A study of the book of
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Overview
c. BC 6
c. BC 5
c. AD 26
c. AD 29
c. AD 30
Luke 1
Birth of Jesus (Luke 2)
The Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3)
The Transfiguration (Luke 9)
Jesus' Resurrection (Luke 24)
Both church tradition and Scriptural evidence show that this book, as well as its companion text Acts, was written by a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul named Luke. The Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel written by a non-Jewish author, and is written with a factual, investigative, and historical style. It was likely written in the early 60s as he traveled with Paul in his apostolic ministry. It is addressed specifically to a “Theophilus”, likely a wealthy Gentile of higher social standing, but also speaks specifically to the larger Gentile world. This Gospel was written for these readers to have a confident assurance of the saving power of Jesus Christ for all people.
Themes in the Gospel of Luke
The Person of Jesus
Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection are front and center in Luke’s gospel. Jesus’ death on the cross saves us from our sins and restores us, body and soul, to life in the fullest sense.
The Power of the Gospel for All
Jesus is the friend of sinners, and his ministry is specifically seen encountering all people, no matter one’s age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic, or religious background.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Luke gives special attention to the promised power of the Holy Spirit and the difference that He makes to empower, convict, and guide believers.
What is a Gospel?
A Gospel is a specific literary genre that proclaims the good news of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
The Gospels show Jesus as the perfect fulfillment of the Old Testament as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king. There are four of these accounts in the Bible. Two were written directly by the apostles of Jesus: Matthew and John. The other two were written by authors who spoke directly with the apostles of Jesus: Mark, who ministered alongside Peter, and Luke, who ministered alongside Paul. These accounts are not chronologically rigid in the same sense as our modern biographies but present the life of Jesus in a way that leads the reader to respond with faith and trust in the gospel's message.
Ready to go deeper? One method of studying the Bible that we recommend as a church is Discovery Bible Study. This format is used by individuals and groups around the world to allow the Bible to speak for itself as you read, and utilizes a simple format to provide a structure for whole-hearted obedience to the Word of God. To use this format individually or as a group, use the daily and weekly questions below.
Discovery Bible Study Questions
Daily Questions
This plan through the Gospel of Luke is structured to allow you to study smaller individual passages each day. As you read the day’s passage, use these four questions:
Read the passage, and then answer: How would I rewrite this in my own words?
Read it a second time, and answer: What does this passage teach me about God, Jesus, or His plan?
Read it a third and final time, and answer: What does this passage teach me about humanity, sin, or our need?
Pause to pray for how you will respond to this passage. Then, answer these questions: If this is God’s will for my life, how will I respond to it? Who could I share this passage with?
Weekly Questions
This plan through the Gospel of Luke is five days to allow for a rhythm of sabbath and rest. Each week, on one of those days, create space to answer the following questions:
What am I thankful for from last week?
What am I stressed about from last week?
Write a recap of last week’s reading in your own words.
How did you respond to the truths that you read, or who did you share them with?
Want To Study With A Group?
These Sunday school classes will focus on the Gospel of Luke in the winter/spring semester as we read along as a congregation.
| Class | Location | Life Stage | Age Range | Teacher | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant | Wilson Ross 414 | Young Families | 25-35 | Todd Barber | ||
| Foundations | Rash Hall | Young Families | 40s | Drew Sippel | ||
| Servants | Wilson-Ross 208 | Empty Nesters | 50s-60s | Robert Wilson | ||
| Cornerstone | Wilson-Ross 409-412 | Empty Nesters | 50s-60s | Tom Marino | ||
| Crossroads | Wilson Ross 401-402 | Empty Nesters | 50s-70s | Diane Hampton | ||
| Genesis | Wilson-Ross 211 | Empty Nesters | 50s-70s | Dr. Kathy Tuberville | ||
| Journey | Wilson-Ross 207 | Empty Nesters | 50s-60s | Tracy Bailey | ||
| Messengers | Wilson-Ross 203 | Empty Nesters | 50s-60s | Phil Mischke | ||
| Timothy | Wilson Ross 205 | Empty Nesters | 50s-70s | Don Bourland | ||
| Amazing Grace | Wilson-Ross 405-406 | Senior Adults | 65+ | Jim Duncan | ||
| Seekers | Wilson-Ross 210 | Senior Adults | 65+ | Hank Shelton | ||
| Positive Christian Singles | Dunnam 337 | Senior Adults | 65+ | Anola Yee | ||
| Sonrise | Wilson-Ross 201 | All Ages | All Ages | Various |
Recommended Resources
ESV Scripture Journal: Luke
Perfect for: Anyone wanting to read the Bible and journal in response to the day’s passages.
ESV Scripture Journals pair the entirety of individual books of the Bible with lightly lined blank pages opposite each page of Bible text, allowing readers to take extended notes or record insights and prayers directly beside corresponding passages of Scripture.
Luke (CCE)
by Thabiti Anyabwile
Perfect for: Individuals and groups wanting an introductory commentary for context and study questions.
Rather than a verse-by-verse approach, each chapter is a devotional sermon that explains and applies key passages in the Gospel of Luke. This approach is aimed to help readers see Christ in all aspects of Scripture,
Luke (TCNT)
by Leon Morris
Perfect for: Teachers, leaders and those wanting a moderate level commentary that balances serious study with practical application.
Tyndale commentaries are designed to help readers understand what the Bible actually says and what it means. The aim throughout is to get at the true meaning of the Bible and to make its message plain to readers today.
Luke (NICNT)
by Joel Green
Perfect for: Teachers, leaders, and those wanting an in-depth and scholarly approach to their reading plan.
Written by former Asbury Seminary professor Joel Green, this commentary combines pastoral concerns with first-century culture in the Roman world with understanding the text of Luke as a wholistic, historical narrative.