel to embrace all peoples. His genealogy traces to Adam (3:38), not just Abraham, emphasizing His significance for all humanity. He is Lord (kyrios), a title applied to Yahweh in the Old Testament, now given to Jesus (1:43; 2:11), indicating His divine identity and authority.

Luke's soteriology emphasizes salvation as God's gracious work received through repentance and faith. Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (19:10)—salvation is God's initiative, not human achievement. Repentance appears more frequently in Luke than in other Gospels (5:32; 13:3, 5; 15:7, 10; 24:47), indicating that salvation requires turning from sin and self-rule to embrace God's reign. Yet this repentance is itself enabled by God's grace—the father runs to embrace the prodigal; Jesus seeks Zacchaeus; heaven rejoices over returning sinners.

The Gospel emphasizes grace for the marginalized. The kingdom belongs to those who recognize their poverty and need ("Blessed be ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God," 6:20), not those who trust in their own righteousness. Jesus welcomes tax collectors and sinners, eats with outcasts, defends women, blesses children, and pronounces woes on the self-righteous rich. This inverts worldly values—the exalted will be humbled, the humble exalted; the first last, the last first; the rich sent away empty, the hungry filled. God's grace flows to those who acknowledge their need.

Luke's pneumatology is the most developed among the Gospels, preparing for the Spirit's central role in Acts. The Holy Spirit is active throughout: overshadowing Mary (1:35), filling John from the womb (1:15), filling Elizabeth (1:41), Zacharias (1:67), and Simeon (2:25-27), descending on Jesus (3:22), empowering Jesus' ministry (4:1, 14, 18), and promised to disciples for witness and prayer (11:13; 12:12; 24:49). The Spirit who empowered Jesus will empower the church, linking the Gospel to Acts.

Regarding eschatology, Luke balances the kingdom's present reality and future consummation. The kingdom "is at hand" (10:9, 11), has "come upon you" in Jesus' exorcisms (11:20), and is "in the midst of you" (17:21). Yet disciples pray "Thy kingdom come" (11:2), and Jesus speaks of the kingdom's future manifestation when the Son of Man returns (17:22-37; 21:25-28). Believers live between the ages—experiencing kingdom blessings now while awaiting Christ's return.

Luke's ecclesiology, developed more fully in Acts, begins in the Gospel. Jesus chooses twelve apostles (6:13-16), symbolizing the restoration of Israel and establishing leadership for the church. He sends out the seventy (10:1-20), foreshadowing the Gentile mission (seventy nations in Genesis 10). He institutes the Lord's Supper (22:14-23) as the church's covenant meal. The risen Christ commissions disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations (24:47), establishing the church's mission.

Christ in Luke

Luke presents Jesus as the perfect human being—"the Son of Man" who is also "the Son of God." His genealogy traces through Adam to God (3:38), emphasizing both His full humanity (descended from Adam) and His divine origin (son of God). The birth narrative stresses His humanity—He is born of a woman, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a manger. Yet the circumstances of His birth reveal His deity—conceived by the Holy Spirit (1:35), announced by angels (2:8-14), worshiped by shepherds, recognized by Simeon and Anna as the Lord's Christ (2:25-38).

Jesus is the Savior who brings God's salvation to all humanity. The angels announce "unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (2:11). This title, soter, was used of Roman emperors who brought peace and prosperity; Luke applies it to Jesus, who brings true salvation—not political liberation but deliverance from sin, death, and Satan. He is the "horn of salvation" (1:69) and the "light to lighten the Gentiles" (2:32). His mission is "to seek and to save that which was lost" (19:10).

Luke emphasizes Jesus as the compassionate healer who touches untouchables, welcomes outcasts, and shows mercy to all in need. He touches lepers (5:13), raises a widow's dead son (7:11-17), heals on the Sabbath (6:6-11; 13:10-17; 14:1-6), and pronounces forgiveness to sinners (5:20; 7:48). His ministry fulfills Isaiah's prophecy: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor" (4:18). He is the physician (Luke's profession!) who came for the sick, not the healthy (5:31).

Jesus is the perfect man of prayer who models dependence on the Father. He prays at His baptism (3:21), spends the night in prayer before choosing the twelve (6:12), prays at the transfiguration (9:28-29), prays in Gethsemane (22:39-46), and prays on the cross—"Father, forgive them" (23:34) and "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (23:46). His prayer life demonstrates complete dependence on and submission to the Father's will, providing the model for disciples who are taught to pray "Thy will be done" (11:2).

The cross reveals Jesus' mission most fully. Luke emphasizes Jesus' innocence—Pilate declares three times, "I find no fault in this man" (23:4, 14, 22), and the centurion confesses, "Certainly this was a righteous man" (23:47). Yet this innocent one bears the guilt of the guilty, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of the Suffering Servant. His prayer of forgiveness from the cross ("Father, forgive them," 23:34) and His promise to the penitent thief ("Today shalt thou be with me in paradise," 23:43) demonstrate that He saves even in death. The cross is not defeat but victory, accomplishing redemption for all who believe.

The resurrection vindicates Jesus and establishes His lordship. The empty tomb, the angels' announcement, and the resurrection appearances confirm that Jesus is who He claimed to be. The Emmaus road narrative (24:13-35) shows the risen Christ explaining how "all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" (24:44). Jesus is the fulfillment of all Scripture. His suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidents but the accomplishment of God's eternal plan. The risen Savior commissions His followers to proclaim "repentance and remission of sins" to all nations (24:47), beginning the mission that continues in Acts.

