1. Topic 6 Luke : Jesus as Savior for Whole World A. A.Circumstances of origin 1. 1.Authorship   Anonymous (like all the gospels).   Same author for Luke and Acts (cf. Lk. 1:1-4; Ac. 1:1-2).   Tradition: Luke “the beloved physician.” 2. 2.Date: 75-90. 3. 3.Place: Aegean region?Aegean region 4. 4.Purpose: To commend the gospel to Gentiles.

2. B.Key themes in Luke 1.Delay of the Parousia 2.Salvation-history Three Periods of Salvation-History: (H. Conzelmann, Theology of St. Luke [“Center of Time”]) a.Period of Israel (Creation to John the Baptist) – preparation b.Period of Jesus (Baptism to Ascension) – salvation (16:16) c.Period of Church (Pentecost to Parousia) – mission  Apostles (Acts 1:21-22) – those who walked with Jesus; now bear witness  Holy Spirit – empowered Jesus; now empowers church 3.Good news for the poor (1:52-53; 4:18-19; 6:20-26)  Emphasizes social and economic dimensions of gospel.  Reversal of fortunes: oppressed poor lifted up; rich oppressors brought low.

3. B.Key themes in Luke (cont.) 4.God’s mercy for sinners and outcasts  Forgiveness of sinners who repent (Lk. 15; 24:47).  Inclusion of outsiders: Sinners: prostitutes and tax collectors (7:36-50; 19:1-10).Sinners: prostitutes and tax collectors (7:36-50; 19:1-10). Poor (7:22; 14:12-14).Poor (7:22; 14:12-14). Women (8:2-3; 10:38-42; 23:27-28).Women (8:2-3; 10:38-42; 23:27-28). Samaritans (9:51-56; 10:30-37; 17:11-19; Acts 8:4-25).Samaritans (9:51-56; 10:30-37; 17:11-19; Acts 8:4-25). Gentiles (7:1-10; Acts 10:34-35; 11:18).Gentiles (7:1-10; Acts 10:34-35; 11:18). 5.Universality of the gospel  Genealogy (3:23-38) – descent from Adam  Commission (24:47; Acts 1:8) 6.Conduct of Christian life  Prayer (11:1-13; 18:1-8)  Humility (14:7-11; 18:9-14)  Love (10:25-37)  Danger of riches (12:13-21; 14:12-14; 16:19-31) 7.Defense of Christianity against Roman suspicion (23:4, 14, 22; Acts 16:39; 17:9; etc.)

4. C.Outline of Luke 3 main sections: Galilee – Journey – Jerusalem 1:1-4:13Introduction Preface (1:1-4)  Similar to preface in Greek literature.  Explains methodology and purpose of book.  Dedicates book to Theophilus = “friend of God” (symbolic of “God- fearers”?) Birth narrative (1:5-2:52) : role of Mary; birth of John; trip to Bethlehem for census; birth in stable; announcement to shepherds Baptism, genealogy (back to Adam), temptation (3:1-4:13) 4:14-9:50Galilee Ministry Rejection in Nazareth (4:16-30)  Luke moves story forward as keynote (cf. Mk. 6).  Jesus reads Isa. 61:1-2 and announces its fulfillment —time for good news to poor, liberation of oppressed, etc. has arrived.  Rejection at home foreshadows theme of Jewish rejection and Gentile acceptance of gospel.

5. 4:14-9:50Galilee Ministry (cont.) “Lesser interpolation” (6:20-8:3) – Block of mostly Q material; no Mk. “Sermon on the Plain” (6:17-49)  Beatitudes (v. 20-26) – addressed to literal poor, needy  Woes – warning to rich, satisfied – reversal of fortunes Healing a centurion’s servant (7:1-10)  Centurion is Gentile “God-fearer.”  The Gentile’s faith is commended. Anointing by a sinful woman (7:36-50)  Snubbed by a Pharisee; lavishly honored by a sinner.  Parable of Two Debtors: Those forgiven the most have the most gratitude. Women in Jesus’ ministry (8:1-3) (After 8:3, Lk. follows Mk. again.)

6. 9:51-19:27 Journey to Jerusalem “Longer interpolation” (9:51-18:14) – Block of Q and L material; no Mk. Mission of the 70 (10:1-20) – Symbolizes Gentile mission. Parable of Good Samaritan (10:25-37)  Who is my neighbor?  Love of neighbor transcends racial/social barriers; enemy is also a neighbor. Mary and Martha (10:38-42) Sayings on prayer (11:1-13) – Lord’s Prayer (v. 1-4) Parable of the Rich Fool (12:13-21)  Hoards excess crops instead of sharing with needy.  Danger of trusting in riches. Parable of the Great Banquet (14:15-24)  Original invitees refuse to come.  “The poor, maimed, lame, and blind” are invited – and still others.  Inclusiveness of God’s kingdom.

7. 9:51-19:27 Journey to Jerusalem (cont.) Parables of Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son (ch. 15) – God’s joyful acceptance of sinners who repent  Lost Sheep (Lk.) – Friends rejoice with shepherd (=God’s joy).  Lost Coin – Neighbors rejoice with woman (like angels).  Prodigal Son – longest parable Father illustrates God’s joy over sinners who repent.Father illustrates God’s joy over sinners who repent. Older brother depicts the Pharisees’ grumbling.Older brother depicts the Pharisees’ grumbling. Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31)  Rich man neglects dire need of poor Lazarus.  After death, their fortunes are reversed.  Danger of not using resources to help the needy. Healing of ten lepers (17:11-19)  Only the Samaritan gives thanks. Parable of Pharisee and Tax Collector (18:9-14)  Pharisee: "God, I thank you that I am not like other people…"  Tax collector: “God be merciful to me, a sinner.”  God accepts the humble, not the boastful.

8. 19:28-24:53 Jerusalem Ministry Resurrection appearances in Jerusalem (ch. 24)  Two disciples on road to Emmaus  Eleven disciples in Jerusalem  Commissioning (v. 47)  Ascension (only in Luke-Acts)  All on Easter Sunday