Introduction to Luke
Author - Scholars attribute the book to Luke, the physician and travel companion of the Apostle Paul
Audience - Both Luke and Acts are addressed to “Theophilus” (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1), about whom nothing more is known. Luke’s broader audience consisted primarily of Gentile Christians like Theophilus who had already “been taught” (Luke 1:4) about Jesus.
Setting -
The earliest date was probably AD 62.
The events in the book of Luke take place almost entirely within the vicinity of Palestine. During this time it was ruled by the Roman Empire.
Theme - The gospel is for all, Jews and Gentiles alike.
Church tradition supporting Luke as the author is both early (from the mid-2nd century A.D.) and unanimous (it was never doubted until the 19th century).
Because Luke traveled with Paul, this Gospel was received as having apostolic endorsement and authority from Paul and as a trustworthy record of the gospel that Paul preached.
Both Luke (Luke 1:3) and Acts (Acts 1:1) are addressed to “Theophilus,” and there is no reason to deny that he was a real person, although attempts to identify him have been unsuccessful.
Stylistically, Luke is known for his vivid descriptive details and ability to make scenes come alive in the imagination.
CSB Notes - A. Boyd Luter
The Gospel of Luke is a carefully researched, selective presentation of the person and life of Jesus Christ, designed to strengthen the faith of believers and to challenge the misconceptions of unbelievers, especially those from a Greek background. Its portrait of Jesus is well-balanced, skillfully emphasizing His divinity and perfect humanity.
Nearly 60 percent of the material in the Gospel of Luke is unique. Thus, there is a great deal that readers of scripture would not know if the third gospel were not in the Bible.
It seems certain that Luke was a Gentile, and therefore the only New Testament writer who was not a Jew.
Luke first appears in the biblical record when he joined Paul in north-western Asia Minor and accompanied him on Christianity’s first missionary thrust into Europe. Luke’s movements can, to some extent, be traced by his use of the word ‘we’ when he was with the missionary party and the word ‘they’ when he was not.
When Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and then imprisoned in Caesarea, Luke remained close by. He no doubt used the time to gather information from eye witnesses of the life of Jesus to include in his Gospel.
Tradition has always believed that Luke was the author and we need have no qualms in accepting that tradition. In the ancient world it was the regular thing to attach books to famous names; no one thought it wrong. But Luke was never one of the famous figures of the early Church.
It is clear that Luke wrote mainly for gentiles. Theophilus was a gentile, as was Luke himself, and there is nothing in the gospel that a gentile could not grasp and understand.
As we have seen, Luke begins his dating from the reigning Roman emperor and the current Roman governor. The Roman date comes first.
Unlike Matthew, he is not greatly interested in the life of Jesus as the fulfilment of Jewish prophecy.
He very seldom quotes the Old Testament at all.
He has a habit of giving Hebrew words in their Greek equivalent so that a Greek would understand.
When he is tracing the descent of Jesus, he traces it not to Abraham, the founder of the Jewish race, as Matthew does, but to Adam, the founder of the human race. (compare Matthew 1:2 and Luke 3:38).
The outstanding characteristic of Luke is that it is the universal gospel. All the barriers are down; Jesus Christ is for all men without distinction.
Having already read Matthew and Mark’s account, Luke wanted to give a third account with an emphasis on comprehensiveness and order. Therefore, Luke is the most comprehensive gospel. He documents the story of Jesus’ all the way from the annunciation of John the Baptist to Jesus’ ascension.
Luke is the most universal gospel. In Luke, Gentiles are often put in a favorable light.
Luke’s gospel is the one most interested in the roles of women, children, and social outcasts.
The gospel of Luke is the one most interested in prayer. He has seven different references to Jesus praying that are found in this gospel alone.
Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on the Holy Spirit and on joy.
Luke’s gospel is the one with the most emphasis on preaching the good news (the gospel). This term is used ten times in this Gospel (and only once in any other Gospel) as well as fifteen additional times in Acts.
Thomas Schreiner Commentary
More than any other gospel writer, Luke explains the relationship between the events he narrates and Roman and Palestinian history.
Luke also emphasizes that this salvation is for all people, even for the people considered to be outcasts or socially marginal.
The power of the Spirit and the importance of prayer are also prominent themes in Lukan theology.
In the Gospel of Luke alone, there are over 50 references to food. Lukan scholar Robert Karris wrote, “In Luke's gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” - John Mark Comer