Ralph Porter

© 2003

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

    Those who trusted Christ have been persecuted for years by zealous Jews.

        Now persecution was beginning to be felt by the Romans as well.

        Those who were suffering for their faith needed to understand the basis for their faith to be

            able to stand firm in the midst of such affliction.

    Luke is interested in the major events which led to the foundation of the church.

        His second book is dedicated to explaining HOW that church was formed.

        His gospel leads into that story by telling us WHY the church was formed.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    The stated purpose of the gospel is to confirm the things which Theophilus, as well as other later

        readers, had been taught.

    He wrote an orderly, historical account of the life of Christ to document what they had been

        told.

    No reason is given in Acts to explain why God has begun the new program.

        Luke wrote the gospel to describe this initial phase of the transition.

    As he describes the transition from the arrival of Messiah through His rejection, death and

        resurrection, Luke demonstrates why the new program was necessary.

    The distinctive characteristics of Luke's gospel correspond to his distinctive purpose.

DISTINCTIVE ELEMENTS

    1.    The evidence that Jesus was the "Son of man", that is, the Messiah.

    2.    Hearing is the primary distinctive of those who believe.

    3.    The religious leaders did not want to hear the truth.

           They had vested interests.

    4.    Those who were less than full citizens heard Him with enthusiasm:

                tax collectors, women, Samaritans, children, lepers, sick, demon-possessed,

                poor, and the masses.

    5.    Rejection of Messiah by the masses.

    6.    The cost of following Him tempts many to abandon Him.

Why did God form a new "called out" group?

    Israel's leaders did not want to hear the good news concerning Messiah.

         They were trying to protect their own privileges and interests, not learn truth.

         With a few exceptions, they rejected Jesus.

            Therefore, God set the leaders aside.

    To form a new people, God had to move outside the nation, which they controlled.

         He began with a few "outcasts" of society.

    They would pay a high price for their faith.

         Many would be tempted to abandon Him.

    Nevertheless, God's people would grow into a mighty church no one would be able to destroy.

    Luke encourages them in their affliction by reminding them of why and how God has brought

        them where they are.

Why God established the church                                                                              Ralph Porter

Ralph Porter

AUTHOR AND DATE

    Tradition clearly supports Lucan authorship of the book which bears his name.

         Testimony is found in the Muratorian Fragment, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria and Origen.

        No objective evidence has been presented to disprove this testimony.

    While Luke itself presents little evidence, when combined with Acts the evidence is strengthened considerably.

        Careful study of the "we" references in Acts, where the author includes himself as present with Paul

            (16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; and, 27:1-28:16), compared with the greetings sent in the letters to the churches

            indicates the strong probability that Luke wrote Luke and Acts.

    The date assigned to Luke depends in part on its relationship to the other gospels.

         It is commonly dated last among the synoptics.

         As noted previously, the purpose of Matthew argues for its priority among the synoptics.

        The order of Mark and Luke is not as clear.

    Luke was written before Acts which is defined by the conclusion of the book in about A.D. 63.

         Other accounts were circulating at the time which Luke consulted.

         Therefore, the date is probably around A.D. 60.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

    The most significant events which affect Luke are the same as those mentioned in the introduction to Matthew's

        gospel.

             However, in the light of Luke's distinctive purpose, it should be noted that by the time he writes the

                    gospel,

                    Paul has completed the initial three missionary journeys.

            The message of the gospel and the church have spread throughout the Roman world.

    Those who have trusted Christ have been persecuted for years by zealous Jews.

    Now persecution was beginning to be felt by the Romans as well.

    Those who were suffering for their faith needed to understand the basis for their faith to be able to stand firm in

        the midst of such affliction.

    Luke is interested in the major events which led to the foundation of the church.

         His second book is dedicated to explaining HOW that church was formed.

         The gospel of Luke leads into that story by telling us WHY the church was formed.

    His introductory explanations relating the two books point to that fact.

         Although Theophilus is otherwise unknown to church history, his common name immediately attracts

             attention.

             The name means "friend of God."

             It stands in contrast to those who love other things, such as money or self.

             This name refers to one who loves God.

        While the other descriptive phrases in the introduction indicate that the book was sent to a specific

            individual named Theophilus, the significance of the name and the content of the book demonstrate that it

            is directed to all those who truly love God.

PURPOSE AND THEME

    The stated purpose of the gospel is TO CONFIRM the things which Theophilus, as well as other later readers,

        had been taught.

