The Gospel of Luke

Who is the author of the Gospel of Luke?

Luke, a travel companion of Paul.

what is Luke's symbol?

ox, temple, priest

how does Luke paint the picture of Jesus?

eloquently and with special care

what is at the center of Luke's Gospel?

the cross and resurrection in Jerusalem

What is the primary audience for the Gospel of Luke?

Theophilus: a patron of Luke's or "God lovers"

Gentile Christians: universal faith

Why was Luke written?

as a proof of Jesus' life, to provide certainty-- not for those in the church but those seeking certainty in the teachings they've heard

How would Luke have been able to write such a thorough account?

lots of access to eyewitnesses and resources as Paul's travel companion, would have used Mary (Jesus' mother) and church members as sources

When was the Gospel of Luke written?

Around 70 AD-- uses Mark as a source, has a more precise description of the Temple's destruction

What is one of the main themes of the Gospel of Luke?

Universal Salvation, particularly for the marginalized and outsiders.

What are some key aspects to the form of Luke?

attention to detail, includes 3 songs (magnificat, benedictus, nunc dimittus), joyful/postive tone, economic focus, excellent greek

What are some key themes in Luke?

reversal: first last, last first

prayer: Jesus retreats to pray often

Holy Spirit: Luke explicitly attributes activity to the Spirit, prepares us for Pentecost

preference for the least: women, the poor, foreigners

salvation: Jesus is the savior not Caesar

What are the three aspects of the Body of Christ mentioned in the Road to Emmaus scene?

The resurrected body, the Eucharist, and the followers of Jesus.

What is the significance of the 'Road to Emmaus' story in Luke?

It highlights the revelation of Jesus to his disciples after the resurrection-- uses darkness as a platform for revelation of scripture

What does the term 'Magnificat' refer to in the context of Luke?

A song of praise by Mary, found in Luke 1:46-55.

What is the 'Benedictus' in the Gospel of Luke?

A song of Zechariah, found in Luke 1:68-79, praising God for salvation.

what are the different ways God's salvation is presented in Jesus?

through: healing, liberation, restoration, rescue from disaster, forgiveness of sins, and response to faith

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the baptism of Jesus?

The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus and emphasizes his kingly role, intimate relationship with the Father, and identifies Jesus as the suffering servant

What is the significance of the prologue in Luke?

It introduces Jesus' infancy and the ministry of John the Baptist.

What does Jesus' ministry in Galilee highlight?

the positive response to Jesus

What does Luke's travel narrative highlight?

The journey of Jesus towards Jerusalem and the events leading to his passion- rejection of Jesus

What is the order of Luke’s gospel?

1. infancy narrative, John’s ministry

2. Galilean ministry- positive response

3. Travel narrative- negative response

4. Jesus' work in jerusalem, his passion, resurrection, and ascension

What is the 'Nunc Dimittis' in the context of Luke?

A song of Simeon, found in Luke 2:29-32, expressing his readiness to die after seeing Jesus.

How does Luke depict the relationship between Jesus and his disciples?

As intimate, emphasizing teaching, support, and the call to follow.

What is the connection between Luke and Acts?

Acts serves as a sequel to Luke, detailing the early church and how the Holy Spirit was moving

What is the thesis of Luke?

Luke 4: 14-30

synagogues: dialogic places

OT: Jesus reveals that he is the fulfillment of the OT (Isa 61:1-2, 58:6)