MARIANO L.

HUELVA III 05/06/2019

GR. 11 S12 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 200

The Gospel of Luke

1. Who was Luke?

Luke the Evangelist is a physician having learned in Hellinistic literary and scientific culture. He
left being a physician to become Paul’s companion. He did not know Jesus Christ personally and only
became a follower after the Lord’s death, when Paul taught him the gospel. He was able to talk to
many of the disciples and other witnesses which aided in producing his Gospel.

2. When and where was the gospel written?

The gospel of look was written at about 60 A.D or before. The gospel of Luke is probably
written in a thoroughly Hellenistic environment like in Antioch or places in Asia Minor: Ephesus or
Smyrna.

3. To whom was it written?

The gospel of Luke was written for the Gentiles especially Greeks and a man named Theophilus.

4. What style and language was it written in?

The Gospel of Luke was written in Greek and these are the following style it was written in:

 Universality, recognition of Gentiles as well as Jews in God’s plan (19:10);

 Emphasis on prayer, especially Jesus’ praying before important occasions (3:21; 5:16; 6:12;
9:18, 28-29; 10:21; 11:1; 22:39-46; 23:34, 46);
 Prominent place given to women (chs. 1, 2; 7:11-13, 36-50; 8:1-3; 10:38-42; 21:1-4;
23:27-31, 49; 23:55–24:11);
 Special interest in poverty and wealth (1:52-53; 4:16-22; 6:20, 24-25; 12:13-21; 14:12-13;
19:19-31) [some of the rich were included among Jesus’ followers, but he seemed closest to the
poor];
 Concern for individuals, especially “sinners” (good Samaritan, 10:29-37; prodigal son,
15:11-32; thankful leper, 17:11-19; penitent tax collector, 18:9-14; Zacchaeus, 19:1-10; penitent
thief, 23:39-43) [Jesus was a friend to those deep in sin];
 Stress on the family circle (Jesus’ activity included men, women and children, with the setting
frequently in the home);
MARIANO L. HUELVA III 05/06/2019

GR. 11 S12 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 200

 Repeated use of the title “Son of Man” (e.g., 19:10);

 Emphasis on joy (e.g., 1:14) and the Holy Spirit (e.g., 4:1).

5. Why did Luke write this Gospel?

Each and every synoptic gospels’ purpose is to deliver the message that our Savior, Jesus Christ,
had been born from Mother Mary and the salvation of humans from sins till Jesus’ rising but how
Luke’s gospel is written is distinct from other synoptic gospels. The gospel of Luke is unique and is
meticulously written in an orderly account following his medical mind, giving details that the other
Gospel’s omit. He emphasizes Christ’s ministry and compassion towards Gentiles, Samaritans,
women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others regarded as outcasts in Israel.

6. What aspect of Jesus did Luke focus on?

Luke focus on Jesus’ aspect of being a sinless man: The Son of Man. Portraying Jesus as a fully
human being but without sin. He highly focused on Christ’s ministry and compassion towards
Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others regarded as outcasts in
Israel.

7. What is the structure & direction of his gospel?

Luke’s structure and direction is called a Travel Narrative. Luke portrays the time of Jesus’
ministry as a carefully planned journey that eventually ends with the narrative of the Triumphal Entry
in Jerusalem. In order to show that Jesus and his disciples followed a clear and concise route, Luke
had to fill in gaps and rearrange certain stories in order to make every event flow into this travel
narrative. One way Luke accomplishes this is by expanding the Galilee section of Jesus’ travels. To
do this Luke had to rearrange certain stories such as the confession at Caesarea Philippi.

8. What are the main issues Luke wants to communicate?

MARIANO L. HUELVA III 05/06/2019

GR. 11 S12 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 200

The main issues that Luke wants to communicate are:

 God used many different people to introduce Jesus to history (Luke 1:26, 2:1, 4, 8, 25, 36)
 Jesus has a distinctive and singular role in God's kingdom (Luke 1:32-33, 4:20, 7:14-15,
9:34-36, 20:34-38)
 Discipleship has particular characteristics: witnessing (Luke 5:10), compassion (Luke 13:19),
gratitude (Luke 7:44-47) are among them
 Prayer has a distinctive role for believers (Luke 3:21, 6:12, 11:1, 18:1)
 God longs to forgive sinners (Luke 15:1-32)
 Wealth is useful only as a ministry to others (Luke 12:21, 16:9, 20, 18:22)
 Human leaders can resist but cannot overcome God's will (Luke 5:21, 6:2, 11:45, 12:2, 14:1)