8 - Luke

Question 1

Jesus as: 3

Answer 1

prophet, saviour, Lord

Question 2

audience 2

Answer 2

• theophilus, possibly a patron and likely a new believer who needed reassurance
• all “beloved of God”, probably predominantly gentile

Question 3

authorship 4

Answer 3

• technically anonymous, does not name self
• likely accompanied Paul at some points in his mission bc of “we” passaged in acts, therefor most likely Luke, who sometimes accompanied Paul
• Luke likely Gentile God-fearer (follows some aspects of Judaism)
• early church accredited it to Luke

Question 4

date

Answer 4

unknown, likely 60s-80s

Question 5

basic structure of Luke-Acts

Answer 5

parallel, shows life and mission of Jesus then of His people
Luke: Jesus’ birth, Galilee, Samaria/Judea, Jerusalem
Acts: Church birth, Samaria/Judea, Rome

Question 6

4 main sections of Luke

Answer 6

• Jesus’ preparation
• Galilean ministry
• journey to Jerusalem
• in Jerusalem and beyond

Question 7

purposes 4

Answer 7

• to reassure theophilus about that which he has been taught (then copied and spread to reassure others)
• to demonstrate God’s faithfulness and the message, scope, and inclusivity of salvation
• to respond to any concerns that the early Christians may destabilize Roman rule and order (apologetic, defence of the gospel)
• to legitimate and reinforce inclusive (jew and gentile) nature of the Christian community

Question 8

mary’s magnificat themes (and one more hymn) 5

Answer 8

• has key theme of God’s redemption in Jesus,
• joy and praise,
• poor/marginalized and the powerful/proud
• reversal of status quo
• also hymn of benedictus

Question 9

luke’s writing style

Answer 9

Luke writes in the tradn of ancient historiography, compared to Josephus, seutonius, plutarch

Question 10

Jesus fulfilling OT prophecy 4

Answer 10

• frequent reference to OT prophecy
• Jesus a Spirit-anointed prophet at synagogue in Nazareth (says he’s fulfilled Isaiah passages)
• signs of Messianic age
• everything happening and unfolding according to God’s purpose and plan

Question 11

distinctive features 6

Answer 11

• infancy narrative and its hymns
• world history as context of God’s activity
• Jesus fulfilling OT prophecy
• particular concern for the marginalized
• emphasis on the extension of gospel to the Gentiles
• emphasis on Jesus being innocent of charges brought against him

Question 12

concern for the marginalized 5

Answer 12

• expansive narrative of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem
• beautitudes “blessed are the poor.” not poor in spirit like in Matthew
• welcomes those who are lost
• strong words for the rich
• tells parables of dramatic reversals of fortunes

Question 13

gospel to the gentiles 2

Answer 13

• good samaritan
• acts - outward and inclusive

Question 14

Jesus as prophet 6

Answer 14

• emphasized from the outset: simeon’s prophecy, Jesus’ baptism, start of His ministry in nazareth
• prophet in word: especially remarks of reversal and inclusivity
• prophet in deed: embodies and performs prophetic message
• call to justice, especially in relation to possessions
• at trial, continues in prophetic role in his control and depiction as the one who brings division between the people and leaders
• 2 disciples on road to emmaus call him prophet, powerful in word and deed

Question 15

jesus as saviour 4

Answer 15

• salvation key motif
• only Luke explicity calls Jesus “saviour”
• Jesus to seek out sand save the lost, being accomplished throughout his life and ministry
• inclusive

Question 16

Jesus as Lord 4

Answer 16

• Lordship language in infancy narrative
• Jesus as Messiah crucial element in God’s plan for the world
• prominent role of Jerusalem, where temple and God’s presence is located
• Jesus’ rising up in stages: empty tomb, appearances, ascension, pentacost

Question 17

prominent role of Jerusalem 4

Answer 17

• Jesus visits Jerusalem as a child
• middle of Luke focuses on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem
• Jesus weeps over Jerusalem
• resurrection appearances in and around Jerusalem