Luke's Gospel

[ITS]

What is the one main theme of Luke's gospel? Explain and illustrate.

[MikeP]

Luke's plainly stated purpose is to present the results of his careful investigation "...from the beginning, to write it out ... in consecutive order..." for Theophilus (1:3) and undoubtedly other readers in the Jewish and Roman (2:1; 3:1-2) world. In other words, Luke wanted to present an accurate and complete historical account of our Lord's life and work. It also seems as though Luke wrote an apologetic for the Christian faith. Some commentators have suggested that this was done in part to answer the concerns of Roman authorities who were concerned that this fast growing religious movement -- Christianity -- was a political threat to the Roman empire. Pilates pronouncements regarding Jesus' innocence (23:4, 14, 22) are used in support of this idea.

[Jonathan]

The one main theme of Luke is that the recognition of Jesus is the greatest unifying factor in all of history. Jesus came to bring unto himself people of all backgrounds and social classes. In Luke 7, for example, he demonstrated approval towards both a Roman centurion, and a sinful woman. Also, Jesus came to defy the social mores that were accepted in his context. Again, by breaking these down he was creating the possibility of people being united under Him, as opposed to being united under cultural laws. This can be seen in Jesus views on the Sabbath. Likewise, he came to bridge OT promise with future fulfillment. People in the future would be linked to those in the past in that they would come to know the one that those in the past earnestly looked forward to. Anyone who accepts Jesus? person and ministry as being from God, thus becomes a part of the united community known as the church.

[Jonathan]

Though it was of utmost importance to present Jesus? life and work in a clear and understandable way for Luke?s first century audience to have an understanding of who Jesus really is, I do not believe that this is necessarily the main underlying theme to Luke. Moreover, this is the methodology Luke uses to express his theme. However, I think Luke?s theme is tied more closely with helping Theophilus understand where he fits into the Christian community as a Gentile believer. In this sense, Jesus? life and work come to bolster Luke?s presentation.

[matth]

Fortunately for us Luke clearly states his purpose for the account; thus we can see the major theme of the gospel developed with this purpose in mind. Luke desires to provide "an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us" based on the testimonies of the eyewitnesses present (1:1-2). Luke was careful to research these things (1:3) to preserve the truth being presented here to Theophilus. This truth, supported throughout the account, is the authenticity of Jesus Christ as Savior for all mankind, whether Jew or Gentile.

[matth]

Although it seems evident that Luke wrote this gospel for Theophilus that he might understand his place in the Christian community, it is probably likely that Luke expected it to be used for a wider audience. First, it would have been a monumental work (if one includes Acts) to prepare for one individual. Second, Luke's account provides a good apologetic for the lack of Jewish response in the face of a clear presentation to the nation. The rejection of Jesus by the Jews is seen in 9?13; 22?23. Thus, Luke's gospel assures all believers that Jesus' work is a work for all mankind.

[David Gauthier]

What is the one main theme of Luke's gospel? Explain and illustrate.

The main theme in Luke?s gospel seems to be that God?s plan has not failed, but rather is fulfilled in the life and ministry of Jesus. This theme is illustrated in the birth narratives of both John the Baptist and Jesus showing strong links with Old Testament promise. The ministries of Jesus and John are developed by Luke showing continuity with Old Testament prophecy, and yet emphasizing distinctions between the types of ministry. Luke shows that the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist was rejected by both the political and spiritual leaders of Israel. At the same time, the new ministry instituted in Jesus was also rejected. Luke shows that God?s plan was rejected outright without regard for either the ministry of a prophet or a Messiah (illustrated by the parable of the ?brats? as described by Dr. Bock in Luke 7:31-35). Despite this rejection, the plan of God moves forward. The outworking of God?s plan uses surprising people like tax gatherers, sinners, Samaritans and Gentiles, which holds out hope for all who would read the Gospel. Jesus is revealed first as a man, and progressively in the Gospel as the promised Messiah. He was rejected by those who were spiritually blind, but received by those who responded in faith (emphasized by the physically blind man who saw Jesus more clearly than the leaders and called out to Him using the Messianic title of Son of David in Luke 18:35-43). Jesus knew all of the details of His upcoming death on the cross and was not surprised by it illustrated in His resolve to go to Jerusalem. Finally, his victory over death and ascension into heaven allowed for the continuance of this new phase in God?s plan in the power of the Holy Spirit through all people who believe in Him. The plan of God continues despite rejection and murder of the Messiah.

