Introduction to the Gospel According to Luke
Luke 1:1-4
Author
· Luke
· Not an apostle
· Most likely the Luke mentioned by Paul
· A physician possibly from Antioch
· A traveling companion of Paul
· Most likely a Gentile
· A meticulous historian
· An evangelist
Audience
· Theophilus
· Most likely the benefactor of Luke’s writing
· The target is the Greek speaking world
Date of Composition
· Liberal scholars say AD 80
· However…
· Acts leaves off around AD 62
· Luke-Acts does not mention the persecution under Nero (AD 64-65) or the fall of Jerusalem (AD 70)
· Therefore a more conservative date of AD 64 (at the latest) needs to be considered
Purpose of Composition
• Verse 1 – Luke is aware of other attempts to record events surrounding Jesus’ life.
• Verse 2 – Luke seems to have actually spoken directly with people who witnessed the events surrounding Jesus’ life.
• Verse 3 – Luke pays special attention to what has gone on and is going on in the Christian world.
• Verse 4 – Luke wants his readers to be confident in what they hear about Jesus.
Theme
• Salvation
• Luke desires to show that Jesus offers salvation to ALL
• Luke focuses on the grace shown to people outside “perfect” Jewish life.
What can we learn?
• The communication of the gospel, the means to salvation, has to be a priority for every Christian.
• We must know the truth about Jesus in order to effectively communicate the gospel to others.