Luke

Author: Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul in his journeys (see Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24). Luke was almost certainly a Gentile, which would make him the only non-Jewish human author of a Biblical book. Luke’s name is Greek (Loukas), and means “light bearing.”

Period: 4 B.C. – 30 A.D.

Summary: The book of Luke gives us the most complete look at the life of Jesus. It takes many of its writings from the Gospel according to Mark. Luke also uses eyewitnesses as sources for his writings. He stresses Jesus’ humanity and compassion, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit and of prayer. Luke is at home in both Jewish and Gentile settings and his account of the Gospel forms a two-part work with the book of Acts.

CHRIST AS PERFECT MAN–THE FACE OF A MAN

Key Verses: “Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, ‘Certainly this was a righteous Man.'” Luke 23:47

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

Unique Features: It was written particularly for Greeks who delighted in wisdom, beauty and system. Luke, therefore, tells the story of Jesus, unfolding his development in a systematic manner, setting the facts in chronological order in a manner not attempted by the other writers. Luke was an artist with a pen, drawing the portrait of Jesus as the perfect man.

Breakdown:

The Son of Man in his human relationships: Chapter 1 :1- 4:13

• Prologue: 1:1-4
• In the days of Herod: 1:5 – 2:52
• Thirty years later: 3:1 – 4:13

The Son of Man as Prophet-King in Galilee: Chapter 4:14 – 9:50

• Introductions: 4:14- 9:17
• Culminations: 9:18-50

The Son of Man is his Judean-Perean ministry: Chapter 9:51 – 19:27

• In Judea: 9:51 -13:21
• In Perea: 13:22 -19:27

The Son of Man rejected as Israel’s King: Chapter 19:28 – 23:56

• Before the arrest: 19:28-22:46
• After the arrest: 22:47 – 23:56

The Son of Man glorified: Chapter 24:1-53

• The initial appearance: 24:1-8
• Forty days later: 24:9-53