[David Gauthier]

Fortunately for us Luke clearly states his purpose for the account; thus we can see the major theme of the gospel developed with this purpose in mind. Luke desires to provide "an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us" based on the testimonies of the eyewitnesses present (1:1-2). Luke was careful to research these things (1:3) to preserve the truth being presented here to Theophilus. This truth, supported throughout the account, is the authenticity of Jesus Christ as Savior for all mankind, whether Jew or Gentile.

Luke's purpose is only introduced in the prologue. The arrangement of the material and the major theme's used by Luke throughout the Gospel and Acts seem to show that he has a primary audience in mind, and that he provides answers and reassurance concerning the beginning of a great movement of God that was largely rejected by the Jews. Your assessment of the presentation of Jesus Christ as Savior for all mankind is certainly true, but Luke's Gospel also shows how God's plan that started with the Jews is now being carried out largely by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, and will one day be fully accomplished even among the Jews with His return.

[TAhrend]

Luke wrote the gospel to reasuure Theophilus in the things in which he was instructed. Theophilus has questions such as, ?Is Christianity what I believed it to be?? If so why is it suffering? Is this movement for Gentiles as well or is it strictly a Jewish belief? Luke writes to answer these questions and to show that the gospel of Jesus is from God and is availbalbe for all, Jew and Gintile alike.

[jen]

Luke himself is clear about his purpose in Luke 1:4, when he says to Theophilus "that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Bock gives a strong argument that Theophilis is a Gentile new Christian, and elaborates: "It is God's grace as revealed in Jesus which is to reassure Theophilus that as a Gentile, he can be confident that God is at work in the community faith which Jesus founded, even though the roots of the promise tied to Jesus stretch back into Israel (Luke 1:1-4)." (Bock 1993, Section II, pg 1) The undertaking of writing a book such as the Gospel of Luke seems extreme for the assurance of only one believer. "Given the magnitude of Luke's effort, it seems clear that he did not write for Theophilus alone but for any who shared this tension." (Bock 1992, pg 498) Acts further articulates that the Gospel is "first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16), and demonstrates the practicalities of Gentile inclusion in the New Testament church. Luke was especially concerned with Gentile inclusion because he himself was not Jewish. "There is some debate whether he was a Jew or a Gentile, but Colossians 4:10-11 says he is 'not of the circumcision,' which means he is not Jewish. Whether Luke is a non-Jewish Semite or a Hellenistic Gentile is less certain and cannot be determined with certainty." (Bock 1993, Section II, pg 2)

[scotty]

The one main theme of Luke's Gospel is to offer perspective to the disciples, communities, and the readers that Christ is God. This was being demonstrated through Jesus exemplifying his power over death, sickness, and evil. When looking at the context of Luke as a whole the author developed the power and authority of Christ over all things. But shows the mercy and compassion over man's sin, disciples included. By Christ demonstrating his power, mercy, and authority continually chose to teach mankind even when those closest to him (the disciples), struggled with fully understanding who Christ was, when they walked with him daily. They saw all of miracles, heard all of his teachings, and receiving the Holy Spirit's authority from Christ to cast out demons, heal people, and to teach others about Jesus. Even through this they continually wrestled to understand who Jesus was/is.[/url]

[scotty]

