The Gospel of Luke (4) By: Matt Isales, RJ Schaefer, Daniel Fiore, David Mohler, Nick Arnold

Biographical Information of Luke Gentile Christian Gentile Christian Author of both Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles Author of both Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles Friend and Co-worker of St. Paul Friend and Co-worker of St. Paul Physician Physician From Antioch and died in Greece From Antioch and died in Greece Did not know Jesus in person Did not know Jesus in person Also an artist who made a portrait of Mary Also an artist who made a portrait of Mary

Where the Gospel was Written Like the date, the exact place of where the Gospel was written is indefinite. Like the date, the exact place of where the Gospel was written is indefinite. The Anti-Marcionite Prologue of the Gospel of Luke stated Luke wrote his gospel in Achaia, Greece. The Anti-Marcionite Prologue of the Gospel of Luke stated Luke wrote his gospel in Achaia, Greece. Other possible sites of where the gospel was written include: Other possible sites of where the gospel was written include: Antioch in Syria Antioch in Syria Rome in Italy Rome in Italy Caesarea Philippi Caesarea Philippi

Luke’s Audience Who was Luke’s audience? Who was Luke’s audience? Gentile-Christians Gentile-Christians Why? Why? Luke was a Gentile-Christian himself. He wanted to give an account of the gospel to non- Jewish people who were not accustom to the Jewish teachings and traditions. Luke was a Gentile-Christian himself. He wanted to give an account of the gospel to non- Jewish people who were not accustom to the Jewish teachings and traditions.

The Image of Jesus In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is a compassionate Messiah and a universal savior. How? In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is a compassionate Messiah and a universal savior. How? 1. Jesus identifies himself with the poor and the lowly. Gentiles Gentiles Shepherds (at Jesus’ birth) Shepherds (at Jesus’ birth) Poor (Jesus was born to a poor family) Poor (Jesus was born to a poor family) Brought doves to the temple instead of goats or other sacrifices. Brought doves to the temple instead of goats or other sacrifices. Matthew’s statement: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours” Matthew’s statement: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours” Luke adds to this phrase, saying: “but woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke adds to this phrase, saying: “but woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”

The Image of Jesus Continued 2. Jesus is compassionate to the poor (Lk 16: 19-31) 16: : Lazarus and the rich man Lazarus and the rich man 3. Jesus makes friends of outcasts (Lk 19: 1-10) 19: : 1-10 Zacchaeus the tax collector Zacchaeus the tax collector 4. Jesus encourages people to love their enemies (Lk 10: 29-37) 10: : Good Samaritan parable Good Samaritan parable

The Image of Jesus Continued 5. Jesus makes friends of sinners (Lk 15) Parable of the lost sheep (Lk 15: 4-7) Parable of the lost sheep (Lk 15: 4-7)15: 4-715: 4-7 Parable of the lost coin (LK 15: 8-10) Parable of the lost coin (LK 15: 8-10)15: : 8-10 Parable of the lost or prodigal son (Lk 15: ) Parable of the lost or prodigal son (Lk 15: )15: : Jesus is the Lord’s witness Jesus died on the cross for all of God’s children Jesus died on the cross for all of God’s children

Symbolic Image Ox or calf Ox or calf "strength, diligence and patience, and unwearied discharge of the work to be done. As a sacrificial animal, the calf emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial atonement.“ "strength, diligence and patience, and unwearied discharge of the work to be done. As a sacrificial animal, the calf emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial atonement.“ Gospel begins with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, offering sacrifice in the temple at Jerusalem Gospel begins with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, offering sacrifice in the temple at Jerusalem There is an ancient tradition associating the four gospel writers with the FOUR "living creatures" who appear in Rev 4:6-8, worshiping around the throne. There is an ancient tradition associating the four gospel writers with the FOUR "living creatures" who appear in Rev 4:6-8, worshiping around the throne. Here is the text of Rev 4: 6-8 Here is the text of Rev 4: 6-8 Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a LION, the second living creature like an OX, the third living creature with a face like a HUMAN face, and the fourth living creature like a flying EAGLE. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, "Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come." Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a LION, the second living creature like an OX, the third living creature with a face like a HUMAN face, and the fourth living creature like a flying EAGLE. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, "Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come."

What Makes Luke’s Gospel Unique? The Longest of all the Gospels The Longest of all the Gospels Written for the poor, lowly, and gentiles Written for the poor, lowly, and gentiles One of two gospels that contain infancy narrative One of two gospels that contain infancy narrative Author of the Gospel of Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles Author of the Gospel of Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles The gospel is meant for everyone, not just for Jews The gospel is meant for everyone, not just for Jews The Gospel of Luke is one of three of the synoptic gospels. (Mark and Luke being the other two synoptic gospels) The Gospel of Luke is one of three of the synoptic gospels. (Mark and Luke being the other two synoptic gospels) Holy Spirit has a big role in the life of Jesus Holy Spirit has a big role in the life of Jesus The Gospel of Luke and Acts give a key role to women, who were seen as inferior to men in the time of Jesus Christ The Gospel of Luke and Acts give a key role to women, who were seen as inferior to men in the time of Jesus Christ

The Unique Purpose of Luke’s Gospel As already stated, the purpose of Luke’s gospel was to give an account of the gospel to non- Jewish people who were not accustom to the Jewish teachings and traditions, and to show that Jesus suffered died, and was buried for everyone, not just Jews. The following passages highlight this gospel’s unique purpose: As already stated, the purpose of Luke’s gospel was to give an account of the gospel to non- Jewish people who were not accustom to the Jewish teachings and traditions, and to show that Jesus suffered died, and was buried for everyone, not just Jews. The following passages highlight this gospel’s unique purpose: (Lk 1: 1-4) (Lk 1: 1-4)1: 1-41: 1-4 Mentions a man by the name of Theophilus, who is a gentile. Mentions a man by the name of Theophilus, who is a gentile. (Lk 2: 6- 20) (Lk 2: 6- 20)2: : Visitation of shepherds shows that Jesus came to save everyone including the poor, lowly and Gentiles. Visitation of shepherds shows that Jesus came to save everyone including the poor, lowly and Gentiles.

The Unique Purpose of Luke’s Gospel Continued (Lk 10: 30-37) (Lk 10: 30-37)10: : Good Samaritan parable demonstrates Jesus was sympathetic towards Samaritans and Gentiles Good Samaritan parable demonstrates Jesus was sympathetic towards Samaritans and Gentiles (Lk 19: 10) (Lk 19: 10)19: 1019: 10 Passage tells of Jesus becoming man for all who have been lost (Jews and non- Jews alike) Passage tells of Jesus becoming man for all who have been lost (Jews and non- Jews alike)

Works Cited "The Gospel According to Luke," New Testament Introductions. The Blue Letter Bible. 1 Apr May "Introduction to The Gospel of Luke: a Commentary & Meditation." RCNet. Web. 15 May Pounds, Wil. "Introduction to Gospel of Luke: The Son of Man." Abide in Christ. Abide in Christ Inc., Web. 15 May United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. "USCCB - (NAB) - New American Bible.“ United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 11 Nov Web. 15 May