Sunday, 1 January 2012

Luke - Introduction

Luke was a physician, probably a Greek (Colossians 4:10-11,14), the companion of Paul on some of his journeys. (Note the pronouns "We" and "Us" in Acts 16:11; 20:5; 21:1; 27:1). He wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-3).

Dr. Luke wrote with the Greeks in mind and presented Jesus Christ as the perfect Son of man, the compassionate Savior (Luke 19:10). He mentions women, children and the poor often in his gospel; and joy and rejoicing are repeated many times. There is also an emphasis on prayer and on God's love for the whole world. Luke addressed both books to Theophilus ("lover of God"), a Roman believer, possibly an official, who needed grounding in the faith.

Luke's approach is simple. He records our Lord's birth and early life (chapters 1-2); His baptism and temptation (3:1-4:13); His ministry in Galilee (4:14-9:17); His ministry en-route to Jerusalem (9:18-19:27); and His final week of ministry in Jerusalem (19:28-24:53). As you read the Gospel of Luke, you will come to love the compassionate Son of man who cares for those in need and wants His message of salvation to be taken to the whole world. 

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