March 15, 2003, Vol.3, No.6.
Two new articles every two weeks.
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us.
THIS ISSUE: "Introduction
to Luke" (see below)
and "Introduction to John"
Overview of the Bible:
Introduction to Luke
by Keith Sharp
 Author
The evidence, both inspired and uninspired, overwhelmingly
indicates Luke the physician, the traveling companion of the
apostle Paul, is the author of the third account of the life
of Christ. Acts was written as a companion volume to Luke by
the same man who penned Luke (1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3). The "we"
sections of Acts (those parts of the book where the author uses
the pronoun "we" of Paul's company) indicate that the
author of Acts traveled with Paul (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5 - 21:18;
27:1 - 28:16). Acts 20:4-5 eliminates Timothy, Sopater, Aristarchus,
Secundus, Tychicus and Trophimus as author. Silas does not fit
the "we" sections, and there is no evidence Titus wrote
the book. Both Luke and Acts contain technical medical language,
and Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14). Also, the third gospel
account is written in the faultless classical style of one with
a strong Greek education. The consistent testimony of ancient,
uninspired witnesses is that Luke wrote the book as a record
of the gospel account as preached by Paul.
Luke was a Gentile medical doctor (Colossians 4:10-14) who
joined Paul on his second preaching journey when Paul was at
Troas (16:6-10). He stayed behind at Philippi until Paul returned
on his third journey (Acts 16:17,40; 20:26) and apparently remained
with Paul thereafter. He was with Paul when the apostle was in
prison in Rome (Philemon 24) and was Paul's only companion shortly
before his death when he wrote Timothy the second time from prison
in Rome (2 Timothy 4:11).
Date
The book of Luke was written before Acts (Acts 1:1). Acts
appears to have been written when Paul had completed two years
of imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:30), i.e., AD 63. While Paul
was in prison in Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27), Luke would
have had ample time to do the historical research into the life
of Christ which he did (1:3, New American Standard Version).
Apparently Luke penned his account of Jesus' life around AD 60.
To Whom Written
Both Luke and Acts are addressed to "Theophilus"
(1:3; Acts 1:1). This is a Greek name meaning "friend of
God." This was a common name, and in Luke the name is prefaced
with the designation "most excellent," a customary
title given to rulers, similar to our "your honor"
(cf. Acts 26:25). Theophilus seems to have been a real man, a
Greek, who was a ruler.
The third gospel account is written in such a way as to appeal
to the Greek mindset. It is the only book in the Bible with a
formal introduction according to the classical Greek style of
writing history (1:1-4), in which the author states his subject,
his purpose, his method and his audience. Luke is the gospel
to the Greeks.
Purpose
The purpose of Luke is to ground Theophilus and other Greek
converts in their faith concerning Jesus Christ (1:1-4).
Plan
Luke consistently writes in such a way as to appeal to the
logical, educated, cosmopolitan Greek mind. Educated Greeks were
humanists trained in logic. Luke presents Jesus as the Son of
man. He, more than any other writer, emphasizes the human nature
of the Lord. Luke records more than any other writer about the
childhood of Jesus, describing his natural growth as a normal,
albeit perfect, child (2:40,51-52). Luke records more about Jesus
praying than any other gospel writer, writing eleven of the fifteen
recorded instances of Jesus in prayer. He emphasizes the place
of women and children in Jesus' life. Luke emphasizes the Lord's
compassion for the poor, downtrodden and sinners (cf. chapter
15). He also stressed the dependence of Jesus on the Holy Spirit
(1:35; 3:22; 4:1,18; 10:21; cf. Acts 10:38).
Luke places greater emphasis on Jesus the Teacher. He records
23 parables of Jesus, 18 of which are nowhere else revealed.
Luke's gospel account introduces in the New Testament the
concept of Jesus as man's Redeemer (1:68; 2:38; 21:28; 24:21).
Jesus is our near Kinsman (Hebrews 2:11), "in all things
... made like His brethren" (Hebrews 2:17), Who purchases
us for the Lord (cf. Leviticus 25:23-55; Ruth 2:1; 3:12).
Luke comes closest of the gospel writers to penning a formal
biography of Jesus. His is a formal history, with several references
to events and persons prominent in Syria and Rome at the time.
Luke gives the fullest account of the life of Christ, revealing
a number of events not elsewhere recorded.
The beloved physician reveals a world wide view. He traces
the lineage of Jesus back, not just to Abraham, but all the way
to Adam (3:23-38). Luke alone records several events that demonstrate
the Master's interest in Gentiles (2:10,32; 3:6; 4:25-27; 10:25-37;
17:16; 21:28; 24:21). Luke's is the gospel of the universal grace
of God.
Outline
Introduction - 1:1-4
I. The Birth of John - 1:5-80
II. The Birth & Childhood of Jesus - chapter 2
III. The Preparation for Jesus' Ministry - 3:1 - 4:13
IV. Early Ministry in Galilee - 4:17 - 7:50
V. Later Ministry in Galilee - 8:1 - 9:6
VI. Withdrawal Northward - 9:7-50
VII. Later Judean & Perean Ministry - 9:51 - 19:28
VIII. Closing Ministry in Jerusalem - 19:29 - 21:37
IX. Betrayal, Trial, Death - chapters 22 - 23
X. Resurrection, Appearances, Ascension - chapter 24
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