Theological Themes and Structure of the Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of Luke, written by Luke, does not claim to be an eyewitness account of Jesus' ministry but rather an orderly narrative compiled from the best available sources [1]. Luke's preface indicates that "many have taken in hand" to write accounts of the events "most surely believed among us," and he aims to provide an accurate record for Theophilus [5, 7]. This Gospel is one of the three Synoptic Gospels, which, while sharing much in common, were written independently under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, each with unique elements in both matter and style [1].
A prominent theological theme in Luke's Gospel is the glorifying and praising of God, which appears frequently throughout the narrative [2]. Examples include the shepherds glorifying God after visiting the infant Jesus (Luke 2:20), the crowds praising God for Jesus' miracles (Luke 5:25-26; 13:13; 17:15, 18; 18:43; 19:37), and the centurion glorifying God at Jesus' crucifixion (Luke 23:47) [2].
The structure of Luke's Gospel often presents Christ's teachings and miracles, sometimes repeating passages found in Matthew and Mark to emphasize their importance [3]. For instance, Luke 8 details Christ's preaching, the parable of the sower, and various miracles [3]. Luke 9 includes Christ's commission to the twelve apostles, Herod's reaction to Jesus, the feeding of the five thousand, and discussions about Jesus' suffering [4]. The Gospel also covers significant events such as John the Baptist's ministry, including the prophecies fulfilled in him and his preaching to various groups like publicans and soldiers [8]. Luke's narrative begins earlier in the life of Christ than Matthew or Mark, including the prophecy and history of John the Baptist's conception [7]. Other structural elements include parables like the importunate widow and the Pharisee and the publican, as well as accounts of infants brought to Christ and the rich ruler [6]. The genealogy of Jesus is also presented in Luke 3 [8].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Luke, Gospel according to — Was written by Luke. He does not claim to have been an eye-witness of our Lord's ministry, but to have gone to the best sources of information within his reach, and to have written an orderly narrative of the facts (Luke 1:1-4). The authors of the first three Gospels, the synoptics, wrote independently of each other. Each wrote his independent narrative under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Each writer has some things, both in matter and style, peculiar to himself, yet all the three have much in common. Luke's Gospel has been called "the ”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 2:20: 2:20 Glorifying and praising God are major themes throughout Luke’s Gospel (e.g., 1:64; 2:13, 28; 5:25-26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15, 18; 18:43; 19:37; 23:47; 24:53).”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 8 (introduction): Most of this chapter is a repetition of divers passages of Christ's preaching and miracles which we had before in Matthew and Mark; they are all of such weight, that they are worth repeating, and therefore they are repeated, that out of the mouth not only of two, but of three, witnesses every word may be established. Here is, I. A general account of Christ's preaching, and how he had subsistence for himself and his numerous family by the charitable contributions of good people (Luk 8:1-3). II. The parable of the sower, and the four sorts of ground, with ”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 9 (introduction): In this chapter we have, I. The commission Christ gave to his twelve apostles to go out for some time to preach the gospel, and confirm it by miracles (Luk 9:1-6). II. Herod's terror at the growing greatness of our Lord Jesus (Luk 9:7-9). III. The apostles' return to Christ, his retirement with them into a place of solitude, the great resort of people to them notwithstanding, and his feeding five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes (Luk 9:10-17). IV. His discourse with his disciples concerning himself and his own sufferings for them, and their f”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 1 (introduction): Luke 1:1 luk 1:1 luk 1:1 luk 1:1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand,.... From hence, to the end of Luk 1:4 is a preface of the evangelist to his Gospel, setting forth the reasons of his writing it; and which he wrote and sent to the excellent Theophilus, for the further confirmation of him in the faith of Christ. It seems that many had took in hand, or attempteo set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us; that is, they undertook to write and publish a very particular and exact narrative of the birth, life, acti”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 18 (introduction): The parable of the importunate widow, Luk 18:1-8. Of the Pharisee and the publican, Luk 18:9-14. Infants brought to Christ, Luk 18:15-17. The ruler who wished to know how he might inherit eternal life, Luk 18:18-23. Our Lord's reflections on his case, Luk 18:24-27. What they shall receive who follow Christ, Luk 18:28-30. He foretells his approaching passion and death, Luk 18:31-34. He restores a blind man to sight at Jericho, Luk 18:35-43.”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 1 (introduction): The narrative which this evangelist gives us (or rather God by him) of the life of Christ begins earlier than either Matthew or Mark. We have reason to thank God for them all, as we have for all the gifts and graces of Christ's ministers, which in one make up what is wanting in the other, while all put together make a harmony. In this chapter we have, I. Luke's preface to his gospel, or his epistle dedicatory to his friend Theophilus (Luk 1:1-4). II. The prophecy and history of the conception of John Baptist, who was Christ's forerunner (v. 5-25). The an”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 3 (introduction): The time in which John the Baptist began to preach, Luk 3:1-3. The prophecies which were fulfilled in him, Luk 3:4-6. The matter and success of his preaching, Luk 3:7-9; among the people, Luk 3:10, Luk 3:11; among the publicans, Luk 3:12, Luk 3:13; among the soldiers, Luk 3:14. His testimony concerning Christ, Luk 3:15-18. The reason why Herod put him afterwards in prison, Luk 3:19, Luk 3:20. He baptizes Christ, on whom the Spirit of God descends, Luk 3:21, Luk 3:22. Our Lord's genealogy, vv. 23-38.”