Book introduction
The book of Luke
Luke is a careful, orderly account of Jesus’ life written for a man named Theophilus. It has the fullest Christmas story and parables found nowhere else, like the good Samaritan and the prodigal son. Jesus keeps turning toward the poor, women, and outsiders.
Read Luke 15Start at chapter 1
Who wrote Luke?
Anonymous, like the other Gospels. From the 100s the church named Luke, a doctor and Paul’s travel companion. The same person wrote Acts. Most scholars accept that one writer wrote both; many accept Luke.
When was it written?
About AD 60–85.
Main themes
- A Savior for everyone
- Shepherds, tax collectors, Samaritans, and sinners are welcomed.
- The lost are found
- Chapter 15 has three parables of lost things found.
- Prayer and the Spirit
- Jesus prays at every turning point.
Outline of Luke
Key verses
this very day in David’s city a Savior has been born for you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.
He got up and came back to his own father. But while he was still far away, his father caught sight of him, and his heart went out to him. He ran to him, flung his arms around his neck, and kissed him tenderly.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Quoted from the Lumin Translation.
Where to start
Read chapter 15, then the Christmas story in chapters 1–2.
How well do you know Luke?
Ten questions on the book of Luke, from “To whom did Luke write his Gospel?” on. Each answer shows its verse.
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Questions about Luke?
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