Luke

The Gospel according to Luke presents Jesus Christ as the perfect man. When Christ was born into this world the eternal Word became flesh. He was God and yet He was man. Luke traces the genealogy of Christ all the way back to Adam. The phrase, “Son of man” occurs 26 times (19:10). It is the longest book in the NT with 24 chapters, 1,151 verses, and 25,944 words. Luke writes with great detail and a very human touch. All the words of scripture are the words of God but the different styles of the different human writers are still evident. 

Who was Luke? He was a physician that evidently knew the Jewish apostles (Lk. 1:1-2) and became a faithful co-laborer of the apostle Paul (Acts 16:10; 20:5-6; chaps. 27-28; Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Phile. 24). Some think that he was a Gentile (Col. 4:10-14). If he was, he was the only writer of scripture that was a Gentile (Luke a Gentile name, Mark and Paul are Greek names but both were Jews). It is fitting that a physician would be the writer of the Gospel that emphasizes the humanity of Christ. 

The book of Luke was addressed to a Gentile (1:1-4, name and title, Roman ruler) and therefore has more of a Gentile audience in mind (4:24-30). For example, explanations of Jewish customs and localities are given, which Jews would not have needed (22:1; 23:51). This does NOT mean that the mystery of this present age is revealed in Luke! It is still a record of the earthly ministry of Christ and the mystery was not revealed at that time. The kingdom program of Israel includes the salvation of the Gentiles (Lk. 2:10-11, 25-32). The mystery of this present age is not that Gentiles are being saved but that believing Jews and Gentiles are baptized by one Sprit into one Body. The Gentiles are not being blessed through Israel (as in prophecy) but WITHOUT Israel! The earthly ministry of Christ is also important to the Body of Christ. If Jesus Christ was not the promised Messiah, the Son of God, His death on the cross would not have accomplished our salvation (Rom. 1:1-5; 16:25-26). Paul quotes Luke (1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Cor. 11:24-25). The books of the NT were being copied, circulated, and recognized as scripture in the first century (canon not formed at religious councils in 3rd century as catholics claim). 

God also used Luke to write the book of Acts after he wrote his Gospel (1:1). Comparing the last chapter of Luke with the first chapter of Acts clearly shows that Acts is the sequel to Luke (24:36-53; 1:1-11). The purpose of Acts is NOT to reveal the mystery but record the fall of Israel and the transition from the ministry of Peter to Paul. Luke records Paul doing the same signs as Peter (2 Cor. 12:12). 

Jesus Christ, the Son of Man:

I. His birth and childhood (1-2)

II. The beginning of His ministry, genealogy, and temptation (3:1-4:13)

III. His ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:50)

IV. His journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27)

V. In Jerusalem (19:28-21:38)

VI. His rejection, suffering, and death (22-23)

VII. His resurrection and ascension (24)

Unique features, most of which goes along with theme of the humanity of Christ:

• The first two chapters (birth of forerunner, birth of Christ, childhood) 

• Emphasis on the prayer of Christ (7 occasions unique)  – expression of dependance on God 

• Friend of sinners and outcasts (15:1-2) – examples of Zacchaeus, thief on cross 

• Place of women, contrary to Jewish custom (Lk. 8:1-3; 23:27-28, 49) 

• 4 hymns of praise unique to Luke:

1) Mary’s (1:46-55)

2) Zacharias (1:68-79)

3) Simeon (2:29-32)

4) Angelic host (2:14)

• 11 parables unique to Luke:

1) Two Debtors (7:41)

2) Good Samaritan (10:30-37)

3) Importunate Friend (11:5-8)

4) The Rich Fool (12:16-21)

5) The Barren Fig Tree (13:6-9)

6) The Lost Piece of Silver (15:8-9)

7) The Prodigal Son (15:11-32)

8) The Unjust Steward (16:1-8)

9) The Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31)

10) The Importunate Widow (18:1-7)

11) The Pharisee and the Publican (18:9-14)

• 6 Miracles unique to Luke:

1) The Draught of Fishes (5:1-11)

2) The Widows Son at Nain (7:11-16)

3) The Woman with Spirit of Infirmity 18 Years (13:11-13)

4) The Man with Dropsy (14:1-6)

5) The Ten Lepers (17:11-19)

6) The Healing of Malchus (22:50-51)