Bible in one year 1/20/- 1/21/ 2022 Introduction the Book of Luke 1-2 & 3-4 by Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce

 Bible in one year 1/20/- 1/21/ 2022 Introduction the Book of Luke 1-2 & 3-4

By Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce

Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical precepts & Gospel music; pastoral ministry & counseling

 

Introduction to the Gospel according to Luke

Authorship

Luke, the “beloved physician” (Col.4:14), close friend and companion of Paul was probably the only Gentile author of any part of the New Testament. We know nothing about his early life or conversion except that he was not an eyewitness of the life of Jesus Christ (Luke1:2). Though a physician by profession, he was primarily an evangelist, writing this gospel and the book of Acts and of the apostle’s martyrdom (2Tim.4:11),but of his later life we have no certain facts.

Methodology

In his prologue, Luke states that his own work was stimulated by the work of other(1:1), that he consulted eyewitnesses (1:2), and that he sifted and arranged the information \(1:3) under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to instruct Theophilus in the historical reliability of the faith (1:4).This is a carefully researched and documented writing.

Date

Since the conclusion of Acts shows Paul in Rome, and since the gospel of Luke was written before Acts (Acts1:1), Luke’s gospel was probably written about A.D.60, possibly in Caesarea during Paul’s two year imprisonment there. (Acts24:27)

Distinctive approach

Though specifically dedicated to Theophilus, the gospel in slanted toward all Gentiles.

(1) The author displays an unusual interest in medical matters (4:38;7:17;8:55;14:2;18:15;22:50).

(2) Much attention is given to recounting of the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Only Luke records the annunciation to Zacharias and Mary, the songs of Elizabeth and Mary, the birth and childhood of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus, the visit of the shepherds, the circumcision, presentation in the Temple, details of Christ’s childhood, and the inner thoughts of Mary.

(3) Luke shows an uncommon interest in individuals. As seen in his accounts of Zaccheus (19:1-10) and the penitent thief (23:39-43) and in the parables of the prodigal son (15:11-32) and the penitent publican (18:9-14).It is Luke who gives us the story of the good Samaritan (10:29-37) and the one thankful ex-leper(17:11-19).

(4) There is in this gospel emphasis on prayer (3:21; 5:16; 6:12;9:18,28-29;10:21;11:1;22:39-46;23:34,46).

(5) The prominent place given to women is another distinctive feature of this gospel (chapters 1,2; 7:11-13;8:1-3;10:38-42; 21:1-4; 23:27-31,49).

(6) The writer also shows interest in poverty and wealth (1:52-53; 4:16-22; 6:20,24-25;12:13-21; 14:12-13;16:19-31)

(7) The book preserves four beautiful hymns: the Magnificent of Mary (1:46-55), the Benedictus of Zechariah (1:67-79), the Gloria in Excelsis of the angel (2:14), and the Nunc Dimittis of Simeon (2:29-32).This is a gospel of the compassionate Son of Man offering salvation to the whole world.(19:10)

Contents

The theme of Luke’s gospel is Christ, the Son of Man, and it narrates many of those events that demonstrated Christ’s humanity.

Chapter 1 the announcement of the birth of the Son of Man

 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke1:28)… But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give him the name Jesus.”(Luke1:30)… The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (Luke1:35)…I am the Lord’s servant Mary answered, “May it be to me as your have said.” (Luke1:38)

Chapter 2 the Advent of the Son of Man

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke2:8-12)

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hose appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”(Luke2:14)

 

Bible in one year 1/21/2022 Luke 3-4

Chapter 3 the Baptism of the Son of Man

And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke3:22)

Chapter 4 the temptation of the Son of Man

Jesus answered, “It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone.”” (Luke4:4)

Jesus answered, “It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.””(Luke4:8)

Jesus answered, “It says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.””(Luke4:12).

 The ministry of the Son of Man to men; the announcement of His ministry

        He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written, The Spirit of the Lord in on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.(Luke4:16-19)

 

Bibliography,

Lee, Witness. The New Testament (R.V.) Anaheim, CA: Living Stream Ministry, 1985.

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie Study Bible (NIV).Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.