Luke is one of the four gospels in the New Testament that tells the story of Jesus Christ. As one of the synoptic gospels, Luke shares much of the same content as Matthew and Mark, yet also contains unique material. Here are some common questions people have about Luke and what the Bible teaches regarding this book:
Who wrote the gospel of Luke?
The gospel itself is anonymous, but early church tradition uniformly affirmed that Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, authored both the gospel bearing his name and the book of Acts (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). Several details from Luke’s gospel correspond with what we know about Luke from other New Testament books. For example, the “we” passages in Acts indicate Luke traveled with Paul (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). The level of detail about Paul’s travels in Acts plus Paul’s references to Luke as a doctor (Col. 4:14) and fellow worker (Philem. 24; 2 Tim. 4:11) strongly support Lukan authorship.
When was the gospel of Luke written?
Scholars debate the exact date, but most agree Luke-Acts was written between AD 60-90. An early date (before AD 70) is supported by the lack of any reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. A later date is sometimes argued based on Luke’s apparent use of Mark’s gospel, though this is debated. Luke’s well-developed Christology and developed church structure could indicate a later date as well. However, Acts ends abruptly with Paul still alive, so a date between AD 60-70 seems most likely.
What is the purpose and themes of Luke’s gospel?
Luke states his purpose is to write an “orderly account” about Jesus so his reader, Theophilus, “may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4). Luke aims to strengthen and assure his reader by demonstrating the truth about Jesus Christ.
Major themes in Luke include:
– Jesus as Savior of the world (Luke 2:30-32; 3:6)
– Concern for marginalized people (women, poor, Samaritans, tax collectors, etc.)
– Reversal of expectations (the first will be last, the exalted humbled, etc.)
– Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy
– Joy and praise in response to God’s salvation (Luke 1-2; 15:1-32)
How is Luke’s gospel different from Matthew and Mark?
While the synoptic gospels share much common material, Luke’s gospel is distinct in several ways:
– More biographical details about Jesus’ early life (ch. 1-2)
– Greater emphasis on prayer, the Holy Spirit, joy, and praising God
– Inclusion of more parables not found in the other gospels
– Strong focus on women, children, social outcasts, and marginalized people
– Greater chronological order to the narrative
– Frequent mention of Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness
– Use of “journey to Jerusalem” as a literary motif
– Only gospel with sequel (Acts)
What unique material does the gospel of Luke contain?
Luke includes several passages not found in the other gospels. Some of the notable examples are:
– Zechariah and Elizabeth’s barrenness and the birth of John the Baptist (ch. 1)
– The annunciation and Mary’s song (Luke 1:26-56)
– Birth of Jesus and the shepherds’ visit (ch. 2)
– 12 year old Jesus in the temple courts (2:41-52)
– Parables of good Samaritan and prodigal son (ch. 10 & 15)
– Healing of ten lepers and only one thanks Jesus (17:11-19)
– Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree (19:1-10)
– Trial before Herod (23:6-12)
– Road to Emmaus appearance (24:13-35)
How does Luke portray Jesus?
Luke emphasizes Jesus’ role as Savior who seeks and saves the lost. Special attention is given to Jesus’ prayer life, the empowerment of the Spirit, his compassion and forgiveness, and his concern for outcasts. Some key themes about Jesus include:
– Savior bringing salvation to all (2:30-32; 19:9-10)
– Friend of sinners and outcasts (5:30-32; 7:36-50; 15:1-2)
– Compassionate healer (7:11-17; 13:10-17; 14:1-6)
– Teacher by example who calls us to love mercy (10:25-37)
– Lord who alone can grant forgiveness and salvation (5:20-24; 7:48-50)
– Suffering Messiah and risen Lord (9:22; 24:25-27; 46-49)
How does Luke present the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit has a prominent role in Luke-Acts. Luke emphasizes the Spirit’s empowering presence in Jesus’ earthly ministry and in the early church.
– John the Baptist and Jesus conceived by the Spirit (Luke 1:15; 1:35)
– Holy Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism (3:21-22)
– Jesus full of the Spirit as he begins ministry (4:1, 14, 18)
– Holy Spirit will teach disciples what to say (12:12; 21:15)
– Father’s promise to send the Spirit fulfilled at Pentecost (24:49; Acts 2)
– Holy Spirit guides the church and believers (Acts 8; 10:19-20; 13:2-4)
What role do women play in Luke’s gospel?
Much more than the other gospels, Luke highlights the importance of women as followers of Jesus. Some key examples include:
– Mary’s song and praise (1:46-55)
– Anna the prophetess (2:36-38)
– Women who accompanied and supported Jesus (8:1-3)
– Mary and Martha’s hospitality (10:38-42)
– Crippled woman healed on Sabbath (13:10-17)
– Parables featuring women (15:8-10; 18:1-8)
– Poor widow’s offering (21:1-4)
– Daughters of Jerusalem weeping for Jesus (23:27-31)
– Women first discover empty tomb (24:1-11)
Luke affirms that women were vital witnesses to Jesus’ ministry and resurrection.
How does Luke portray the disciples?
