Luke Bible Study Week 1

Why do you want to Study the Bible?

This is an open ended question designed to get everyone talking. It is important to try to get people to share. If there are people who are new or may not be familiar with each other this is a good opportunity for introductions.

Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

Authorship of the Gospel:

The Gospel is an anonymous work.

Luke is listed as the traditional Author.

First attribution of Luke is from 1 a piece of papyrus dating is A.D. 175-225

Authorship was commonly attributed to Luke by the late 2nd and early 3rd century

How important is authorship to our understanding of the Bible?

This is an important question to ask. Many Christians have very little background knowledge about the Bible. While Authorship is important to establish the validity of a document in connection to historical events. Direct evidence has been lost through the years. This is where we must turn to tradition and rely on its authority. If not Luke Why would they name it after him. Luke was not a well known figure. He wasn’t even Jewish. Luke as a Gentile and a Doctor would have been the last person to attribute the Gospel to. We can trust tradition and view it from the lens of Luke as the author and it not change the impact of the text.

Background information on Luke:

He Is a Gentile

He was not one of the 12 Disciples (common mistake)

He was Doctor (Col. 4:14)

He was Companion of Paul

Strongest Greek of the NT authors

Why are these details important?

A variety of answer can be expected when utilizing this kind of open ended question. His being a Gentile was important because he is approaching the Gospel and the view of Jesus from a different point of view that would be contrary to the Jewish perspective. This can be seen in greatest contrast between Matthew and Luke. Matthew has a focus that is clearly Messianic and Luke is more seen as the Gospel for everyone.

The 12 disciples is more a fun fact that many commonly make as a mistake. This is here to help remind us that we sometimes have preconceived ideas and notions about what the Bible says and may be misinformed.

His role as a Doctor provides us insight into his thinking and approach. Luke is often praised for historical and scientific approach. He uses specific dates and references to provide information. He is trying to be accurate and through in his presentation.

There is an old saying. “A Minister sees men and women at their best, a Lawyer sees them at their worst, and a Doctor sees them as they are.”

Luke sought to see people as they were and throughout the Gospels we will see that he opens the Gospel up to all people just as they are.

Companionship with Paul helps reaffirm the authorship and his greek prowes is connected to his Gentile heritage and also lends us to affirm his authorship.

Gospel Points of View and Themes

The Gospels are written from a certain point of view. Through out the history of the church this would be often chronicled in Stain Glass windows. In these windows you would find consistent themes around the Gospels.

Mark—Man

Matthew—Lion

John—Eagle

Luke—Calf

What do you think are the significance of each Picture?

Man—Is straight forward and simple. It is known for its realism

Lion—This is a reference to the Lion of Judah, the Messiah coming to deliver the people.

Eagle—Theological Gospel, soars high above and looks to heavenly things.

Calf—An animal for sacrifice. Luke Saw Jesus as the sacrifice for the whole world.

Themes of the Gospel

Universality-The Promise of God is for everyone

Prayer

Role of Women

Poor & Social Justice

Concern for Sinners

Stressing the Family Circle

The Holy Spirit (Continued heavily in Acts)

Parables—More than the other Gospels

Praising God

These themes can be seen through out the Gospel of Luke. Luke was intent on bringing forward the marginalized and those who were often looked down upon. An example of this would be women and the poor. In Palestine the place of women was low. In fact there was a Jewish morning prayer where man thanks God that he has not made him a gentile, slave, or a women.

Luke though pushes through this barrier and brings the power and importance of women to light in a variety of ways. The Birth Narrative is primarily from Mary’s point of view. He utilizes women in later section as having a large role in the ministry of Jesus. This would have been unheard of during that time.

Luke also references Samaritans and the poor on a regular basis and Jesus care and concern for them.

Do any themes stand out to you? Why?

Is there one theme you hope to gain a new insight on?

There’s a wideness in God’s Mercy,

Like the wideness of the Sea;

There’s a kindness in his Justice,

Which is more than liberty.

For the Love of God is broader

Than the measures of Man’s Mind;

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind.

—F.W. Faber

William Barclay quotes Faber to describe the message of the Gospel of Luke.

How do these lines inspire you to dig deeper into the Gospel of Luke?

Next Week: Luke 1:1-4 (Introduction); Luke 1:5-25 (A Son is Promised)

Pray before you read each passage, asking The Holy Spirit to reveal what he has for you in the passage.

Read each passage at least three different times through out the week.

Write down any observations or insights you get from them.

Be Prepared to Share.