Page 22 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Purpose

Luke’s purpose was to announce Jesus as the Son of Man, and Savior of the world. It is in this Gospel
that we see Jesus presented as the climatic turning point in world history, and it sets the stage for Luke’s
second volume—the Acts of the Apostles. In both books, Luke focuses on the mission of Jesus, which
continues and expands with the Church, out from Jerusalem to the world (Luke 24:47). In Jesus,
everyone—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—may come to salvation.
Structure

Luke begins with a prologue (Luke 1:1–4). The Gospel of Luke can be divided into two parts. The first part
(1:5–9:50) deals with establishing Jesus’ identity. It includes the birth narratives for John the Baptist and
Jesus (1:5–2:52), as well as Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and genealogy (3:1–4:13). It then narrates Jesus’
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ministry in Galilee, including His declaration of His identity and purpose in Nazareth (4:14–9:50).
The second part of Luke (9:51–24:53) covers the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
It includes a long section (9:51–19:44) in which Jesus and His followers travel to Jerusalem, and He teaches
them extensively about what it means to be His disciples. The next section (19:45–23:56) deals with what
happens once Jesus arrives in Jerusalem; it describes the escalating opposition He faced from the religious
elite, along with His trials and death. The last chapter narrates events that followed Jesus’ resurrection,
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including His appearance on the road to Emmaus (24:1–53).
Outline of Luke
• 1:1–4—Prologue: Luke’s purpose for writing
• 1:5–9:50—The unique identity of Jesus: God’s agent of salvation
1:5–2:52—Infancy narrative: Jesus’ unique birth
3:1–4:13—Preparation for ministry: Jesus’ unique ministry qualifications
4:14–9:50—Early Ministry in Galilee: Jesus’ unique power and authority
• 9:51–24:53—The unique mission of Jesus: Leading the people of faith
9:51–19:27—Travel narrative: Reordered priorities for following Jesus
19:28–23:53—Jesus in Jerusalem: Jesus’ handling of conflict
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24:1–53—Resurrection and ascension: Jesus’ victory and exaltation
Audience

Luke identifies his primary audience in the opening verses: He is writing to
Theophilus, to give him confidence regarding the events of Jesus’ life (Luke
1:3–4). The identity of Theophilus is unknown; since the name means “lover
of God,” it’s possible that Luke uses it generically to address any believer.
However, it’s more likely that he is writing to an individual named
Theophilus, who may be the sponsor of the work. In any case, features in the Gospel suggest that Luke
assumed both Jews and Gentiles would read it. He seems to address people curious about Christianity and
its relationship to Judaism, often utilizing Old Testament Scriptures and motifs.

56 Ibid
57 Barry, J. D. et all
58 Ibid

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