Faith in the Gospels part 3: The Gospel of Luke and Acts IPM Session 03B Mike Pascual, MA

Goal of the lecture Consider the themes and insights from the Gospel of Luke (and Acts)

The Acts of the Apostles Luke-Acts 1:1 Based off the introduction, to whom (specifically) was this work written to? who was the author of this work? When was it written? Where was it written? Who was the audience? Refer to material and understanding from last year, on your knowledge of the Gospels. Read the Introduction to Acts of the Apostle.

What we know… Because it is written to Theophilus (and the same writing style, theme, and ancient manuscripts), we know: It was written by the Evangelist Luke Around 80AD To a Christian Gentile Audience Somewhere around Greece

The Acts of Apostles It is the second volume in the two-volume work known as Luke-Acts. Takes place where the Gospel of Luke left off Ended with the Promise of the Spirit and the Ascension of Jesus

Consider this: What was the religion of Jesus and his initial followers? Who is the audience of Luke-Acts? What do we have in common with the audience of Luke-Acts?

We have the same problem! The author of Luke-Acts is trying to answer the question: How do we share in the promise of salvation for the Jews? Jesus is Jewish, we are not. Jesus preached to the Jews, we are not Jewish.

Fun Fact: THE WAY This is the original name of the group who follow Jesus’ way of living God’s will. See Acts 9:2 The Essene community at Qumran used the same designation to describe this way of life (footnote from NAB)

To answer the question… Let’s find out the main character of Luke and Acts.

Check out these Bible Verses Luke 1:13-15; 1:34-35; 1:41; 2:25-27 Luke 3:16; 3:22; 4:1 1. Who is the consistent character in the Gospel of Luke. Acts 1:1-5; 1:8; 1:16 Act 2:1-4; 4:8; Who is the Consistent character in the Acts of the Apostles?

Luke 1:13-15; 1:34-35; 1:41; 2:25-27

Luke 3:16; 3:22; 4:1

Acts 1:1-5; 1:8; 1:16

Act 2:1-4; 4:8;

The Main Character of Luke-Acts? The Holy Spirit!!!

The Author of Luke-Acts’ Vision STORY OF ISRAEL JESUS The Church WHERE Old Testament Gospel of Luke Acts of the Apostles Main Character The Holy Spirit Main Lead The Prophets The Messiah The Apostles Recipient of Grace The Jews The Jews and The GENTILES

Geographical Theology of Luke-Acts Time Period Gospel of Luke Acts of the Apostles Time of Reader Begins Nazareth (rural Palestine) Jerusalem (capital of Israel) Rome (capital of Gentiles) Ends N/A Main Leads Jesus Peter/Paul Successor of Peter/Paul

Conclusion According to Luke-Acts, the Holy Spirit is what connects the Church of today with the early Apostolic Church. The leadership (Greek: episkopai) today are successors to the Apostles that were sent forth by Jesus.

Discussion What confidence does Luke have for the Institution? Can this be positive or negative? How can we share this enthusiasm (effectively) to those we minister to?