Gospels Part 032
The Gospel of Luke presents an orderly account of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Luke places a special emphasis on Jesus’ compassion for all people, especially the marginalized. Luke’s Gospel is the first volume of a two-part work, followed by the Book of Acts, both addressed to an individual named Theophilus.
Authorship
Luke was a physician and companion of the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11). While the Gospel itself does not name its author, the writing style, attention to detail, and medical terms used support the idea that Luke was an educated Gentile, possibly of Greek origin. He was likely not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry but gathered his material through careful research and interviews with those who were original witnesses. This is noted in the Gospel’s prologue (Luke 1:1-4).
Date and Setting
The Gospel of Luke was likely written in the late 50s or early 60s A.D. Its composition location is unknown, but it is likely to be in a predominantly Gentile setting. Luke’s Gospel reflects a Church growing beyond its Jewish roots and facing new challenges in a Greco-Roman world.
Sources
Luke states that others had written accounts of Jesus’ life (Luke 1:1), but that he went beyond this material for his own writing. He wrote based on testimony from “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” (Luke 1:2). This includes the teaching and oral accounts of the original apostles. Jesus’ mother Mary is another obvious source, as Luke records even Mary’s innermost thoughts on specific occasions (Luke 1:29, 34, 46-55; 2:19, 48-51). His addition of unique material indicate his own independent work that doesn’t appear in the other Gospels, though he obviously used some of the same sources they did.
Purpose and Intended Audience
Luke clearly states in the opening verses that his purpose is to write an orderly account so that Theophilus (and other readers by extension) “may know the certainty of the things [they] have been taught” (Luke 1:4, New International Version). His goal is to strengthen the faith of believers by providing a comprehensive and well-researched narrative of Jesus’ life and mission.
Luke’s Gospel is written primarily for a Gentile audience, many of whom were unfamiliar with Jewish customs. He often explains Jewish traditions and locations, indicating that his readers needed background knowledge to better understand the story. His emphasis on Jesus’ outreach to Gentiles, sinners, women and the poor reinforces the fact that the Gospel message applies to all human beings. Luke presents Jesus as the Savior of all people, not just the Jewish nation.
Outline of the Gospel
The Gospel of Luke is chronological which is connotated by the Greek used in Luke 1:1. It is also structured around the geographical journey of Jesus, particularly His movement toward the culmination of His mission in Jerusalem.
- Prologue (1:1-4)
- Luke’s purpose and method of writing
- Infancy and Childhood of Jesus (1:5–2:52)
- Announcements and births of John the Baptist and Jesus
- The shepherds’ visit and Jesus’ presentation at the temple
- Jesus in the temple as a boy
- Preparation for Ministry (3:1–4:13)
- John the Baptist’s preaching
- Jesus’ baptism and genealogy
- The temptation in the wilderness
- Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee (4:14–9:50)
- Miracles, parables and teachings
- Calling of disciples
- Growing opposition
- Journey to Jerusalem (9:51–19:27)
- Parables unique to Luke (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son)
- Teachings on discipleship, wealth and the Kingdom of God
- Jesus’ Last Days in Jerusalem (19:28–21:38)
- The triumphal entry
- Teaching in the temple
- Warnings about future judgment
- Suffering, Death and Resurrection (22:1–24:53)
- Jesus’ final Passover, betrayal and arrest
- Jesus’ trial, crucifixion and burial
- Jesus’ resurrection appearances and ascension
Key Themes
- Salvation for All People - One of Luke’s most prominent themes is that Jesus came to bring salvation to everyone, not just the Jews. This universal scope is reflected in the genealogy tracing Jesus back to Adam (Luke 3:38) and His interactions with Gentiles, women, sinners and the poor.
- Concern for the Marginalized - Luke gives special attention to society’s outcasts—women, Samaritans, tax collectors, lepers and the poor. Stories like that of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son illustrate Jesus’ compassion and the inclusive nature of God’s plan.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit and Prayer - Luke emphasizes the work of God’s Spirit throughout Jesus’ life and ministry. Prayer is also a key theme, with Jesus frequently recorded as praying at significant moments. There are nine prayers of Jesus Christ recorded in the book of Luke.
- Joy and Reversal of Fortunes - Joy is a recurring motif, beginning with the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. Luke also highlights the theme of reversal—where the lowly are exalted and the proud are humbled (Mary’s praise in Luke 1:46-55).
- Jesus as the Perfect Man - Luke portrays Jesus as fully divine and fully human. He emphasizes His compassion, empathy and moral perfection and He is presented as the ideal model of righteous living.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Luke offers a rich and inclusive portrayal of Jesus as the Savior of the world. Its orderly structure, universal message and focus on compassion, justice and the marginalized continue to resonate with readers. Luke invites all people, regardless of background, to experience God’s hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
© Scott Ashley, 2025. All rights reserved.
Course Content
Scott Ashley
Scott Ashley was managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course until his retirement in 2023. He also pastored three congregations in Colorado for 10 years from 2011-2021. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado.
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he worked for 50 years.
During his career, he has worked for several publishing companies in various capacities. He was employed by the United Church of God from 1995-2023, overseeing the planning, writing, editing, reviewing and production of Beyond Today magazine, several dozen booklets/study guides and a Bible study course covering major biblical teachings. His special interests are the Bible, archaeology, biblical culture, history and the Middle East.