Luke's plainly stated purpose is to present the results of his careful investigation "...from the beginning, to write it out ... in consecutive order..." for Theophilus (1:3) and undoubtedly other readers in the Jewish and Roman (2:1; 3:1-2) world. In other words, Luke wanted to present an accurate and complete historical account of our Lord's life and work. It also seems as though Luke wrote an apologetic for the Christian faith. Some commentators have suggested that this was done in part to answer the concerns of Roman authorities who were concerned that this fast growing religious movement -- Christianity -- was a political threat to the Roman empire. Pilates pronouncements regarding Jesus' innocence (23:4, 14, 22) are used in support of this idea. I would agree with the quoted statement above based on the evaluation of the overall hermeneutical understanding of the Gospels of Luke. The purpose was to present accurate and careful investigation of Luke's writings to Theophilus and other readers in the Jewish and Roman world. But the definition of theme and purpose are clearly two different meanings. Webster's New World Dictionary: Third Edition, defines theme as, 1a) "a topic or subject as a lecture, sermon, essay, etc. b) a recurring, unifying subject or idea; motif, often one used decoratively." The definition of purpose, 1) "something one intends to get or do; intention: aim." The purpose was well written to define "how" and "who" it was written and for. But the theme means in general, "what" was the story about? The "One Theme" of Luke's Gospel is the focal point of Jesus as God having power and authority over everything. Being merciful and compassionate to the ignorance and sinfulness of mankind, right? Throughout the book of Luke Christ was revealed as the "Son of God" that God himself was very pleased with and claimed Christ as His Son (3:22, 3:35). Christ was to fulfill that of his Father's will (22:42).

[jkohn]

Luke 4:16-30 can be seen as being programmatic in Luke. Jesus has just begun his ministry by going to the synagogue in Nazareth and begins to preach. He reads from Isaiah 61:1-2, and then proclaims that he is the fulfillment of this prophecy. At first the people responded well to his teaching, but as the passage comes to a close, the people reject Jesus. The people's rejection is so strong that they plot to kill him. This passage is programmatic in the sense that these same events will begin to form a pattern for Jesus' ministry. Jesus is seen throughout Luke preaching to the poor and oppressed (Luke 6:20, 12:33, 14:13-21). Jesus is also healing the blind and sick in 7:21-22 and 8:43. He even instructs the twelve to heal the sick in Luke 9:2. Jesus concern for the blind, prisoners, poor, and oppressed is a common theme that can be found throughout Luke. The author was concerned with showing Jesus as the one who brings salvation to these groups of people. It is also programmatic that Jesus is rejected by the chief priests and scribes as one can see from the Luke's Gospel (Luke 20:9-19). Not only is this programmatic for the Gospel of Luke, but it is also the same situation in Acts (Acts 3-5).

[jkohn]

Luke 19:1-10 acts as a great summary to the key themes in Luke. Primarily, Luke 19:1-10 can be viewed as portraying the theme of Jesus being the initiator in the salvation process. Jesus sought out Zacchaeus from the top of a tree so that he might stay at his house. Jesus initiates the relationship by going to him and not just passing by a man in a tree. Zacchaues graciously accepts Jesus' request, which would have been viewed as the acceptance of salvation from Jesus. Zacchaeus also responds to Jesus with great joy, which was another theme throghout Luke when salvation came to a person. Zacchaeus gives away his possessions because of unethical tax collecting that he had done in the past. This response to Jesus' salvation would be viewed as a repentant act. Salvation and repentance are a common theme in the book that are always viewed simulataneously . Jesus states one theme of Luke in the closing verse by stating that he came to seek and save the lost. Jesus message goes to the poor, oppressed, and outcast (Luke 4, 15).

[jkohn]

Though it was of utmost importance to present Jesus? life and work in a clear and understandable way for Luke?s first century audience to have an understanding of who Jesus really is, I do not believe that this is necessarily the main underlying theme to Luke. Moreover, this is the methodology Luke uses to express his theme. However, I think Luke?s theme is tied more closely with helping Theophilus understand where he fits into the Christian community as a Gentile believer. In this sense, Jesus? life and work come to bolster Luke?s presentation.
I would agree with you that Luke's purpose in writing Luke was to lay out a clear understanding of who and what Jesus did and taught. Luke's main theme would be to show that Jesus is the Savior of the world. This message is preached to both Jew and Gentile alike and thus creates a new movement that stems from Judaism. It would seem that Luke's main theme would thus be less about a methodology but more about a new way of living for all mankind.

