Lesson 8

Question 1

1. How does the date of Luke’s Gospel relate to Acts?

Answer 1

Evangelical Scholars: 60-80 AD
i. Argument hinges on the date of Acts
ii. There are good reasons to think Acts is dated in the mid-60s
iii. Acts seems to end abruptly indicating that was all Luke had.
iv. If Luke preceded Acts then this would put Luke around 60AD, possibly even in the 50’s

Question 2

2. Discuss the opening of Luke’s Gospel and its significance.

Answer 2

4. Purpose/Audience: Luke 1:1-4
** a. Audience: Theophilus (lover of God)**
i. Term “most excellent” (Nobility)
ii. Dedication to one person v. wider reading audience
** b. Source: The Apostles**
i. This material comes from “eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word” with clear reference to the apostles
ii. Formal passing down of Apostolic tradition
iii. Luke 1:1-2, Luke 24:44-48, Apostles are “eyewitnesses,” Apostles are “witnesses,” Apostles testify to things “fulfilled” among them, Apostles testify to what has been “fulfilled” among them
iv. iv. Not just writing history – he is writing salvation history
v. This means that Luke is a student of the apostles
vi. Luke sees himself has speaking with Apostolic voice even though he is not an Apostle.
v. Aware that he is writing scripture (Continuation of O.T.)
** c. Purpose**
i. “Fulfilment” of the NT Narrative
ii. What God has accomplished (salvation history)
iv. Set forth an “orderly” report
v. Give certainty to Theophilus (Assurance of his Catechism teaching)

Question 3

3. What is significant about Luke’s travel narrative?

Answer 3

1. Unique Material – not in any other Gospel narrative (Including Q)
2. Spends 9 chapters discribing Jesus heading to Jerusalem to die.
3. Travel starts more global and narrows to Jerusalem

Question 4

4. Show the ways in which Luke has a Gentile focus in his Gospel.

Answer 4

2. Gentile Focus
a. Luke was a Gentile
b. Begins by talking of Jesus in a Roman world
c. Savior for all men
d. Global genealogy (Global human race)
e. Addressed to a Gentile name, Theophilus
f. Salvation to the Gentiles (e.g., 2:32; 3:4-6; 2:14; 24:47)
g. Samaritans (e.g., 10:25-37; 17:11-19)

Question 5

5. How does Luke have a unique focus on outcasts?

Answer 5

3. Focus on the Outcast
a. Luke noticed that Jesus noticed the outcast of society
b. Samaritans (e.g., 10:25-37; 17:11-19)
c. Women (e.g., 2:25-38; 10:38-42; 8:2-3)
d. Poor (e.g., 2:24; 4:18; 7:22; 12:16-21; 16:19-35)
e. Other outcasts (e.g., 7:37-50; 5:30)
1. Tax Collectors (e.g.,5:30)
2. Sinful woman (e.g., 7)

Question 6

6. Discuss the titles of “Savior” and “Prophet” for Jesus used in Luke’s Gospel.

Answer 6

a. The theme of Savior/Save/Salvation in Luke
i. **Adjustive: ** Among the Synoptics, only Luke uses the Greek word “Savior” for Jesus/God (1:17; 2:11)
ii. Noun: Greek word for “salvation” for the work of Jesus (six times) (e.g., 1:69; 1:77)
iii. The verb “save” has distinctive usage in Luke (17 times) (e.g., 7:50; 8:12; 13:23; 19:10)

Question 7

What is Luke’s literary structure

Answer 7

Luke
Introduction to Jesus’ ministry (1:1-4:13)
Jesus in Galilee (4:14-9:51)
Jesus’ Journey to and ministry in Jerusalem (9:51-24:53)
Journey to Jerusalem (9:51-18:34)
Jesus in Jerusalem (18:35-21:38)
Death and Resurrection (21:38-24:53)