(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: Luke – named after its traditional author, Luke the physician and companion of the apostle Paul
• Definition: A detailed and orderly account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting His compassion, universal mission, and role as Saviour for all humanity

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Traditionally attributed to Luke, a Gentile physician and close associate of Paul (cf. Colossians 4:14); also author of the Acts of the Apostles
• When: Composed around AD 70–85, after the Gospel of Mark but before Acts, possibly written in a Hellenistic urban setting such as Antioch or Rome
• Audience: Addressed to “Theophilus,” likely a Roman official or patron; intended for a broader Gentile-Christian readership seeking assurance in their faith
• Purpose: To provide an accurate, orderly narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry (Luke 1:1–4), emphasising His compassion, inclusion of outsiders, and the continuity of salvation history from Israel to the Church

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Features refined Greek prose, historical framing, parabolic teaching, travel narrative structure, hymnic material (e.g. Magnificat), and literary symmetry with Acts
• Key Themes: Universal salvation, Holy Spirit empowerment, prayer, joy, reversal of status, divine compassion, and the fulfilment of God’s plan in Christ
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ Jesus is portrayed as the Saviour of all humanity, especially the marginalised (Luke 2:11; 4:18–19)
○ His death is the culmination of a divine plan (Luke 9:31; 24:26), and His resurrection confirms His identity as the exalted Lord
○ The parables of the lost (Luke 15) and the Good Samaritan illustrate His redemptive mission
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ Light, joy, and peace symbolise the arrival of messianic salvation
○ The journey motif underscores discipleship and divine purpose
○ Meals and table fellowship reflect inclusivity and covenant renewal

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Begins with birth narratives, followed by baptism and ministry in Galilee, the travel narrative to Jerusalem, Passion, resurrection, and commissioning
• Canonical Significance: Third Gospel and first volume of a two-part work (Luke–Acts); pivotal in bridging the life of Jesus with the growth of the early Church
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Complements Mark and Matthew (Synoptic parallels), prepares for Acts, and shares theology with Pauline epistles
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Emphasises fulfilment of Scripture (e.g. Luke 4:21; 24:27); portrays Jesus as prophet, priest, and king
○ Connections to the New Testament: Sets the stage for Acts; influences Christian ethics, mission, and pneumatology
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: Jesus fulfils the servant songs of Isaiah, the Davidic covenant, and messianic expectations (Luke 1–2; 24:44–47)
○ Connections with Judaism: Depicts Jewish piety (e.g. temple worship, Zechariah and Elizabeth), yet also critiques narrow exclusivism and anticipates Gentile inclusion
○ Connections with Islam: Jesus (ʿĪsā) is revered in the Qur’an, and many of His teachings in Luke on compassion, humility, and justice align with Islamic ethics, though theological divergence remains
• Key Passages or Verses: Luke 1:1–4 – Preface explaining the purpose of the Gospel
Luke 2:11 – “A Saviour has been born… the Messiah, the Lord”
Luke 4:18 – “He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor”
Luke 15:7 – “There is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents”
Luke 24:46–47 – “The Messiah will suffer and rise… and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations”

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: Luke acts as theologian-historian, crafting a narrative that presents Jesus as the compassionate, Spirit-empowered Saviour and connects Him to the broader redemptive history
• Who are the Main Characters: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, the disciples, religious leaders, Roman authorities, women followers, Gentiles (e.g. centurion), and the risen Lord

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Orchestrates redemptive history, speaks at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, and welcomes the prodigal home
○ The Son – Emphasised as fully human and divine, a compassionate healer, teacher, and redeemer
○ The Holy Spirit – Prominently active from conception to commissioning (Luke 1:35; 4:1, 14; 24:49); empowers Jesus and His followers
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Zechariah the priest, John the Baptist the prophet, and Jesus as the ultimate fulfilment of all three offices
• Role of the Church: Prefigured in the mission of the seventy-two (Luke 10) and commissioned in the resurrection narrative; extended in Acts
• Role of Men and Women: Women play a prominent role as disciples, witnesses, and benefactors; gender equality in access to salvation and inclusion in ministry is underscored

(3) Background

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: Galilee, Samaria, Judea, Jerusalem; features unique Gentile regions and travel routes
• Historical Context: Roman occupation, Hellenistic influence, Jewish expectation of deliverance; temple centrality remains prominent
• Cultural Context: Socio-economic inequality, ritual purity systems, honour–shame dynamics; Jesus reorients cultural norms through inclusive love and moral clarity

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: Jewish diaspora, Greco-Roman worldviews, and apocalyptic hope shaped theological expectations
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: Rome provided imperial backdrop; Greek language and culture influenced urban centres and literary form
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: Luke contrasts elite power with divine favour for the humble, reconfiguring traditional morality
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Circumcision, purification rites, Sabbath observance, and temple sacrifices contextualise Jewish identity
   ○ Banquets, burial customs, and public reading practices enrich the narrative setting

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Connects Israel’s Scriptures with the emerging multi-ethnic Church; transitions from promise to proclamation
2. Theological Significance: Highlights the universal scope of salvation, divine reversal of social hierarchies, and empowerment by the Spirit for mission
3. Spiritual Themes: Compassion, grace, prayer, joy, justice, discipleship, inclusion, and eschatological fulfilment
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: God’s mercy extends to all. Humility and repentance invite divine favour. The Spirit empowers ordinary people. Salvation is holistic—spiritual, physical, and social
5. The Book in Christian Theology: Informs ecclesiology, Christology, pneumatology, and social ethics; foundational for missions and ministry among marginalised groups
6. Historical Reception: Widely used in lectionary readings, catechesis, and theological training; the Gospel of choice for Christmas narratives and social justice themes

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Continues the narrative arc of the Hebrew Bible; portrays Jesus as Israel’s fulfilment and the new temple
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Not canonical in Judaism, but its engagement with Jewish Scripture, law, and piety invites comparative theological dialogue
3. Connections with Islam: Reveres Mary and Jesus; moral teachings are admired; doctrinal divergences on divinity and crucifixion remain significant
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Deeply shaped Western art, music, ethics, charity, education, and concepts of human dignity
5. Scientific Perspectives: Studied in historical Jesus research, sociolinguistics, medical imagery (by Luke the physician), and comparative historiography
6. Global Perspective: Luke’s universal scope, focus on the poor, and role of women make it especially resonant in global missions, liberation theology, and interfaith contexts

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: Theophilus is seen symbolically as “lover of God”; parables interpreted as metaphors for inner transformation and divine invitation
2. Comparative Mythology: Unlike mythic hero narratives, Luke presents a historically grounded and ethically coherent portrait of divine intervention
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Challenges power structures, affirms the dignity of the outcast, and redefines greatness through servanthood
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ Show mercy without prejudice
   ○ Use wealth responsibly and generously
   ○ Pray persistently and humbly
   ○ Be prepared for Christ’s return through faithful living
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Addresses poverty, justice, racism, gender equity, and interfaith engagement; encourages resilient hope and active compassion in a divided world

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Reconciling historical chronology with other Gospels, understanding Lukan redaction, and discerning theological intent in parables
2. Theological Debates: The continuity between Israel and the Church, nature of Christ’s mission, and emphasis on social justice versus spiritual redemption
3. Key Questions Addressed: Who is Jesus for the world? How do mercy and justice shape discipleship? What is the role of the Spirit in God’s mission? How should the Church reflect Christ’s compassion?