Page 17 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

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.
Genre
Form critics tend to propose that the Gospels are a unique genre of their own, as collections of written-
down oral traditions (Bultmann, History, 373–74). Some recent studies suggest that the Gospels belong
in a subcategory of the Graeco-Roman genre of biographical writing, which sought to memorialize and
celebrate the lives of famous leaders or teachers (e.g., Plutarch’s Parallel Lives and Suetonius’ Lives of
the Caesars; see Aune, New Testament, 17–76 generally and 77–157 on Luke—Acts; Burridge, What Are
the Gospels?). see also Mark.
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50 Ibid
51 Barry, J. D. et all
52 Ibid
53 Huffman, D. S. (2016). Luke, Gospel of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W.
Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
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