Luke shows the disciples accompanying Jesus in his ministry and repeatedly needing correction and teaching:
– Disciples called to follow Jesus (5:1-11; 27-32)
– Disciples sent out to preach, heal, cast out demons (9:1-6)
– Disciples rebuked for hindering children (18:15-17)
– Disciples want to call down fire on a Samaritan town (9:51-56)
– Disciples argue about greatness; Jesus teaches humility (9:46-48; 22:24-30)
– Disciples rebuked for lack of faith (8:22-25; 12:22-32)
– Peter’s denial predicted; disciples argue over betrayal (22:31-38)
– Disciples fail to stay awake praying (22:39-46)
– Disciples abandon Jesus after his arrest (22:54)
– Disciples don’t believe women’s report of the resurrection (24:11)
Yet Jesus also affirms and commissions them after his resurrection (24:44-49).
How does Luke set up his sequel in Acts?
Luke uses his gospel to prepare the way for the coming of the church in Acts:
– Promise of the Spirit references (3:16; 11:13; 12:10; 24:49)
– Commission to make disciples of all nations (24:47)
– Ascension of Jesus (24:51)
– Disciples return to Jerusalem (24:52)
– Ends with disciples waiting for power from on high (24:53)
Luke connects his two volumes to form one cohesive narrative. Acts continues the story begun in Luke’s gospel.
What Messianic prophecies does Luke highlight?
Luke includes many allusions and references to the Old Testament to demonstrate Jesus is the promised Messiah:
– Born in Bethlehem, descendant of David (2:4-7; 18:38-39)
– Praise for God’s salvation echoes Hannah’s song (1:46-55; 1 Sam. 2:1-10)
– Ministry begins in Galilee fulfilling Isaiah 9:1-2 (4:14-16)
– Jesus claims to fulfill Isaiah 61:1-2 (4:18-21)
– Enters Jerusalem as a king on a donkey citing Zechariah 9:9 (19:35-38)
– Betrayed by Judas fulfilling Scripture (22:21-22)
– Crucified with criminals (23:32; Isa. 53:12)
– Hands and feet pierced (24:39-40; Ps. 22:16-18)
– Resurrection on the third day (24:45-47; Isa. 53; Hos. 6:2)
Luke presents Jesus as the Messiah fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the coming Savior.
How does Luke portray Jerusalem?
Jerusalem plays an important theological role in Luke. Some key details include:
– Jerusalem is central to God’s plan of salvation (2:22-38; 4:9; 9:51-56; 13:31-35; 19:28-48)
– Jerusalem rejects her Messiah and casts out the prophets (13:31-35; 19:41-44)
– Jesus laments over the city’s lack of awareness of God’s work (19:41-44)
– Jerusalem will be “trampled underfoot by the Gentiles” due to lack of recognition of the Messiah (21:20-24)
– Messiah will die in Jerusalem according to God’s plan (13:33; 18:31)
– Empty tomb in Jerusalem verifies Jesus’ resurrection (24:18)
– Disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (24:49, 52-53)
Jerusalem is portrayed as the crossroads between faith and unbelief, salvation and judgement. Jesus both laments over and pronounces coming judgement on the city.
What is the significance of Jerusalem in Luke’s gospel?
Theologically, Jerusalem represents Israel’s historic covenant relationship with God. Though the center of biblical faith, the city ultimately rejects her Messiah. Luke uses Jerusalem to depict the nation’s lack of belief in Jesus:
– Jerusalem epitomizes Israel’s disobedience and hardness of heart toward God despite his many prophets (13:34)
– Though at the center of redemptive history, Jerusalem is ignorant of God’s climactic work in Jesus (19:42-44)
– Jerusalem that “kills the prophets” finally kills the Messiah, not recognizing his coming (13:33-34; 20:9-18)
– Historically, the city that should have welcomed the Messiah instead rejects him
– Jerusalem’s temple loses its theocratic status due to its rejection of the presence of God in Jesus (19:45-48; 21:5-6)
– God’s presence and people transfer from an earthly temple to Jesus himself and those who follow him (21:5-6; 24:52-53)
How does Jesus’ death relate to Old Testament sacrifice?
Luke connects Jesus’ death to the Old Testament sacrificial system in several ways:
– Jesus portrayed as the perfect sacrificial “lamb” (22:7)
– Last Supper links his death to Passover redemption (22:15)
– Blood of the covenant references link to sacrificial ratification (22:20)
– Veil tearing in temple at his death signals an end to the old sacrificial system (23:45)
– Jesus referred to as the cornerstone being rejected (20:17), evoking imagery of temple’s foundation stone
– Jerusalem’s destruction foretold as judgment for shedding Jesus’ blood (13:33-35)
By relating his death typologically to atonement sacrifices, the temple veil, Passover redemption, and biblical judgement, Jesus’ death on the cross becomes the fulfillment and replacement of the entire sacrificial system.
How does Luke’s gospel apply to Christians today?
Luke provides many lessons for Christians today. A few key applications include:
– Jesus seeks and saves the lost – we should tell others the good news!
– Following Jesus requires sacrifice but brings great joy
– Wealth can hinder devotion to Christ and his kingdom
– Believers should be people of prayer who rely on the Spirit
– Compassion for outcasts and strangers is central to true faith
– Pride and lack of faith lead to spiritual failure – walk humbly
– Even faithful followers fail and need repentance and grace
– Women are equally important leaders and partners in ministry
– Faith rooted in the historical truth of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
Luke inspires Christians today follow Jesus wholeheartedly, relying on the Spirit’s power to love as God loves, and seeking the lost with the compassion of Christ.
