Commentary on Luke
Comprehensive analysis and insights from the Authorized King James Version (KJV)
Introduction to Luke
Luke is a narrative book in the New Testament that recounts key historical events and developments in Israel's history. The book contains important stories, characters, and events that contribute to the broader biblical narrative and redemptive history.
As with other biblical narratives, Luke combines historical reporting with theological interpretation, showing how God works through historical circumstances and human actions to accomplish His purposes. The narrative demonstrates divine providence, human responsibility, and the consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
Throughout Luke, readers can observe God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings and opposition. The book's events establish important precedents and patterns that inform biblical theology and provide context for understanding later Scriptural developments.
Historical Context
Luke wrote for Gentile Christians (c. 80-85 CE), possibly in Greece or Asia Minor. The gospel demonstrates Christianity's universal scope while addressing questions about the church's relationship to Judaism and the Roman Empire.
Gentile Mission
By the 80s CE, Christianity had spread throughout the Roman Empire with largely Gentile membership. Luke's gospel validates this development by showing Jesus' concern for outcasts, foreigners, and social minorities from the beginning of His ministry.
Literary Features
Luke employs narrative techniques characteristic of biblical historiography. The book uses plot development, characterization, dialogue, and setting to convey both historical events and theological meaning. Narratives in Luke are carefully structured to highlight divine providence and human response.
Structure
The narrative structure of Luke involves a clear progression with rising and falling action, climactic moments, and resolution. The author selectively includes details that advance the theological purpose while maintaining historical accuracy.
Literary Devices
Common literary devices in Luke include:
- Repetition - Key phrases and motifs recur to emphasize important themes
- Type-scenes - Conventional scenarios (e.g., encounters at wells, divine calls) that evoke specific expectations
- Inclusio - Framing sections with similar language to create literary units
- Chiasm - Mirror-image structures that highlight central elements
These narrative techniques guide the reader's interpretation and highlight theological significance within historical events.
Key Passages in Luke
Luke 1:1
Opening statement establishing key themes
Luke 6:1
Important development in the book's message
Luke 12:1
Central teaching or turning point
Luke 18:1
Application of key principles
Luke 24:1
Concluding summary or final exhortation
Book Outline
Introduction and Background (1-6)
- Chapter 1 ( Luke 1 Luke 1: Chapter 1 )
- Chapter 2 ( Luke 2 Luke 2: Chapter 2 )
- Chapter 3 ( Luke 3 Luke 3: Chapter 3 )
- Chapter 4 ( Luke 4 Luke 4: Chapter 4 )
Main Section 1 (7-12)
- Chapter 7 ( Luke 7 Luke 7: Chapter 7 )
- Chapter 8 ( Luke 8 Luke 8: Chapter 8 )
- Chapter 9 ( Luke 9 Luke 9: Chapter 9 )
- Chapter 10 ( Luke 10 Luke 10: Chapter 10 )
Main Section 2 (13-18)
- Chapter 13 ( Luke 13 Luke 13: Chapter 13 )
- Chapter 14 ( Luke 14 Luke 14: Chapter 14 )
- Chapter 15 ( Luke 15 Luke 15: Chapter 15 )
- Chapter 16 ( Luke 16 Luke 16: Chapter 16 )
Conclusion and Final Exhortations (19-24)
- Chapter 19 ( Luke 19 Luke 19: Chapter 19 )
- Chapter 20 ( Luke 20 Luke 20: Chapter 20 )
- Chapter 21 ( Luke 21 Luke 21: Chapter 21 )
- Chapter 22 ( Luke 22 Luke 22: Chapter 22 )
Major Themes
The book develops several significant theological themes:
Christology
Jesus is presented in various aspects of His identity and work—Son of God, Son of Man, Messiah, Savior, and Lord. These titles and roles reveal Jesus' unique relationship with the Father and His mission of redemption.
Kingdom of God
Jesus' proclamation and demonstration of God's reign reveals both its present reality and future consummation. The kingdom manifests in Jesus' teaching, miracles, exorcisms, and community formation.
Discipleship
Following Jesus involves more than intellectual assent, requiring transformed values, priorities, and relationships. True disciples demonstrate faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice.
Fulfillment
Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, patterns, and promises, demonstrating continuity in God's redemptive plan. This fulfillment confirms Jesus' messianic identity and mission.
Theological Significance
Luke contributes significantly to biblical theology in several areas:
Christology
The book develops understanding of Jesus Christ's person and work, exploring aspects of His identity, mission, and continuing significance. These christological insights inform Christian faith and practice.
Soteriology
The book articulates aspects of salvation accomplished through Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. This soteriological teaching addresses the full scope of redemption—past, present, and future.
Ecclesiology
Through both instruction and example, Luke shapes understanding of the church's nature, purpose, and practices. These ecclesiological insights guide Christian community life and mission.
Eschatology
The book contributes to biblical teaching about last things, including Christ's return, resurrection, judgment, and the new creation. This eschatological perspective provides hope and shapes present Christian living.
Cross References to Other Books
- Psalm 110:1-7 Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT - Messianic psalm frequently quoted in NT
- Isaiah 53:1-12 Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ - Suffering servant prophecy fulfilled in Christ
- Daniel 7:13-14 Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion - Son of Man receiving everlasting dominion
- Joel 2:28-32 Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring - Prophecy of Spirit's outpouring
- Malachi 3:1 Prophecy of messenger preparing the way - Prophecy of messenger preparing the way
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 2:2 [Text of Luke 2:2] - Key teaching in verse 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 4:4 [Text of Luke 4:4] - Key teaching in verse 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 6:6 [Text of Luke 6:6] - Key teaching in verse 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 8:8 [Text of Luke 8:8] - Key teaching in verse 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 10:10 [Text of Luke 10:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 12:10 [Text of Luke 12:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 14:1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 14:10 [Text of Luke 14:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 16:10 [Text of Luke 16:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
Chapter 18
Chapter 18 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 18:10 [Text of Luke 18:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 20:1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 20:10 [Text of Luke 20:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 21:1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 22:10 [Text of Luke 22:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Chapter 23
Chapter 23 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. - Opening verse of the chapter
Chapter 24
Chapter 24 of Luke continues the narrative with important developments and teachings.
Key Verses:
- Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. - Opening verse of the chapter
- Luke 24:10 [Text of Luke 24:10] - Key teaching in verse 10
Contemporary Application
This book provides valuable insights for contemporary application:
Christlike Character
The book's portrayal of Jesus and teaching about Him provides the pattern for Christian character and conduct. This Christlikeness manifests in relationships, attitudes, speech, and actions. The transformative power of the gospel enables believers to grow in resembling Christ.
Church Life and Mission
Principles for healthy church community address worship, leadership, conflict resolution, and mutual edification. These guidelines help contemporary churches maintain biblical faithfulness while addressing current challenges. They also inform the church's missional engagement with surrounding culture.
Spiritual Warfare
The book acknowledges the reality of spiritual conflict and provides resources for overcoming evil. This perspective balances awareness of spiritual opposition with confidence in Christ's victory. It helps believers recognize and resist temptation while avoiding both naive dismissal and unhealthy obsession with demonic activity.
Eschatological Hope
The anticipation of Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises provides perspective for current circumstances. This hope sustains believers through suffering and shapes priorities and decisions. It balances engagement with present responsibilities and anticipation of future glory.