[jkohn]

The "One Theme" of Luke's Gospel is the focal point of Jesus as God having power and authority over everything. Being merciful and compassionate to the ignorance and sinfulness of mankind, right? Throughout the book of Luke Christ was revealed as the "Son of God" that God himself was very pleased with and claimed Christ as His Son (3:22, 3:35). Christ was to fulfill that of his Father's will (22:42).

The "One Theme" of Luke's Gospel is quite difficult to summarize into one theme. It is definitely Luke's intention to show that Jesus does have authority over everything. However, isn't Luke concerned with showing that Jesus is the author of salvation and a new type of lifestyle that was foreign to both Jew and Gentile? Although, this new way of living is not much different from the law of the Old Testament, Jesus has come to fulfill the Law and to explain it more fully. Jesus being merciful and compassionate are more traits or characteristics of God than a theme of the book.

[shapat]

The result of Luke’s careful investigation, which he delivered to Theophilus, is an orderly account, but not necessarily a consecutive one—if consecutive is taken to mean chronological, sequential or successive. The lack of a strict chronological order of events can be seen as Jesus’ ministry took him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Early on, Jesus is in Galilee (ch. 4) followed by an early placement of him at the home of Martha and Mary (Lk. 10:38-42), which is in Bethany, thus much closer to Jerusalem than “later” Lukan locations (e.g. 17:11). Insofar as the orderly account though, Luke was careful to give his gospel a definitive basic structure that offered a discernible plot to Jesus’ ministry as he revealed who he was and journeyed from Galilee to Jerusalem to complete his mission.

[shapat]

A fitting title under which the many themes of Luke might be grouped is, ‘The universality of God’s salvation through Christ’. Although the principal players in the first two chapters of the book (Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, Simeon, Anna), are Jewish, the addressee, Theophilus, is apparently Gentile. Throughout, Gentiles are acknowledged and singled out for their faith. Luke’s salvific universality also encompasses men, women, children, adults, rich, poor, “sinners”, tax-collectors, fishermen, soldiers, lepers, and the blind, the lame—everyone who recognizes a need for the Savior. Luke’s message about Jesus proclaims liberty to all.

[dennis]

Luke clearly states that his purpose is to present the conclusion to the investigation that he conducts “…from the beginning, to write it out… for Theophilus (1:3) and others who would read of the Jewish and Gentile world (2:1, 3:1-2). Although the primary figures in the first two chapters of the book are Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, Simeon and Anna (all Jewish), the one that he addresses is Theophilus, a Gentile. All through the Gospel of Luke Gentiles are referenced for their faith in Christ, clearly indicating no bias or prejudice of the part of God. He also shows that salvation is of universal opportunity by encompassing men, women, boys and girls, people from all socioeconomic status, and all levels of educational background. He even proves that our current state of physical value makes no difference to God in His desire to provide redemption. This is seen as Christ heals the sick or anyone who recognizes their need for salvation.

[LShilt]

I would agree with you that Luke's purpose in writing Luke was to lay out a clear understanding of who and what Jesus did and taught. Luke's main theme would be to show that Jesus is the Savior of the world. This message is preached to both Jew and Gentile alike and thus creates a new movement that stems from Judaism. It would seem that Luke's main theme would thus be less about a methodology but more about a new way of living for all mankind.



Although this student is correct in their reasoning, there is more to the Gospel of Luke than just about Jesus’ teaching. Throughout the Gospel, Luke constantly focuses on Jesus’ compassion for the people. His compassion extends beyond the Jews. Christ also preached to Samaritans who is representative of all Gentiles. The Gospel of Luke even consists of accounts were Jesus ministered to and allowed women to listen to the preaching and teaching of His word. In a culture were Samaritans and women are both held in low esteem, Jesus was teaching His followers a radical way of thinking. One example of Gentile inclusion could be found in Luke 9:53, 54, Jesus rebuked His disciples because they wanted to pray to God the Father to reign down fire on a town of Samaritans for rejecting Jesus. In Luke 10, Jesus tells His disciples a parable about the Good Samaritan. He told His listeners how this Samaritan helped the individual who was robbed and beaten when a priest and Levite walked passed this poor man. Race and religion was a not a factor in the Samaritans' offer to help this hurt man. Jesus used these opportunities to teach His disciples that He was there to offer salvation to the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

