Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

Authorship

  • Luke - Companion of Paul, mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon, Gentile
  • Luke the Physician? - inferred by description of things in New Testament
  • What do we know about the author? - scholar, diverse vocab, sophisticated knowledge of Greek and Hebrew texts, either a Hellenist Christian or God Fearer, wrote both Luke and Acts, companion with Paul

Context

  • Theophilus - a patron funding the gospel or a literary device (“lovers of God”)
  • Other Writings - Familiar with other writings, maybe even other gospels
  • “Orderly Account” - Other gospels were disorderly
  • Gentile Audience - maybe written to Ephesus
  • 80 CE - Written in
  • Purpose - Answer questions, Has Christianity failed? How do you theologically justify the persecution and destruction?
    • Told in a three-fold drama - Act 1 (The Birth Narrative), Act 2 (The Long Journey and Teachings/Passion Era), Act 3 (Acts)

Style and Writing

  • Utilized Mark, Q, and L
  • Edits of Mark - Add historical details, along with fixing grammar and details, doesn’t use Mark as much as Matthew
  • Style of Septuagint - epic, Old Time--y and regal
  • Poetry - Luke 1:42 Ave Maria
  • Long Journey - Narrative, Galilee to Jerusalem
  • Longest Gospel - Luke
  • Unique Stories - many stories are just in Luke

Themes

  • Worship and Prayer - Poems become liturgical hymns, Jesus prays more in Luke than any other Gospel
  • Food (Banquets) - Important for Greco-Roman World, so Luke uses it; Jesus is even called a drunkard and glutton
  • Marginalized - Jesus hangs out with the marginalized; the lesser play a major role; Jesus is for everyone, not just Jews
  • Jesus is the Universal Savior - Son of Man (Mark), Son of God (Matthew); Jesus is sent for everyone and portrayed like Greek heroes (Philosopher, Benefactor, Immortal)
  • Salvation in Present Tense - People are healed now, liberated now; possibly in response to Jesus not coming as soon as they expected
  • Holy Spirit - main character in Luke and Acts

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