    Luke wrote an orderly, historical account of the life of Christ TO DOCUMENT what they had been told.

    Acts is frequently referred to as a transitional book.

         It describes the transition from God's program with Israel to the formation of a new

              people of God, the church.

         However, the transition does not begin in Acts.

         No reason is given in Acts to explain why God has begun the new program.

    Luke wrote the gospel to describe this initial phase of the transition.

         As he describes the transition from the arrival of Messiah through His rejection, death

              and resurrection, Luke demonstrates why the new program was necessary.

         The distinctive characteristics of Luke's gospel correspond to his distinctive purpose.

DISTINCTIVE ELEMENTS:

    1.    The evidence that Jesus was the "Son of man", that is, the Messiah.

    2.    Hearing is the primary distinctive of those who believe.

                   Pay attention to who wants to "hear"!

    3.    The religious leaders did not want to hear the truth.

                        They had vested interests.

    4.    Those who were less than full citizens of society heard Him with enthusiasm: 

                tax collectors, women, Samaritans, children, lepers, the sick, the demon-possessed,

                the poor, and the masses.

    5.    Rejection of Messiah by the masses.

    6.    The cost of following Him tempts many to abandon Him.

Why did God form a new "called out" group?

    Israel's leaders did not want to hear the good news concerning the arrival of the Messiah.

         They were trying to protect their own privileges and interests, not learn the truth.

         With a few notable exceptions, the leaders rejected Jesus. God, therefore, set the leaders

              aside.

    To form a new people, God had to move outside the nation, which those leaders

         controlled.

         He began with a few of those "outcasts" of society.

         They would pay a high price for their faith.

         Many would be tempted to abandon Him.

         Nevertheless, God's people would grow into a mighty church which no one would be

              able to destroy.

         Luke writes to encourage them in their affliction by reminding them of why and how

            God has brought them where they are.

ORGANIZATION

    The gospel divides into five major parts:

         First Luke presents evidence from Jesus' birth and presentation which demonstrates that

              He is the Messiah (1:1-4:13).

         Second, Jesus' ministry is described with special attention given to the distinct

              responses to it (4:14-9:50).

         Third, Israel's formal rejection of their Messiah and its implications are presented as

              Jesus travels toward Jerusalem (9:51-19:27).

         Fourth, Luke describes Jesus' suffering and death (19:28-23:56).

         The climax is based on Jesus' triumph at the resurrection (24:1-53).

              The commission Jesus gives His followers is possible because of His victory over His

                   enemies and death.

ARGUMENT

PROLOGUE   1:1-4

    Luke introduces his account with an explanation of his method and purpose.

    He has taken information from all the sources available to him, investigated the facts

         discovered, and written an orderly account of the life of Christ.

    He did this to document the facts which Theophilus, and other readers, had already been

         taught.

First, Luke presents evidence from Jesus' birth and presentation which demonstrates that

    He is the Messiah.

    The account of the life of Christ begins with a description of His birth and presentation to

         Israel.

    The events recorded demonstrate that Jesus was the Messiah.

EVIDENCE RELATED TO HIS BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD   1:5-2:52

    Jesus' birth and childhood provide clear evidence of His supernatural origin

EVIDENCE RELATED TO HIS PRESENTATION TO ISRAEL   3:1-4:13

    The forerunner of Messiah   3:1-20

    The baptism of Messiah   3:21-22

    The genealogy of Messiah   3:23-38

    The temptation of Messiah   4:1-13

         Satan Himself, using his most powerful temptations and best possible justifications,

              could not convince Jesus to deviate from God's will).

         As an additional evidence, Satan's temptation of Christ in the wilderness demonstrates

              that He is Messiah.

         Specific proof includes his personal involvement and dedication to cause Jesus to

              fail, his confession stating the fact, and Jesus' ability to resist these powerful

              temptations to glory and self-satisfaction.

Second, Jesus' ministry is described with special attention given to the distinct responses

    to it.

    After the temptation by Satan, Jesus begins His initial teaching ministry in Galilee.

    His ministry finds various responses.

    Luke traces that ministry, describing the responses and those demonstrating each.

INITIAL PRESENTATION AND REJECTION   4:14-30

    Jesus first presents Himself as the Messiah in the synagogue in Nazareth.

         He has been teaching with the power of the Spirit in such a unique way that His

              reputation has spread through the entire region (4:14-15).

