Author
According to church tradition, the author of the third gospel is Luke, a medical doctor and traveling companion of Paul (Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11). Luke referred often to his journeys with Paul (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16). The apostle described Luke as “beloved” (Col. 4:14), indicating the closeness of their relationship. Early church fathers Jerome and Eusebius identified Luke as possibly from Antioch of Syria. Whether he was Jew or Gentile is uncertain, although he has been generally identified as a Gentile. Luke later adopted Philippi as his home, investing his life in the young ministry of the Philippian church.
Date
Luke’s gospel and the Book of Acts were probably written between A.D. 59 and 63. The fact that Luke recorded Jesus’ prophecy of Jerusalem’s destruction in A.D. 70 by the Romans (Luke 21:20–24), but failed to record the actual happening of this significant event, helps establish the date of the gospel. The years between A.D. 59 and 61 are most probable for dating the Gospel of Luke.
Background
Setting
Luke probably began writing the books of Luke and Acts in Rome during Paul’s imprisonment there. Another possibility is that Luke may have begun these books during Paul’s earlier imprisonment in Caesarea, then continued them later (Acts 24:23).
Audience
Luke addressed the gospel to Theophilus (Luke 1:1–4). Although Theophilus may not have been a believer, he had at least received some instruction in the faith and may have been struggling with his faith, especially its Jewish origins. Luke wrote to reassure Theophilus and to confirm God’s working in history through Jesus the Messiah. It is also possible that “Theophilus” was a figurative way of addressing any Christian or group of Christians, since the name means “lover of God.” Luke’s wider audience probably included Gentile inquirers and Christians who needed encouragement in the faith.
Purpose
Luke wanted to write a historical work in chronological sequence. Another purpose for writing Luke/Acts might have been to confirm to Roman authorities that Christianity posed no political threat.
Literary Characteristics
The Gospel of Luke is a selective history that conveys a theological message. Showing the stages of Jesus’ ministry, Luke wrote with distinctive detail, being careful to note historical events. He presented Christ as the One through whom people of all socioeconomic classes could find redemption. Luke highlighted Christ’s high esteem and appreciation for women. Mary and Elizabeth are key figures in Luke 1 and 2. Luke is the only gospel writer to mention Anna and Joanna (Luke 2:36–38; 8:3; 24:10).
Themes
The central theme in Luke is that Jesus is the Savior of all. Individuals from all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, both men and women, can find salvation in Him.
Outline
Introduction (1:1–4)
I. The Fulfillment of the Promises of a Faithful God (1:5–2:52)
A. The announcement to Zacharias of John’s coming birth (1:5–25)
B. The announcement to Mary of Jesus’ coming birth (1:26–56)
C. John’s birth and circumcision (1:57–66)
D. Jesus’ birth and His presentation in the temple (2:1–38)
E. Jesus’ boyhood in Nazareth (2:39–52)
II. Jesus’ Acceptance of His Messianic Mission (3:1–4:44)
A. John’s ministry (3:1–20)
C. The tracing of Jesus’ lineage to Adam (3:23–38)
D. Satan’s wilderness temptation of Jesus (4:1–13)
E. Jesus’ initial ministry and rejection (4:14–30)
F. Jesus’ healing and preaching ministry in Galilee (4:31–44)
III. Jesus’ Authority and Mission (5:1–6:11)
A. Jesus’ calling of the first disciples (5:1–11)
B. Jesus’ healing of a leper and a paralytic (5:12–26)
C. Jesus’ calling of Matthew as a disciple (5:27–32)
D. Jesus’ teaching on fasting and the Sabbath (5:33–6:11)
IV. Jesus’ Ministry Emphasis: The Love of Jesus (6:12–49)
A. The community of apostles (6:12–16)
B. The healing of a multitude (6:17–19)
C. The Sermon on the Plain (6:20–26)
D. Jesus’ teaching on discipleship in His kingdom (6:27–49)
V. Jesus as Messiah for All (7:1–8:3)
A. The centurion (7:1–10)
B. The widow’s son (7:11–17)
C. John’s questioning of Jesus’ messiahship (7:18–35)
D. The sinful woman at the Pharisee’s house (7:36–50)
E. Ministering women (8:1–3)
VI. Salvation Through Christ (8:4–9:50)
A. Parables: The sower and the light (8:4–18)
B. Jesus’ identification of His family (8:19–21)
C. The miracle of wind and wave (8:22–25)
D. Jesus’ healing ministry (8:26–56)
E. Jesus’ empowerment of His disciples (9:1–6)
F. Herod’s questions about John and Jesus (9:7–9)
G. Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand (9:10–17)
H. Peter’s confession (9:18–20)
I. Jesus’ prediction and counsel (9:21–26)
J. Jesus’ Transfiguration (9:27–36)
K. Jesus’ healing of a child (9:37–45)
L. Jesus’ answering of questions (9:46–50)
VII. Christ’s Journey Toward Crucifixion (9:51–18:43)
A. The meaning of discipleship (9:51–10:42)
B. Jesus’ teaching on prayer (11:1–13)
C. Jesus’ teaching against hypocrisy (11:14–12:12)
D. Jesus’ teachings on possessions and worry (12:13–34)
E. Preparation for Christ’s return (12:35–13:9)
F. Jesus’ healing of the infirm woman (13:10–17)
G. Parables of the mustard seed and leaven (13:18–21)
H. The last days and Jesus’ lament (13:22–35)
I. A healing on the Sabbath (14:1–6)
J. Jesus’ teaching on commitment and discipleship (14:7–35)
K. Parables: lost sheep, lost coin, lost son (15:1–32)
L. The duties of discipleship (16:1–17:19)
M. Watchfulness for the kingdom (17:20–18:34)
N. Jesus’ healing of a blind man (18:35–43)
VIII. The Savior’s Last Days in Jerusalem (19:1–24:53)
A. The journey from Jericho to Jerusalem (19:1–44)
B. Jesus’ teaching in the temple (19:45–20:19)
C. The Cross before Him (20:20–22:46)
D. Jesus’ arrest and trial (22:47–23:25)
E. The Crucifixion (23:26–56)
F. The Resurrection and Ascension (24:1–53)