Introduction to Gospel according to Luke
The 42nd book of the Bible, the 3rd in the New Testament
The author of the third Gospel is Luke the physician; like the writer of the Gospel of Mark, he was a companion and co-worker of Paul.
Luke, who also wrote the Book of Acts, is the only author of the Bible who was presumably not of Jewish origin but of Greek descent.
Luke was in all likelihood not present during the events themselves, but it appears that he “interviewed” all available eyewitnesses and researched every detail thoroughly before writing his account.
He wrote the Gospel as a colleague of Paul, likely during the time Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea, around the year 58 or 59 AD.
His focus on Jesus is on the Son of Man, Jesus’ complete humanity, his love and compassion, but also his awareness of his total dependence on God
Like Mark’s Gospel, Luke’s Gospel is primarily directed at the “Gentile Christian” world. The named recipient is Theophilus, presumably a prominent figure in Antioch who oversaw the copying and dissemination of the accounts.
Thus, the Gospel of Luke is directed more toward people of the Greek cultural sphere, where, in terms of philosophy, evidence and proof for a report are particularly required.
Outline of the Gospel of Luke:
Chapters 1:1–4:13 – Jesus’ Birth and His Early Ministry
Chapters 4:14–9:50 – Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee
Chapters 9:51–21:38 – The Journey to and Events in Jerusalem
Chapters 24:1–53 – Jesus’ Resurrection Through His Ascension
Chapters 22:1–23:56 – Jesus Is Rejected by the Religious Leaders and Goes to His Sacrificial Death
Content of the Gospel according to Luke:
Luke chapter 1
Preface – Why Luke Wrote His Gospel
I. The Background (1:5–2:52)
Luke chapter 2
Luke chapter 3
II. Introduction to Jesus’ Public Ministry (3:1–4:13)
Luke chapter 4
III. Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:50)
Luke chapter 5
Luke chapter 6
Luke chapter 7
Luke chapter 8
Luke chapter 9
IV. Jesus’ Ministry on His Long Journey to Jerusalem (9:51–19:27)
Luke chapter 10
Luke chapter 11
Luke chapter 12
Luke chapter 13
Luke chapter 14
Luke chapter 15
Luke chapter 16
Luke chapter 17
Luke chapter 18
Luke chapter 19
V. Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem and Final Ministry (19:28–21:38)
Luke chapter 20
Luke chapter 21
Luke chapter 22
VI. The Passion Narrative and the Resurrection Accounts (Chapters 22–24)
Luke chapter 23
Luke chapter 24