Luke’s Gospel (1)

LUKE’S GOSPEL (1)

Grant Kunkel*, Sam Evans, Drawde Roxas, Mitch Hopkins, Matt Ortenzio, and Marcus Bell

Getting Started http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KdcC

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Biographical Information of the Writer

Tradition identifies Luke as a Gentile Christian as the author of the 3rd Gospel.

A strong proof that Luke authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts o f the Apostles is that both are addressed to the same person, Theophilus.

Paul was a companion on Luke’s journey and it was most likely that Luke used a travel diary to help construct some of the history of the Acts.

Luke was from Antioch in Syria and died in Greece.

Biographical Information of the Writer (cont.)

Proof that Luke wrote to gentiles is his elimination of passages that might confuse a non-Jewish audience.

The author of Luke used 3 main sources: Mark’s Gospel (60% of Mark’s appears in Luke’s) Q (common source used by both Luke and Matthew) L (sources unique to Luke)

The creation of the Gospel was 75 – 90 C.E. Luke dedicates his gospel to a certain Theophilus

(“lover of God”). Three periods of Salvation History:

Relationship between Jesus and the history of Israel. Jesus’ life, Death, and Resurrection. The rapid spread of the apostolic church through the Gentile

World.

Where was the Gospel Written?

Major cities of Christian communities such as Antioch and Rome, are strong theories of where Luke may have written his Gospel

But others claim that he never wrote his gospel in these large cities

They believe that Luke may have been in a secluded town close to Rome but far enough to focus on writing

To whom was it written?Why?

Luke’s audience consisted of gentiles like the Greeks, as well as the poor and less fortunate

He did this because Luke wanted to spread their faith and he did so to the gentiles and the poor

What is the Image of Jesus in the Gospel?

Luke presents Jesus as a compassionate Savior driven by the Holy Spirit. Jesus has come to save us, His children, so that we can have everlasting life with God our Father

Luke also portrays Jesus as the Messiah who brings His father’s message of forgiveness, love, and humanity through Jesus’ actions Healing the sick

Touching and hanging out with the lepers who were often sent away

Treating women with respect and as equals

Associating with the hated Samaritans and other outcasts (criminals, poor, and those who possessed by demons)

What is the Image of Jesus in the Gospel? (cont.)

As the center of history, Jesus, is guided and directed by the Holy Spirit to proclaim His message of salvation

Jesus is the Friend to the Friendless. It is Jesus who associates himself with the poor, lowly, and other outcasts. A humble Jesus teaches us that our actions and love should be displayed by our actions and not our words

Jesus is a Friend of Sinners. Just like Jesus’ love, God’s love is endless and everlasting no matter how often we mess up

Luke shows us a Jesus who is a “faithful witness” and describes Him as an excellent model for all Christians who believe in God and want to share His message to all

The Symbolic Image in Luke’s Gospel

Luke is symbolized by a winged ox or bull – a figure of sacrifice, service, and strength

Luke’s account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the Temple

It represents Jesus’ sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ being High Priest

The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Christ

Why is Luke’s Gospel Unique?

Jesus is portrayed as a prophet.

The Church continues Jesus’ prophetic ministry.

The role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation History

3 stages: Age of Promise, The time of Jesus, and The Age of the Church.

Prayer, Joy, Peace

The special role of Mary and women

Passages from Luke’s Gospel

Love For Enemies (Luke 10: 25-37) The main parable is the Good Samaritan. Jesus

breaks the barrier of love from just love in the community to love for everyone.

The Lord’s Witness (Luke 23-24) Luke is the Lord’s (Kyrios for Greek) witness.

This is for the audience for his readers to give historical evidence of Jesus and to the true identity by a follower and disciple then just a person who met Jesus once or someone who had just heard of him.

Passages from Luke’s Gospel (cont.)

Compassionate to the Poor (Luke 16: 19-31)

Only gospel that records the story of Lazarus and the rich man. This also contributes to showing love for others less fortunate to us