         All His listeners were receiving His message as a word from God and were praising

              Him.

    When He arrived in Nazareth, He read the scroll in the synagogue.

         He used a portion concerning Messiah from Isaiah to announce His arrival (4:16-21).

         When the people of Nazareth were unable to overcome their familiarity with Jesus'

              family to accept His message and ministry on its own merit, Jesus warned them

              concerning the danger of rejection (4:22-27).

    The rejection of Jesus' Messianic message and ministry, and the reminder of the past

         acceptance by Gentiles of God's grace, prefigured the rejection by many in Israel and the

         grace God would extend to Gentiles in the future.

    Jesus' listeners became angry and tried to kill Him when they heard this severe warning

         (4:28-30).

DEMONSTRATION OF AUTHORITY AND CONFRONTATION   4:31-6:11

         As Jesus demonstrates His authority the opposition to His ministry increases.

    Evidence of Jesus' authority   4:31-5:16

              God gives Him power to perform many miraculous works which demonstrate His

                   claim to be Messiah.

         Authority over demons   4:31-37

         Authority over sickness and demons   4:38-41

         Authority to preach about the kingdom   4:42-44

         Authority over nature   5:1-11

         Authority over leprosy   5:12-16

    Opposition to Jesus' authority   5:17-6:11

         Authority over sin challenged   5:17-26

         Authority over men challenged   5:27-32

         Authority over tradition challenged   5:33-39

         Authority over the Sabbath challenged   6:1-11

SEPARATION OF FOLLOWERS   6:12-49

         As the nation demonstrates its rejection of Jesus, He begins to concentrate His efforts on

              His followers.

         He selects twelve from among the many disciples to become specially commissioned

              co-workers, called apostles.

    The call of the twelve   6:12-16

    The instruction of the twelve   6:17-49

DEFINITION OF ALTERNATIVES   7:1-9:50

         After introducing the two representative groups, those rejecting Jesus and those

              following Him, Luke defines the two alternatives and identifies the adherents of each.

    Acceptance by outcasts of society   7:1-8:3

              The outcasts of society, or those considered second class citizens, accept Jesus and

                   receive the benefits of His ministry which the leaders rejected.

              The beneficiaries of Christ's ministry included:

                        Gentiles (7:1-10),

                        Widow (7:11-17),

                        Many sick, lepers, poor and tax collectors (7:18-35)

                        Sinful woman of bad reputation (7:36-50)

                        Formerly demon-possessed women (8:1-3).

         John's doubt   7:18-23

              John, as God's appointed forerunner, was expected to accept as evidence that Jesus

                    was Messiah His miraculous deliverance of the suffering and oppressed, whom the

                   religious leaders rejected (7:18-35).

              John's question interrupts the list of outsiders who received Jesus.

              His question demonstrates what Israel's leaders should have investigated for

                   themselves, but chose not to.

              Jesus had certainly not fulfilled the popular expectation of what Messiah was

                   supposed to be!

                        Was He really the one?

                                 Or, should they keep looking?

              John was expected to receive the evidence.

              If he would be faithful to Jesus, in spite of contrary appearances, he would be

                   satisfied in the end with the results of God's plan.

         John's witness   7:24-29

              Jesus takes advantage of John's inquiry to instruct the crowds.

                    The masses of the people recognize John as a prophet from God (20:6).

                    Jesus identifies Himself with John by calling their attention to his prophetic role in

                         God's plan (7:24-28).

                    John was the greatest of the prophets.

                    He was the one chosen to prepare the way for Messiah.

              The logical conclusion of what Jesus is saying is that if John is the forerunner and he is

                   witnessing concerning Jesus, then Jesus must be the Messiah.

                   Those who recognize this and accept Him will become participants in His

                        kingdom.

                   They will thus occupy an even better position than John himself.

                   He has prepared the way for it but has not entered the experiential realization of

                        that kingdom.

                   They will enjoy that privilege.

         Leaders' rejection   7:30-35

              Once Jesus has explained the significance of the events they are witnessing, and

                    traced the contemporary Messianic framework, He must deal with the issue of

                    rejection (7:29-35).

                   In spite of clear and sufficient evidence of the Messianic significance of these

                        events, only the common people are willing to receive Him.

                   The religious leaders have rejected God's plan.

              Jesus' explanation of their rejection centers in John's ministry, rather than His own

                   (7:29-30).

                   They are not really in conflict with John nor Jesus.

                   They have rejected God's plan for His people.

