Luke
Book Overview
Author: Luke, physician and companion of Paul Date of Writing: Approximately 60-62 AD Historical Context: Careful historical investigation for Gentile audience Original Audience: Theophilus and broader Gentile readership Purpose: To provide orderly, accurate account of Jesus' life proving He is the Savior for all people Genre: Gospel; historical narrative with theological purpose
One-Sentence Summary
The compassionate Savior brings good news of salvation to all people—Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor—through His Spirit-empowered ministry, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection.
Book Structure
I. Prologue (1:1-4)
- Luke's historical methodology and dedication to Theophilus
II. The Births of John and Jesus (1:5-2:52)
- Announcements and birth narratives
- Songs of praise (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis)
III. Preparation for Ministry (3:1-4:13)
- John the Baptist's ministry
- Jesus' baptism, genealogy, and temptation
IV. The Galilean Ministry (4:14-9:50)
- Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth (4:14-30)
- Ministry of teaching, healing, and calling disciples
- Sermon on the Plain (6:17-49)
V. The Journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27)
- Unique to Luke: extensive travel narrative
- Parables of the lost and found (15)
- Teaching on prayer, wealth, and the kingdom
VI. The Jerusalem Ministry (19:28-21:38)
- Triumphal entry and temple teaching
- Controversies and end-times teaching
VII. The Passion and Resurrection (22:1-24:53)
- Last Supper, trials, crucifixion
- Resurrection appearances and ascension
Key Verses
Luke 4:18-19 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
- Significance: Jesus' mission statement in Nazareth defines His entire ministry—bringing good news to the marginalized and oppressed.
Luke 19:10 - "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
- Significance: Summarizes Luke's central theme of Jesus as Savior, actively pursuing those far from God with compassion.
Luke 24:46-47 - "He told them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'"
- Significance: Connects Jesus' death and resurrection to the worldwide mission, bridging Luke's Gospel with Acts.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
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Jesus as Savior of All People
- Universal scope: salvation for Jews and Gentiles
- Emphasis on outcasts, women, children, poor, Samaritans
- Good news to the marginalized and despised
- Jesus' mission extends beyond ethnic boundaries
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The Holy Spirit
- Spirit prominent from beginning (conception, baptism, temptation)
- Jesus full of and led by the Spirit
- Promise of Spirit for disciples
- Prepares for Acts (volume 2 of Luke's work)
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Prayer
- Jesus frequently withdraws to pray
- Prayers at crucial moments (baptism, choosing apostles, Gethsemane)
- Teaching on prayer (Lord's Prayer, persistent widow)
- Model of dependence on Father
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Joy and Praise
- Angels announce "good news of great joy"
- Songs of praise (Mary's Magnificat, Zechariah's Benedictus)
- Rejoicing over sinners who repent
- Gospel brings joy to those who receive it
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Concern for the Poor and Marginalized
- Jesus' mission statement: good news to the poor (4:18)
- Warnings to the rich about wealth's dangers
- Parables highlighting care for the needy
- God's heart for the oppressed and forgotten
Central Message
Luke presents Jesus as the compassionate Savior whose mission extends to all people, especially the marginalized and outcasts. Through careful historical research, Luke demonstrates that Jesus fulfills God's promises and brings salvation to Jew and Gentile alike. The Gospel emphasizes prayer, the Holy Spirit's power, and the joy that comes through encountering Jesus. God's kingdom reverses human values, exalting the humble and bringing good news to the poor.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Welcome the Marginalized: Intentionally include those society overlooks—invite the lonely to meals, befriend the outcast, show hospitality to the stranger
- Cultivate a Prayer Life: Follow Jesus' example by setting aside regular times to pray, especially before major decisions and during busy seasons
- Hold Wealth Loosely: Examine your relationship with money and possessions; practice generosity toward the poor and needy
- Rejoice in God's Goodness: Choose joy and gratitude daily, praising God for His salvation and faithfulness as Mary and Zechariah did
- Seek the Lost: Like the shepherd seeking one lost sheep, actively reach out to those far from God with compassion and persistence
For Spiritual Growth:
- Depend on the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions, following Jesus' model of being led and empowered by the Spirit
- Study Jesus' parables about reversal (rich and poor, proud and humble) to examine where you need kingdom values to transform your heart
- Practice persistent prayer like the widow before the judge, trusting God hears and will answer according to His wisdom
- Let Jesus' compassion for outcasts challenge any prejudice or favoritism in your own heart, growing in Christ-like love for all people
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall The Gospel of Luke (NICNT) by Joel B. Green - Excellent balance of scholarship and readability with strong attention to Luke's theological themes.
For Beginners Luke (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Leon Morris - Clear, concise, and accessible guide to Luke's Gospel with practical insights.
For In-Depth Study Luke (NIV Application Commentary) by Darrell L. Bock - Bridges ancient text and modern application with rich exegesis of Luke's unique material.
Technical/Academic Luke (Baker Exegetical Commentary) by Darrell L. Bock (2 volumes) - Comprehensive scholarly treatment with extensive interaction with Greek text and sources.