OVERVIEW OF BOOK OF LUKE
AUTHOR: The Gospel of Luke does not identify its author. From Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-3, it is clear that the same author wrote both Luke and Acts, addressing both to "most excellent Theophilus," possibly a Roman dignitary. The tradition from the earliest days of the church has been that Luke, a physician and a close companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts (Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11). This would make Luke the only Gentile to pen any books of Scripture.
DATE: The Gospel of Luke was likely written between A.D. 58 and 65.
OUTLINE OF BOOK:
PURPOSE: As with the other two synoptic gospels-Matthew and Mark-this book's purpose 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 unique in that is a meticulous history-an "orderly account" (Luke 1:3) consistent with the Luke's medical mind-often giving details the other accounts omit. Luke's history of the life of Christ emphasizes His ministry to-and compassion for-Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others regarded as outcasts in Israel.
SUMMARY: Called the most beautiful book ever written, Luke begins by telling us about Jesus' parents; the birth of His cousin, John the Baptist; Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born in a manger; and the genealogy of Christ through Mary. Jesus' public ministry reveals His perfect compassion and forgiveness through the stories of the prodigal son, the rich man and Lazarus, and the Good Samaritan. While many believe in this unprejudiced love that surpasses all human limits, many others, especially the religious leaders, challenge and oppose the claims of Jesus. Christ's followers are encouraged to count the cost of discipleship, while His enemies seek His death on the cross. Finally, Jesus is betrayed, tried, sentenced and crucified. But the grave cannot hold Him! His Resurrection assures the continuation of His ministry of seeking and saving the lost.
CONNECTIONS: 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 OT references are in the words spoken by Jesus rather than in Luke's narration. Jesus used the Old Testament to defend against Satan's attacks, answering him with "It is written" (Luke 4:1-13); to identify Himself as the promised Messiah (Luke 4:17-21); to remind the Pharisees of their inability to keep the Law and their need of a Savior (Luke 10:25-28, 18:18-27); and to confound their learning when they tried to trap and trick Him (Luke 20).
APPLICATION: The Gospel of Luke gives us a beautiful portrait of our compassionate Savior. Jesus was not "turned off" by the poor and the needy; in fact, they were a primary focus of His ministry. Israel at the time of Jesus was a very class-conscious society. The weak and downtrodden were literally powerless to improve their lot in life and were especially open to the message that "the kingdom of God is near you" (Luke 10:9). This is a message we must carry to those around us who desperately need to hear it. Even in comparatively wealthy countries-perhaps especially so-the spiritual need is dire. Christians must follow the example of Jesus and bring the good news of salvation to the spiritually poor and needy. The kingdom of God is near and the time grows shorter every day.
