Author : Keith Sharp
AuthorThe 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).
DateThe 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 WrittenBoth 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.
PurposeThe purpose of Luke is to ground Theophilus and other Greek converts in their faith concerning Jesus Christ (1:1-4).
PlanLuke 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.
OutlineIntroduction – 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
