Luke’s Gospel
Topic 7: Luke’s Gospel – Audience, Purpose and Portrayal of Jesus
Author
Traditional View
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Traditionally attributed to Luke.
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Luke was a physician (doctor).
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Companion of Paul during missionary journeys.
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Only Gentile author traditionally associated with a Gospel.
Evidence
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Also wrote Acts of the Apostles.
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Luke and Acts form a two-volume work.
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Both addressed to Theophilus.
Date of Writing
Approximate Date
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AD 70–90.
Historical Context
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Written after Jesus’ ministry.
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Written after spread of Christianity beyond Judaism.
Intended Audience
Primary Audience
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Gentile Christians.
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Non-Jewish converts.
Evidence
Explains Jewish Customs
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Provides background information.
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Makes Jewish concepts understandable.
Universal Focus
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Emphasises all humanity.
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Focuses on worldwide salvation.
Less Jewish Language
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Easier for Gentile readers to understand.
Purpose of Luke’s Gospel
To Provide An Orderly Account
Luke states he carefully investigated events.
Objectives:
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Accuracy.
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Reliability.
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Historical record.
To Strengthen Faith
Purpose:
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Give certainty about Christian beliefs.
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Confirm truth of Gospel message.
To Show Salvation For All People
Key emphasis:
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Salvation not limited to Jews.
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Salvation available to entire world.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Portrayal of Jesus in Luke
Jesus as Universal Saviour
Main Theme
Jesus came for:
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Jews.
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Gentiles.
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Rich.
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Poor.
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Men.
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Women.
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Outcasts.
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Sinners.
Evidence
Genealogy
Luke traces ancestry back to Adam.
Significance:
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Connects Jesus to all humanity.
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Not only to Jewish nation.
Importance
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Highlights universal salvation.
Jesus as Friend of Outcasts
People Given Special Attention
Poor
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Frequent concern for poor people.
Sinners
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Welcomes sinners.
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Eats with sinners.
Women
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Women frequently appear in Luke.
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More prominent than in other Gospels.
Samaritans
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Often portrayed positively.
Gentiles
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Included within God’s salvation plan.
Significance
Shows God’s concern for all people.
Jesus as Compassionate
Characteristics
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Caring.
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Merciful.
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Forgiving.
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Loving.
Examples
Widow’s Son at Nain
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Jesus shows compassion.
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Raises son from death.
Good Samaritan
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Emphasis on mercy.
Prodigal Son
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Emphasis on forgiveness.
Importance
Compassion is a major feature of Luke’s portrait of Jesus.
Jesus as Teacher
Major Emphasis
Jesus teaches:
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Love.
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Mercy.
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Forgiveness.
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Service.
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Prayer.
Examples
Good Samaritan
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Love beyond boundaries.
Rich Fool
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Warning against greed.
Prodigal Son
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God’s forgiveness.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Jesus as Man of Prayer
Unique Emphasis
Luke records Jesus praying more frequently than other Gospels.
Important Occasions
Baptism
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Jesus prays.
Choosing Disciples
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Jesus prays.
Transfiguration
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Prayer connected to event.
Crucifixion
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Jesus prays from cross.
Significance
Demonstrates close relationship with God.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Strong Connection
Holy Spirit appears throughout Luke.
Examples
Birth Narratives
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Spirit active from beginning.
Baptism
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Spirit descends upon Jesus.
Ministry
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Spirit empowers ministry.
Importance
Shows divine guidance throughout Jesus’ life.
Jesus and Joy
Major Theme
Luke frequently records:
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Joy.
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Praise.
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Celebration.
Examples
Birth Narratives
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Angels rejoice.
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Shepherds rejoice.
Lost Sheep
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Joy when found.
Lost Coin
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Celebration after recovery.
Prodigal Son
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Great celebration.
Significance
Salvation brings joy.
Jesus and Wealth
Important Theme
Luke frequently addresses:
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Riches.
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Poverty.
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Generosity.
Teachings
Rich Fool
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Wealth cannot save.
Rich Man and Lazarus
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Warning against selfishness.
Importance
Material wealth should not replace devotion to God.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Major Themes in Luke
Universal Salvation
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Gospel for all people.
Compassion
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Concern for vulnerable people.
Prayer
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Essential spiritual practice.
Holy Spirit
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Source of divine power.
Joy
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Result of salvation.
Forgiveness
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Central aspect of Jesus’ ministry.
Reversal
God often lifts:
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Poor above rich.
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Humble above proud.
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Weak above powerful.
Important Material Unique to Luke
Good Samaritan
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Unique to Luke.
Prodigal Son
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Unique to Luke.
Rich Man and Lazarus
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Unique to Luke.
Widow’s Son at Nain
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Unique miracle.
Zacchaeus
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Unique story.
Emmaus Road
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Unique resurrection appearance.
Examination Focus
Why Was Luke Written?
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Provide accurate account.
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Strengthen faith.
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Demonstrate universal salvation.
How Does Luke Portray Jesus?
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Universal Saviour.
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Compassionate Teacher.
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Friend of Outcasts.
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Man of Prayer.
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Spirit-filled Messiah.
What Makes Luke Different?
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Focus on Gentiles.
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Focus on women.
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Focus on poor.
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Focus on prayer.
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Focus on Holy Spirit.
Key Terms
Universal Salvation
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Salvation available to all humanity.
Compassion
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Deep concern for suffering people.
Holy Spirit
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Divine power active in Jesus’ life.
Outcasts
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People rejected by society.
Forgiveness
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Removal of guilt and restoration of relationship.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change