Slides, Luke October 10th

Course Details

  • Course Code: UFUAL 400

  • Date: October 10th

  • Instructor: Claire Carroll

  • Contact: Claire.Carroll@DCU.ie

The Gospel of Luke

Attributed Tradition

  • Tradition: Attributed to Luke, viewed as both a doctor and an artist, possibly knowing Paul.

  • Supporting Reference: Colossians 4:14 - "Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings."

  • Historical Context: Written around the 2nd century CE, by a Greek-speaking follower of Christ likely outside Palestine.

  • Illustration: Miniature of Saint Luke, 13th-century Armenian manuscript by Toros Roslin.

Opening Verses and Preface

  • Verses: Luke 1:1-4 discusses the compilation of an orderly account of events fulfilled among them.

  • Audience: Written for "most excellent Theophilus" to provide truths about the instruction received.

  • Historical Connection: Mirrors opening passages in Greco-Roman histories, indicating credibility.

Luke-Acts: Genre Discussion

Literary Classification

  • Genre Ambiguity: Queries if Luke-Acts is biography, history, or apologetics.

  • Historical Detail: Greater attention to details than other gospels, linking Jesus’ life to broader historical events:

    • Census Decree: Emperor Augustus' registration, Luke 2:1-2.

    • Governance References: Details about governors and rulers match writings of Flavius Josephus.

Lukan Theology

  • Theological Insights:

    • Death on the cross interpreted as transfiguration into glory, promising transformative glory to humanity.

    • Focus on the Jerusalem Temple and a more significant role for Satan in Jesus' temptation.

Source Hypothesis

  • Q (Quelle) Hypothesis: A hypothetical source document containing sayings of Jesus, used by Matthew and Luke alongside Mark.

Gospel Comparisons

Nativity Accounts

  • Comparison of Matthew and Luke: Key differences in nativity accounts include

    • Joseph vs. Mary: Joseph receives the angelic message in Matthew; Mary in Luke.

    • Wise Men vs. Shepherds: Epic figures in Matthew; humble shepherds in Luke narrative.

    • Flight to Egypt: Only present in Matthew.

    • Temple Presentation: Unique to Luke.

Unique Luke Material

  • Famous Parables: Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son found only in Luke.

  • Connection to the Jerusalem Temple:

    • John the Baptist's father Zechariah serves at the temple.

    • Jesus is presented at the temple (Luke 2:22).

    • Only story featuring Jesus as a child occurs in Luke (Luke 2:46).

The Acts of the Apostles

  • Second Volume Concept: Opening verse connects to the first book, addressing Theophilus.

  • Identity of Theophilus: New convert, possible benefactor or a general term for Christians as "beloved of God."

Reasons for Luke's Sequel

  • Gentile Understanding: Explains how Gentiles can claim Israel's heritage.

  • Continuity of Experience: Relates experiences of early Christians to Jesus’ life (e.g., Stephen’s martyrdom).

Luke-Acts as Apologetics

  • Apologetic Literature: Addresses biblical fulfillment and innocence of Jesus and followers in Roman courts.

  • Political Context: Suggests Christians do not pose a threat to the Roman Empire.

History and Hermeneutics

  • Historical Focus: Luke emphasizes details from Jesus' early life and broader historical context.

  • Consideration of Reliability: Questions reliability for reconstructing history versus theological assertions.

Feminist Interpretations

Varied Approaches

  • Diversity in Views: Feminist interpretations differ widely.

  • Praise vs. Criticism: Acknowledges Luke's female representation but critiques their portrayal as silent or subservient.

Archaeology and Gospels

Archaeological Evidence

  • Caution in Interpretation: Archaeology provides context but may have bias.

  • Broader Social Context: More beneficial for understanding social history rather than specific events.

Josephus as Extrabiblical Evidence

Biography

  • Background: Born in Jerusalem, high-standing priestly family (37 CE).

  • Significant Events: Surrendered to Romans during the Jewish revolt, became a Roman citizen.

Mentions of Jesus

  • Joesephus' References:

    • Christ Claim: Antiquities Book 18 refers to Jesus as a wise man and the Christ.

    • Concerns: Authenticity of references and reliance on Christian sources for manuscripts.

Testimonium Flavianum

Controversial Statements

  • Core Text: Describes Jesus' impact and mentions that he was crucified.

  • Interpretative Approaches:

    • Authenticity debate: genuine, a forgery, or a blended statement with added Christian components.

Conclusion of Study

  • Limitations of Historical Approach: Understanding Luke primarily as history may neglect significant theological content.

  • Multi-Dimensional Truth: Engaging with different types of truth—historical, theological, and aspirational—present in biblical literature.