The Quick-Start Guide to the Whole Bible by Dr. William H. Marty & Dr. Boyd Seevers

Author:Dr. William H. Marty & Dr. Boyd Seevers [Dr. Marty, William H. and Dr. Boyd Seevers]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: REL006000, REL006160, Bible—Introductions
ISBN: 9781441264008
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2014-05-25T16:00:00+00:00

Luke

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Setting

Luke, a doctor (Colossians 4:14) and a Gentile, wrote the third gospel (likely not long after Matthew and Mark wrote theirs) and the book of Acts. He traveled with Paul on the second and third missionary journeys and accompanied the apostle when he was transferred to Rome as a prisoner.

His gospel was written (or perhaps dedicated) to “most excellent Theophilus.” The name means “lover of God,” and the title suggests Theophilus was a government official (cf. Acts 24:3; 26:25). Nothing more is known about this man, so it is only speculation that Luke met Theophilus when he was summoned to treat him for some kind of illness.

In his prologue (1:1–4), Luke says his purpose was to assure believers that their faith was based on historical fact, not fiction. He assured Theophilus that he had carefully researched the life of Christ to give an accurate and comprehensive account.

Luke emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and compassion. Though he was God’s Son, he needed wisdom and power for ministry. Luke records that Jesus was a man of prayer.

Summary

Prologue and the Births of John and Jesus (1:1–2:52)

Luke is the only gospel writer who gives his purpose for writing and identifies the recipient. He introduces his readers to Jesus by giving parallel accounts of the birth announcement, birth, and early childhood of both John the Baptist and Jesus.

The section ends with Jesus in the temple, discussing questions about the Law with the religious teachers. When his parents attempt to reprimand him for not considering their anxiety because they aren’t able to find their son, Jesus replies, “Didn’t you know that I needed to be in my Father’s house?” At age twelve he knew God as his Father.

Baptism and Temptation (3:1–4:13)

Luke sets the stage for Jesus’ ministry by describing the ministry of John, forerunner of the Messiah, “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,” as predicted by Isaiah the prophet. Calling on crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers to repent, his work anticipates Jesus’ ministry to outcasts. Though John preaches the good news, he is imprisoned after publicly impugning Herod Antipas for marrying Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod Philip.

Luke places Jesus’ genealogy between his baptism and temptation and traces his ancestry back to Adam. At his baptism, the Spirit descends on Jesus as he prays; the heavenly voice confirms him as God’s Son. Luke includes the same three temptations found in Matthew, with the order reversed for the second and third temptations.

Ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:50)

In his account of Jesus’ words and works in Galilee, Luke emphasizes that Jesus ministers in the Spirit’s power.

Jesus begins his ministry in a synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth. After reading from Isaiah, Jesus claims the Spirit has anointed him to proclaim “good news” to those captivated by sin, particularly the poor and oppressed. His hearers reject his claim because they know him only as Joseph’s son; they explode in anger when he reminds them of how God reached out to Gentiles through the prophets Elijah and Elisha.

In Galilee, Jesus demonstrates his divine authority through his teaching and miracles.

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