Gospel of Luke Flashcards
Around when was the Gospel of Luke likely composed, and what sources did it use?
Luke likely dates after 71 CE due to its use of Mark and possibly after 80 CE if Matthew was also used. Acts, dated around 115 CE, references Luke as a “first book,” suggesting a probable composition around 90 CE.
How do we know Luke was originally an anonymous work?
Earliest manuscripts of Luke circulated without an author’s name, labeled as “According to Luke” or “Gospel according to Luke” only in later centuries (IV–V). This anonymity is consistent with other Gospels like Mark and Matthew.
How is the relationship between the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts indicated?
Both books are addressed to “Theophilus,” and Acts 1:1 refers to Luke as the “first book,” suggesting they are a two-volume series by the same author.
What linguistic and cultural background does the author of Luke likely have?
The author’s polished Greek, reliance on the Greek Septuagint rather than Hebrew texts, and book-learned knowledge of Jewish traditions suggest he was a well-educated gentile, possibly Greek.
What major theme regarding Gentiles is presented in Luke and Acts?
The message of salvation begins in Judea but moves to the Gentiles, as emphasized in Acts 28:25–28, which predicts the Gentiles will accept the gospel. This gentile focus likely reflects the author’s own background.
How does the Gospel of Luke compare Jesus to the Greek god Zeus?
In Luke 24:13–35, Jesus appears to disciples as a stranger whom they must welcome, paralleling Zeus Xenios, who was also seen as a disguised stranger seeking hospitality.
What unique narrative does Luke include that isn’t in Mark?
Luke adds an ascent to heaven narrative in 24:13–53, which is later expanded in Acts 1:1–11. This ascent highlights Jesus’ divine status.
How does Luke portray Jesus in terms familiar to a Greco-Roman audience?
Luke depicts Jesus as a “savior god” or “divine man” (Greek: theios anēr), shown through stories of his miraculous birth, precocious wisdom, miracles, and post-resurrection appearances, which resemble Greco-Roman portrayals of divine beings.
How does the portrayal of Jesus in Luke compare to the “immortal” and “eternal” figures in Cartlidge and Dungan?
Like “eternal” figures, Jesus performs miracles and ascends to heaven. However, unlike “immortals” known for heroic exploits, Luke’s Jesus focuses on salvation and compassion, appealing to Greco-Roman ideas of a divine savior.
