On Line Bible Study - For the week November 16-22, 2009

Lesson 414

Luke 1: ¹Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, ²just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. ³Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

With this lesson we begin our consideration of the Gospel of Luke. Our primary literary guide for this study will be the extensive commentary by Darrell Bock (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), a work that exceeds 2000 pages.

When this gospel was written four issues faced the nascent church:

1. Salvation - How could Gentiles be equals with Jews in God's saving work?
2. If the Jews were the natural audience for the message, why did they reject it?
3. How did Jesus crucified fit into the plan?
4. What did it mean to be a follower of Jesus?

With the possible exception of the first, the other issues are ones that are intensely relevant today. Who is the audience today? Some would say: "Christians". If that is the case, why do Christians have such difficulty appropriating Christ's message? Why do we reject it - if not explicitly, then implicitly? Do we understand the crucifixion? How does it figure into our own lives?

Tradition has it that the author of the Gospel is "Luke" - but the Gospel never states this. Citing both scholars and tradition, Bock points out the author of the Gospel knew Paul well, and was not himself an eyewitness to the life of Christ. From very early in the history of the church, Luke was referred to as the author of this work.

A point of interest: over 1/3 of the Gospel is exclusive to Luke alone. There is no sense of negative judgment with regard to the Many who have come before Luke; however, as a result of his careful investigation, Luke suggests that he is going to tell the story in a new way - perhaps a more accurate (and definitive?) way. Theophilus has heard the story of Jesus before. Perhaps he had questions:

• Why should a Gentile join a Jewish movement?
• Why are followers of Jesus suffering?
• Can we be sure Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises?

The intent of the Gospel is to provide certainty and assurance that the story of Jesus is true, and that the way of Jesus is God's way. Luke will start at the beginning - not "In the beginning ..." - but at the beginning ...