Introduction to Luke

Luke proclaims Jesus as the Savior of the world. This Gospel presents Jesus as the climactic turning point in world history, and it sets the stage for Luke’s second volume—the Acts of the Apostles. In both books, Luke focuses on the mission of Jesus, which continues and expands with the Church, out from Jerusalem to the world (Luke 24:47). In Jesus, everyone—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—may come to salvation.

Background

Early church tradition holds that both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts were written by Luke the physician, Paul’s frequent companion during his missionary journeys (Col 4:14). Early church history also says Luke was a Gentile (non-Jewish) and came from Antioch—where Paul spent a great deal of time (Acts 11:25–26; 15:35). These biographical details fit with the Gospel’s familiarity with Graeco-Roman culture and its emphasis on Gentiles becoming followers of Christ. The Gospel also uses very sophisticated Greek, including technical terms for ailments, suggesting that a well-educated person (like a doctor) authored it.

Luke identifies his primary audience and purpose in the opening verses: He is writing to Theophilus, to give him confidence regarding the events of Jesus’ life (Luke 1:3–4). The identity of Theophilus is unknown; since the name means “lover of God,” it’s possible that Luke uses it generically to address any believer. However, it’s more likely that he is writing to an individual named Theophilus, who may be the sponsor of the work. In any case, features in the Gospel suggest that Luke assumed both Jews and Gentiles would read it. He seems to address people curious about Christianity and its relationship to Judaism, often utilizing Old Testament Scriptures and motifs.

Luke seems to rely on the Gospel of Mark as a source text, supplementing it with other material, which means Luke’s Gospel was written after Mark. Luke also references his Gospel in the opening of Acts, indicating it was written before (Acts 1:1). In addition, Luke traveled with Paul and often speaks in the first person as he documents their travels in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 16:10; 21:1, 17). This suggests Luke’s Gospel was likely composed during Paul’s ministry or soon after Paul’s death, likely sometime between ad 60 and 85, with Luke finishing Acts not too long after.

Structure

After the prologue (Luke 1:1–4), the Gospel of Luke can be divided into two parts. The first part (1:5–9:50) deals with establishing Jesus’ identity. It includes the birth narratives for John the Baptist and Jesus (1:5–2:52), as well as Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and genealogy (3:1–4:13). It then narrates Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, including His declaration of His identity and purpose in Nazareth (4:14–9:50).

The second part of Luke (9:51–24:53) covers the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It includes a long section (9:51–19:44) in which Jesus and His followers travel to Jerusalem, and He teaches them extensively about what it means to be His disciples. The next section (19:45–23:56) deals with what happens once Jesus arrives in Jerusalem; it describes the escalating opposition He faced from the religious elite, along with His trials and death. The last chapter narrates events that followed Jesus’ resurrection, including His appearance on the road to Emmaus (24:1–53).

Outline

• The births of John and Jesus (1:1–2:52)

• Preparation for Jesus’ ministry (3:1–4:13)

• Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:50)

• Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (9:51–19:44)

• Jesus in Jerusalem (19:45–23:56)

• Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (24:1–53)

Themes

Luke highlights Jesus’ identity and mission as the Suffering Servant prophesied by Isaiah (4:17–19; compare 3:4–6), emphasizing that the good news of Jesus is for the whole world (4:20–27). Jesus offers freedom, healing, and liberty to the world’s hurting and oppressed.

Luke shows the validity of Jesus’ identity by recording his backstory. His is the only canonical gospel to record the history of John the Baptist and an event from Jesus’ childhood (1:5–2:52). While Matthew’s Gospel traces Jesus’ genealogy to Abraham (Matt 1:1–17), Luke follows Jesus’ family tree to Adam (Luke 3:23–38), emphasizing that Jesus is not just the culmination of Israel’s history but also the world’s. Luke presents Jesus’ death and resurrection as fulfillments of Old Testament prophecy (22:35–38; 24:25–27, 36–49; compare Isa 53:10–12). Luke’s Gospel concludes by urging Jesus’ followers to proclaim the message of forgiveness of sin throughout the world (Luke 24:26–28).

Luke invites us to follow Jesus and proclaim His message to the world. We no longer have to be like the lost sheep, lost coin, or lost son (ch. 15); we can have the salvation Jesus offers. God has given us so much in Jesus, and now we are called to proclaim that message to the world in both word and deed—giving up whatever He asks of us for the sake of furthering the gospel and empowering others (9:57–62; 10:25–37).

Further Reading

Jesus and His Witnesses as Prophets in Luke—Acts

Luke, Gospel of CLBD

Luke CLBD