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Introduction
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Gospels at a Glance
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Luke presents Jesus to the Gentiles as the savior of all mankind. Luke contains numerous references to the activity of the Holy Spirit. Women are given special attention in Luke.
Keys
Author
Luke was a Greek doctor. He was the friend of the Apostle Paul, who referred to Luke as the "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14).
As befits a doctor, medical details are often introduced in this gospel (Luke 4:38, 5:12, 6:6, 9:39-42, 18:25, 22:44).
Audience
Luke wrote the third gospel and the book of Acts. Both books were addressed to a nobleman whose name meant "one who loves God."
Jewish customs and locations in Palestine are often explained in Luke.
Educated Historian
Luke was an educated physician, and an inspired historian.
Luke is often considered to have the best literary writing style of all New Testament authors. His account was compiled from eyewitnesses to the ministry of Jesus (see Luke 1:2).
Chronological Gospel
Luke's careful narrative was written "in consecutive order" so that his reader would know the "exact truth" about the life and teachings of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-2).
Chronology was important to Luke. Events in Luke were often accompanied by datable references to historic figures (Luke 1:5, 2:1-2, 3:1-2).
Women in Luke
Luke paid special attention to women. The birth narrative was written from Mary’s perspective.
Women contributed monetarily to Christ’s ministry (Luke 8:1-3). Women observed the crucifixion (Luke 23:49). Jesus first appeared to women when he was resurrected (Luke 24:1-10).
Gospel of Prayer
Luke revealed the prayer life of Jesus.
Jesus prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21). He often prayed in secret (Luke 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, 9:28-29). He gave thanks before eating (Luke 9:16, 22:17-19).
Significant prayers in Luke include the "Lord's Prayer" and the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 11:1-4, 22:39-46).
Two parables found only in Luke highlight the importance of persistent prayer (Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8).
Did You Know?
Luke was probably a Greek. He was the only non-Jewish New Testament writer.
Luke is the only gospel with a sequel – the book of Acts. Luke wrote the longest gospel account. Luke's writings account for more than 25% of the New Testament.
Luke has 18 parables that are found in no other gospel. For example, the Good Samaritan, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son are only found in the book of Luke (See Luke 10:25-37, 15:4-7, 15:11-32).
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