The Bible Study Reading Plan预览

GOSPEL OF LUKE

AUTHOR:

The Gospel of Luke was written by a friend of Paul's, named Luke. Two important things to note while studying this book as well as the book of Acts is that Luke was a doctor and also a Gentile.

DATE:
This Gospel was most likely written while Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea around AD 58-60 or during his Roman imprisonment in AD 60-62.

AUDIENCE:

Luke addressed his Gospel to one man only: "most excellent Theophilus".

So, who in the world is Theophilus?

Scholars have made many different claims over the years as to who Theophilus actually was. Some say that he was Paul's financial supporter, some believe he was Luke's master, while others believe that he was the Roman official or judge during Paul's trial.

I choose to agree with the last of the three main options. Luke does an amazing job at compiling all of his information from eyewitness interviews and then presents the case that neither Jesus nor Paul had any big issues with the Roman government. Also, Luke ends the Book of Acts just before Paul's hearing...the same time when these writings would be presented to the judge.

REASON:

As we just saw, this entire Gospel was written to support Paul in order to be set free and continue his journey of bringing the gospel around the world. It is an amazing look at the gospel story from the perspective of a Gentile doctor who focused on the humanity of the Son of Man.

THEME:

Christ is the Savior for the Gentiles too.

KEY VERSE:

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost." (19:10 ESV)

SPLIT:

The Incarnation (1-3), The Galilean Ministry (4-9), Journey Toward Jerusalem (10-19), Final Week (19-24)

KEY WORDS/PHRASES:

Son of Man, Salvation, Kingdom, Pray