The Gospel of Luke

Who wrote the Gospel of Luke?

The third gospel is also anonymous, but scholars agree that Luke, the physician, wrote this gospel and the book of Acts.

Luke was a Gentile believer and companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 4, Acts 16:10,11)

When was this gospel written?

Luke was written during the period 58-63 A.D.

What was the purpose for writing?

1. Luke wrote his gospel for the benefit of a man named Theophilus (Luke 1:3) so that this man's faith could be strengthened.

2. Internal evidence in the gospel indicates that Luke was concerned about he underrated people in society, namely the poor, the outcasts, the sick and women. He focuses on Jesus' ministry to these people.

3. He says that he had carefully investigated the accounts of Jesus life and therefore it seemed right that he should write about it. (Luke 1:1-3)

What is the Gospel's message and content?

1. Luke's gospel is the longest, most literary, and most comprehensive of the four gospels. It presents the most complete account of Jesus' ancestry, birth and early life. It then moves on to account his ministry, death and resurrection.

2. Luke presents the story of Jesus and the gospel as a universal message for all mankind. Jesus is presented as the Savior of the whole world.

3. The humanity and compassion of Jesus are stressed.

4. This gospel emphasizes the prayer life of Jesus. Seven instances of Jesus in prayer are recorded.

5. Luke records parables that Jesus told that are not found in the other gospels.

a) The lost son (ch. 15)
b) The rich fool (ch. 12)
c) Shrewd Manager (ch. 16)

One important passage in Luke is Luke 24:36-53.

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