The Gospel of Luke - An Overview

Authorship: Unknown, tradition suggests Luke is a traveling companion of Paul, Luke & Acts are thought to be a 2 volume work

Date: Luke includes an awareness of the Temple’s destruction in 70 C.E. (21:20-24) so it is after 70 C.E. but before the compilation of Paul’s writings c. 95 C.E. Most scholars date Luke to around 85 C.E.

Highlights:
• Luke-Acts has a positive view of the world. Gentiles can be followers of God. These books downplay the role of the Roman Empire in the crucifixion (23:22).
• Jesus effects a great reversal-the lowly are raised up, the haughty are brought down. Human security and complacency are challenged. While Luke’s worldview is generally positive, there is a reversal of understanding regarding how the world works.
• Jesus is the messiah of “all nations” or all people. Luke portrays Jesus as a savior, which is in terms that Greek and Roman audiences can understand given their involvement in mystery cults.
• Emphasis on the power of the prophetic word to share God’s message to the world.
• God’s message reverses human expectations and calls for conversion and repentance.
• The people of God respond to Good News by bearing fruits of faith.