Dr. Luke spends more time writing historical accounts about Christ’s compassion towards women than the other gospels. In Luke 8:15, he mentions followers of Jesus that were women, “…The Twelve accompanied him, and also some women...Mary called the Magdalene,...Joanna, the wife Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who were assisting them out of their means." One of my favorite stories in Luke center on Mary and Martha, who is found in Luke 10:38-42. In the Jewish culture, the woman’s primary responsibility was to take care of the family. When Martha asked Jesus to have Mary assist her, it was consistent with the custom of her people. The fact that Jesus told Martha “she has chosen what was good” illustrates compassion by Jesus towards women by allowing Mary to remain at His feet to listen to His teaching of the Word. In Jesus’ day, women would not be a part of these meetings. Jesus was teaching His disciples that the Messiah is for all people including women and Gentiles!

[LShilt]

In Luke5:17-24 is a familiar story to most Christians. This narrative is about a man who could not walk. Because of the crowd, this man's friends cut open a hole in the roof to lower him in front of Jesus. Jesus immediately tells the man that his sins are forgiven. The Pharisees and scribes were upset. Luke 5:21 states: “The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’” *" :D Certain scribes (experts in the Law) and Pharisees are quick to make assumptions. Their legal minds told them, suggest Luke, that this man could not be forgiven, for he remains paralyzed. Forgiveness must mean the removal of the sickness. (see, e.g., the Qumran scroll 4QNaham 4)…the pronounced forgiveness remains in question, and Jesus, they conclude, takes too much on himself. He must be guilty of blasphemies, for only God can forgive sin… determine… if they are forgiven. (Danker, 1988, 122).” What is the deeper significance of Jesus declaring that He had this ability? How did this event set in motion the Crucifixion of Christ?
:)
*Quote from: Danker, Frederick W. Jesus and the New Age- A Commentary on Luke’s Gospel. Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press. 1988.

[hlspirit]

Luke’s main theme is the very “God’s Plan.” So Luke as the Gentile is most suitable for the writer to report the Gospel of Luke. He was the object itself of the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Actually, Theophilus, a hearer of Luke is also the Gentile. Theophilus was strangely thinking about the fact that Jews who was God’s people were rejected and the Gentiles like him became in the church. However, this was not strange. This resulted from God’s plan. After Genesis God’s plan was the new community of all nations. Finally, in Jesus’ cross and resurrection, the new community was created. Both the Jews and the Gentiles can attend the new community. While Jews rejected Jesus the Lord of this new community, the Gentiles realized and accepted the fact that Jesus was their Savior and the Lord. In short, Luke let Theophilus and Luke’s community realize that the members of the new community are really the fruits of the fulfillment of God’s plan

[sallyhaveman]

Luke states in the prologue that he writes so that Theophilus may know from his careful investigation that what he has been taught is indeed the truth. The truth being that Jesus is the Savior for everyoneand not just the Jews but especially those marginalized by society. Luke shows us Jesus' humble character and his persistent in prayer so that we can model our lives after Him. In Luke's Gospel we have Jesus' ministry, death and resurrection. Luke emphasizes the theme of Jesus indifference to thoses with riches and social standing, and how in the Kingdom of God the order will be reversed.

[sallyhaveman]

To honor the Sabbath brings us back to God's commandments in Exodus 20:8-11. God commanded that we work six days a week and rest on the Sabbath. I believe alot of Christians today overlook this commandment. It seems the commandments that are the easiest for everyone to keep are the ones that are legal laws by the state not necessarily because they are from God. I believe what Christians choose to do on Sunday is getting blurred with the other six days of the week. I wonder if our non-Christians friends watching us could tell its Sunday by our lifestyle?