The Gospel of Luke

Characteristics of Luke First volume of a two-volume work Directed toward a broader audience Genealogy traced back to Adam Interest in Samaritans Mission to Gentiles (Lk 4:18ff.) Concerned with social relationships Wealth/poverty (Lazarus-rich man)

Interest in “outcasts” from society Emphasis on the Holy Spirit Sinners, Samaritans, Gentiles, Women Emphasis on the Holy Spirit Mentioned 53 times in Luke/Acts Jesus’ baptism, leads Jesus into the wilderness, Jesus returns in the “power of the spirit”. Lk 4:18ff (Is 61:1f) – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me . . .” The spirit provides a link between Jesus’ ministry and the ministry of the early Church.

Luke has a strong historical interest in Jesus as a person. Interest in his family (Lk 1-2) His historical and cultural setting (3:1ff) Very precise dating His social relationships (Mary, Martha, etc.) Many social events, meals, etc.

Strong interest in Jesus’ prayer life Several times Luke mentions Jesus’ praying when special things happen Baptism, transfiguration, Parables only in Luke dealing with prayer: 18:1ff. – Widow and unjust judge (don’t give up) 18:9ff. - Pharisee and tax collector 17 parables in Luke; 15 only in Luke

Author No statement regarding its author Internal evidence: Linked with Acts by reference to Theophilus Vocabulary indicates higher level of education – not necessarily a physician In Acts the “we” sections suggest the author was a traveling companion of Paul’s during part of his missionary tours; Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1-18:16 Luke is the most logical (see Acts material)

External evidence Muratorian Canon (late 2nd cen) – 1st to designate Luke the traveling companion of Paul Irenaeus – attributed to Luke the physician and follower of Paul Some see a different perspective in Luke-Acts and Paul’s letters on the growth of the early Church and thus deny Luke as the author We should not necessarily expect Luke to have the same perspective as Paul on all the details of the expansion of the Church Ex. Paul emphasized the special collection he was taking up for Judean Christians; Luke never mentions it.

Date The last recorded event in Luke – Acts is Paul in house arrest in Rome – 62 (?) This would be the earliest possible date. Relationship to Mark and Matthew? Relationship to fall of Jerusalem? Some say the discourses in 19 & 21 are too detailed to be before the event occurred.

Relationship to the fate of Paul? Early tradition says Paul was released and had a ministry in Spain before he returned to Rome and was caught in Nero’s persecution. No mention of his release – does this mean Luke wrote before Paul was released? If so, then Luke is even earlier. Some say Luke might have been planning yet a third volume to follow Paul’s career further.

Date in the 60’s Failure to mention death of James (brother of Jesus) mid to late 60’s and death of Paul. Silence about Jerusalem destruction Amount of material in Acts about the Gentile – Jewish relationships fits with a 60’s setting (similar to Romans, Galatians, 1 Cor. 8-10) Yet if Luke is dependent on Mark and/or Matthew, it is likely that he wrote late 60’s or in the 70’s

Location? Unknown Some say Ephesus? Likely an urban area Paul focused more on main cities

Proposed Purposes for Luke Luke 1:1-4 says he is writing to confirm what Theophilus had already been taught – to confirm faith. The early Christians were expecting an immediate return of Christ. The delay was embarrassing. Luke wrote to show that the Spirit was still at work. Luke wrote to show the Roman government that Christianity was a legitimate religion and that Christians were good Roman citizens (Paul).

Luke wrote to show Jesus’ innocence in the eyes of Pilate, Herod, the Centurion Luke wrote to defend Paul against Jewish charges (and even Jewish-Christian charges) Luke wrote to convince non-Christians that this religion was the true religion. Luke wrote to confirm Gentile Christians in their faith.

Historian and Theologian Luke has historical interests in writing, but also theological. He demonstrates how the Holy Spirit is closely involved in Jesus’ ministry as well as the ministry of the early Church. Every key point in the growth of the Church in Acts is accompanied by the Holy Spirit (see later on Acts).

Interest in Gentilies 2:32 – “…a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” (Is. 42:6) Genealogy goes back to Adam 3:6 – “… all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Is. 40:5) Luke repositions Jesus visit to Nazareth – Lk. 4:16-30 Animosity of Nazareth people to Jesus’ announcement of his mission to Gentiles Acts’ interest in going to the nations 1:8

The Gospel of Luke strongly emphasizes Jesus’ ministry to the outcasts of society. Jesus’ ministry to Jews and Gentiles is the model for the early Church to follow. His suffering is a model for the early Church to follow in their struggles. Luke’s interests are pastoral, historical, and theological.

Structure 1:1-4 prologue 1:5-4:13 early life and preparation for ministry 4:14-9:50 Jesus’ ministry in Galilee 9:51-19:27 Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem Travel Narrative” – 44% of this material is unique to Luke 19:28-24:53 Jesus in Jerusalem

Events in Luke Reflecting His Perspective of Jesus 4:16-30 Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth 6:17ff. “Blessed are you poor…” 10:25-37 Parable of the Samaritan 15:11-32 Parable of the Lost Son (in response to criticism for eating with sinners)

17:11-19 Ten Lepers (the one who thanked Jesus was a “foreigner” –probably a Samaritan) 24:13-27 Jesus was not what people expected (ties back with 4:16-30)