Relationship to the New Testament

Luke's Gospel forms the first volume of a two-part work (Luke-Acts), providing the foundation for understanding the early church's mission and theology. The Gospel ends where Acts begins—with Jesus' resurrection, final teaching, and ascension (Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11). Both books are addressed to Theophilus, both emphasize the Holy Spirit's work, and both trace the gospel's expansion from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. To fully understand Luke's theology, both volumes must be read together.

Luke's relationship to the Synoptic Gospels shows both dependence and independence. Most scholars accept that Luke used Mark as a source (about 35% of Luke parallels Mark), incorporated material from a hypothetical "Q" source shared with Matthew (teaching material), and included substantial unique material (about 50% of Luke appears nowhere else). This makes Luke the most comprehensive Gospel, drawing on multiple sources to provide Theophilus with certainty.

The Gospel's pneumatology provides essential background for understanding Acts and Paul's theology. The Spirit's work in Luke (empowering Jesus, promised to disciples) continues in Acts (Pentecost, empowering the church) and informs Paul's teaching on the Spirit's role in salvation (Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 12; Galatians 5). Luke establishes that the same Spirit who empowered Jesus empowers the church, linking Jesus' ministry to the church's mission.

Luke's emphasis on prayer connects to Paul's letters, which frequently mention prayer and include prayers (Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-14). Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8) grounds the church's practice of unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:2-4) becomes the church's model prayer.

The Gospel's teaching on wealth and possessions is the New Testament's most extensive. Jesus' warnings about riches (6:24; 12:13-21; 16:19-31), His call to radical generosity (6:30, 38; 12:33), and examples like Zacchaeus (19:8) inform Paul's teaching on giving (2 Corinthians 8-9) and contentment (Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-10). James's warnings against favoring the rich (James 2:1-7) echo Jesus' teaching in Luke.

Luke's universal mission prepares for the Gentile focus in Acts and Paul's apostleship. Jesus' genealogy to Adam (3:38), His ministry in Samaria and to Gentiles, and His commission to preach to "all nations" (24:47) establish the theological foundation for the gospel's expansion beyond ethnic Israel. Paul's mission to the Gentiles fulfills what Jesus inaugurated.

Practical Application

Luke confronts us with Jesus' radical inclusion and challenges us to embrace those the world rejects. If Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners, ate with outcasts, touched lepers, defended women, and blessed children, the church must do likewise. We cannot claim to follow Jesus while excluding those He welcomed. The parables of chapter 15 (Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Prodigal Son) reveal God's heart for the lost and call the church to seek, welcome, and celebrate returning sinners rather than grumble about grace extended to the undeserving.

The Gospel's teaching on wealth challenges comfortable Christianity. Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor and woes on the rich (6:20-26), warns that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (12:15), tells parables about the dangers of wealth (Rich Fool, Rich Man and Lazarus), and commends radical generosity (Zacchaeus, the widow's mite). This does not mean poverty is virtuous or wealth is sinful, but that wealth is dangerous because it breeds self-sufficiency, hardens hearts, and distracts from God. We must examine our relationship with money and possessions, asking whether we trust in God or in riches.

Luke's emphasis on prayer calls us to dependence on God. If Jesus, the Son of God, spent nights in prayer and prayed before every major decision, how much more must we? The Gospel teaches us to pray persistently (11:5-13; 18:1-8), humbly (18:9-14), in Jesus' name (11:2-4), and with confidence that the Father gives good gifts to those who ask. Prayer is not a religious duty but communion with the Father who loves us and desires relationship with His children.

The cost of discipleship challenges half-hearted commitment. Jesus calls us to daily cross-bearing (9:23), counting the cost before following (14:25-33), and forsaking all for the kingdom (14:33). Discipleship is not a part-time hobby or optional add-on to an otherwise unchanged life but total surrender to Jesus' lordship. We must consider whether we are willing to follow Jesus when it costs us—reputation, comfort, relationships, security, possessions.

Luke's Christology assures us that Jesus understands our humanity while possessing divine power to save. He experienced hunger, weariness, temptation, sorrow, and suffering. He knows what it means to be human. Yet He is also the divine Savior with authority to forgive sins, heal diseases, cast out demons, and conquer death. This combination means we can come to Him confidently—He sympathizes with our weaknesses yet has power to help in our need.

The Gospel's emphasis on joy reminds us that salvation produces rejoicing. If angels announce good tidings of great joy, if heaven rejoices over one repentant sinner, if the father celebrates the prodigal's return, the church should be characterized by joy. Not superficial happiness dependent on circumstances, but deep joy rooted in God's grace and the certainty of salvation. Our worship, our fellowship, and our witness should overflow with the joy of knowing we are forgiven, loved, and accepted by God.

Finally, Luke assures us of certainty about the gospel. Luke researched carefully, consulted eyewitnesses, and wrote an orderly account "that thou mightest know the certainty of those things" (1:4). The gospel is not myth or legend but history—grounded in real events, datable in time, verifiable in space. Jesus really lived, really died, really rose, and really saves. This certainty emboldens our faith, grounds our hope, and equips us for witness. We proclaim not our opinions but the trustworthy message of God's salvation accomplished in Christ.