Introduction to Luke

This gospel, which bears the name of it’s writer, was written sometime between AD 60-61 while Paul (Luke’s close friend) was imprisoned in Rome. It is likely that Luke also wrote Acts immediately following his gospel (AD 60-62). Both of his writings were dedicated to Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1), but were probably meant for an extended audience. Luke was the only Gentile writer in all of Scripture, but not much is known about his personal life except that he was a native of Antioch and his occupation was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). Since he was a physician, Luke pays special attention to medical details throughout his writing, especially Jesus’ healing ministry. Although not much else is known concerning his life, the book of Acts does document some of Luke’s journeys with the apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy (Acts 16:9-10).

It is also important to note that Luke’s account of the life and ministry of Jesus was not personal; in other words, Luke was not an eyewitness to the things about which he was writing. While some readers may be alarmed by reading an account of someone who was not actually present, Luke seemed to embrace the fact that he wrote “a narrative of those things” (1:1) and “an orderly account” (1:3) based on those who were “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word…” (1:2). In essence, Luke pulled together an account of Jesus’ life and ministry using oral and written accounts from the apostles and other sources which were made accessible to him. Luke assures those reading that he possessed “perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write “an orderly account…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (1:3-4). Most importantly, Luke’s gospel was a compilation of extensive research under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and for this reason his account is authoritative.

Luke’s gospel gives great attention to the events surrounding Jesus’ miraculous birth (Luke 1-2) as well as His compassion toward those considered outcasts in society. The reader will be confronted with numerous accounts of Jesus’ interactions with the helpless and hurting, especially non-Jews. Luke also provides an extensive account of Jesus’ final visit to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:27) and ending with His death and resurrection (Luke 19:28-24:53).

Dear God, provide understanding and application for my reading of Luke’s account of the life and ministry of Jesus.