luke

• The Gospel of Luke uniquely emphasizes Jesus’ mission to all of humanity
• The author of the Gospel of Luke is not identified in the text
• The same author wrote both Luke and Acts, addressing both to “most excellent Theophilus,” possibly a Roman dignitary
• Tradition states that Luke, a physician and a close companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts, making him the only Gentile to pen any books of Scripture
• The purpose of writing the Gospel of Luke is to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ and all He “began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven” (Acts 1:1-2)
• The Gospel of Luke is a meticulous history, consistent with Luke’s medical mind, often giving details the other accounts omit
• Luke’s history of the life of Jesus emphasizes His ministry to—and compassion for—Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others regarded as outcasts in Israel
• The Gospel of Luke has 24 chapters
• Key events in the Gospel of Luke include:

  • Jesus’ parents
  • The birth of His cousin, John the Baptist
  • Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem
  • Jesus' birth in a manger
  • The genealogy of Christ through Mary
• Jesus’ public ministry in the Gospel of Luke reveals His perfect compassion and forgiveness through stories like the prodigal son, the rich man and Lazarus, and the Good Samaritan
• Christ’s followers are encouraged to count the cost of discipleship, while His enemies seek His death on the cross
• Since Luke was a Gentile, his references to the Old Testament are relatively few compared to those in Matthew’s gospel, and most of the Old Testament references are in the words spoken by Jesus rather than in Luke’s narration