Background Issues and Key Figures in the Gospel of Luke
Distinction Between Salvation History and World History
To understand the Book of Luke, one must distinguish between the author's treatment of "Salvation History" and "World History."
Salvation History Definition: This refers to the narrative of the new Christ community and its inherent connection with the God of Israel.
In Luke's perspective, Christianity is not a restart or a separate entity but a "natural next step" originating from Judaism.
The author constructs a "bridge" between Jewish tradition and Christian developments, emphasizing the fulfillment of Israel's scriptures.
Symbolic Parallels and Typology: The author uses specific numbers and figures from the Hebrew Bible (Judaism) and maps them onto the Christian story:
: In the Jewish tradition, this represents the sons of Jacob who became the tribes of Israel. In the Christian version, this refers to the disciples of Jesus.
: In Judaism, this corresponds to the legendary translators who translated the Hebrew scriptures into Greek. In Luke, Jesus sends out followers to speak to the nations, mirroring the act of sharing God's message across languages.
: In the Jewish version, this signifies the years spent wandering in the desert after the incident of the golden calf. In the Christian version, Luke highlights the days between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension.
Temple: In the Jewish tradition, the Temple is the physical location of sacrifice. In the Christian version, Jesus Himself becomes the focal point of the Temple concept.
David: While David is the "king after God's own heart" in Judaism, Jesus is presented as the Davidic figure in the Christian narrative.
Elijah: In Judaism, Elijah is the prophet calling for inclusive adherence to God's law. In Luke's Christian version, the role of Elijah is fulfilled by John the Baptist rather than Jesus.
World History: This refers to the actual factual events occurring in the secular world.
The author of Luke occasionally "bends" world history to better align with the themes of salvation history.
The Census: The description of the census at the start of Luke is historically problematic.
There was no logical reason for individuals to travel to their ancestral homes; taxes were based on where one lived, not their ancestry.
The internal dating provided in the text is described as "wonky."
Roman Rule: Luke offers "qualified support" for Roman authority. This is seen in statements regarding taxation and the positive portrayal of a Roman centurion.
Acts of the Apostles: In the companion volume, Roman authorities interact with Paul. Paul works within the Roman system, and the author suggests a reciprocal relationship where Rome can support Christians and Christians can support Rome.
Sociological Framework: In-Group and Out-Group
The concepts of "In-group" and "Out-group" are critical sociological terms used to understand the social dynamics in the Book of Luke.
In-group: People that an individual considers to be "like themselves."
Out-group: People viewed as fundamentally different or separate from the self.
The definition of an in-group is subjective. For example, a professor's in-group includes other professors, while a student's in-group includes fellow students.
Historical Markers of In-group and Out-group in Luke's Time:
Geography: Without modern transportation, people rarely moved. Being born in a place meant living there for a lifetime.
Personal Example: The speaker, originally from South Dakota, mentions moving to Savannah, Georgia, for years. Despite living there, students could immediately tell by the speaker's accent that they were not from there, highlighting geography as a persistent marker.
Purity Markers: These are specific ways of following the law and regulations intended to keep Jewish people separate from Gentiles.
Family: Family members are inherently part of the in-group. Even an "odd" relative, like an "Uncle Jeff," is accepted and treated with kindness because they are family.
Honor and Shame: Individuals who receive honor view themselves as similar to others with honor; the same applies to those experiencing shame.
Health: Physical health was a major divider. People with skin diseases (categorized as leprosy) were often sent to separate locations.
Purity and Menstruation: In parts of Palestine, menstruating women would stay in a particular area of the house or a separate location entirely.
Neighbor: This refers to who counts as a member of the immediate community, often but not always tied to geography.
Marital Status: Social groups were segregated by status; married women associated with married women, while unmarried men and women were strictly kept apart.
Gender: Men and women often performed tasks and socialized in segregated groups rather than as a mixed group.
Wealth: Wealthy individuals spent time with the wealthy, and the poor spent time with the poor.
Modern Extensions of In-group and Out-group:
Race and Ethnicity: Historically linked to notions of family and heritage.
Sexuality: For example, heterosexual individuals might view members of the LGBTQ+ community as an out-group.
Religion: Individuals of a specific faith, such as Muslims, may cluster together to avoid being attacked for their identity.
Education Level: Being the first in a family to get a college degree can create a perceived divide between an individual and their family in-group.
The Jesus Lesson: Jesus teaches that while these classifications exist, they are only acceptable as long as they do not lead to "real divisions" or the mistreatment of others.
The Figure of John the Baptist
Origins: John is the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah. His birth is characterized as "special."
The Birth Narrative:
Zechariah, John's father, was serving in the Temple when an angel appeared and told him not to be afraid because his wife would bear a son named John.
Zechariah doubted the angel due to his and his wife's advanced age, asking, "How is this supposed to happen?"
As a punishment for his doubt, Zechariah was rendered mute and unable to speak until the birth occurred.
Upon the baby's birth, Zechariah offered a prophecy hinting at John's importance to the story of Israel.
Hellenic Divine Man Debate: John the Baptist does not qualify as a "Hellenic divine man." Although he has a special birth and special powers, he fails the third requirement: he does not have a "special" or supernatural death; he simply dies.
The Ministry of John:
He lived in the desert and was known for "yelling at people," specifically calling them "snakes."
He used this term because the people were failing to follow the law of God as they should.
John's Rule of Jackets (Simplified Social Ethics):
When people asked John what they should do to follow the law, he replied with simple rules:
"Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none."
"Whoever has food must do likewise."
Instructions to Specific Out-groups:
Tax Collectors: These individuals worked for the Roman government. John did not tell them to quit, but rather to "Collect no more than you have to." He instructed them to simply do their jobs without exploitation.
Soldiers: Even though they might have been persecuting Jewish people, John told them: "Do not extort money and be satisfied with your wages."
Conclusion on John: John the Baptist teaches that the responsibility of following the law involves sharing resources, doing one's job faithfully, and refusing to exploit others.