                   The identification of John and Jesus with each other makes clear the nature of the

                        rejection by the religious leaders (7:31-35).

              The leaders' real complaint is that neither John nor Jesus will play the game by their

                   rules (7:31-34).

                   The issue is whether God's plan will prevail, or the human traditions which they

                        have established.

                   The true evaluation, in the end, will not be based on their words but on the

                        practical effects their religion is producing in their lives (7:35).

                   When their actions and motives are evaluated, the cause of their rejection will be

                        evident.

    Different responses predicted   8:4-21

         Jesus warned the multitudes following Him by reminding them that the same sower

              may sow the same good seed, but the sowing will have different results according to

              the condition of the ground it falls on (8:4-8).

               With this parable he teaches them the danger of rejection in its distinct forms and the

                    importance of the condition of their heart.

              Those who reject Him do not do so because of a deficiency in His message, but

                   because their hearts are not willing to receive it.

         Jesus then gives two related warnings based on the teaching about the importance of the

              condition of the heart.

              He warns them to be sure of the condition of their hearts, since the true inner

                   condition of the heart would show itself eventually (8:16-18).

                   Listening to God's voice is a clear indicator of the heart's condition.

              Second, he warns them that His true family ties are not based on physical descent but

                   on the reception and practice of the word of God (8:19-21)

    Different responses demonstrated   8:22-56

         Calming of the storm   8:22-25

         Healing of demoniac   8:26-39

         Resurrection and healing   8:40-56

    Divine program confirmed   9:1-50

         Although it was not God's plan for Jesus to reveal His glory yet, some of His disciples

              saw a revelation of His glory which confirmed that He was the promised One

              (9:28-36).

         Jesus also revealed His power over Satanic forces when He healed the boy with the

              unclean Spirit (9:37-43).

         His disciples were reminded through this lesson that their power was dependent on

              Him.

Third, Israel's formal rejection of their Messiah and its implications are presented as Jesus

    travels toward Jerusalem.

    Jesus has demonstrated that He is the Messiah.

    He has come to fulfill the covenants as God had promised.

    Now Luke begins to describe in great detail Israel's rejection.

    At the same time, Jesus' determination to go to Jerusalem to die is noted (9:51).

DEMONSTRATION OF REJECTION   9:51-11:54

    Rejection in Samaria   9:51-56

    Cost of discipleship   9:57-62

    Privilege of discipleship   10:1-20

    Superiority of love   10:21-42

         To intelligence   10:21-24

         To ritual   10:25-37

         To service   10:38-42

    Persistence of prayer   11:1-13

    Consequences of rejection   11:14-54

              Having shown the contrast between those who have chosen to follow Him and those

                   who have rejected Him, Christ directly addresses the issue of Israel's rejection.

         Their accusation   11:14-16

              This issue comes to a climactic confrontation when the leaders accuse Christ of casting

                   out demons by Satan's power.

         Jesus' defense   11:17-36

              The divided kingdom   11:17-18

                   The exorcists   11:19-20

                   The strong man   11:21-23

                   Luke uses the incident to show that the supernatural evidence of God's power in

                        Jesus' ministry demands a verdict (11:14-23).

                   Either God is at work and thereby has demonstrated the coming of His kingdom, or

                        Satan is at work against himself and about to destroy his own cause.

              The evil spirit   11:24-26

                   The generation which rejects Jesus is compared to a demon-possessed man whose

                        efforts for self-renovation only serve to create a more miserable condition.

                   Christ might be referring to Israel's effort to be free from foreign political

                        domination.

                        In this case, the unclean spirit would be the Gentiles who had controlled Israel

                             for generations.

                        After the judgment in A.D. 70, Israel's condition was worse than it had been

                             before.

                   Another possibility would be that Jesus is referring to Jewish preparation for

                        Messiah under John.

                        Their rejection of Jesus left Israel's house empty, but cleaned up.

                        In the end her spiritual condition was worse than it had been before John's

                             ministry.

              The blessed ones   11:27-28

                   Jesus uses the blessing a woman directed to His mother to teach that those who

                        receive His message and practice His teachings enjoy a better relationship to Him

                        than those whose relationship is based on physical descent.

              The sign of Jonah   11:29-32

                   Because of the seriousness of the rejection, the only sign that generation will be

                        given is the death and resurrection of Jesus which will serve as a warning of

                        impending destruction.

              The appeal to Israel   11:33-36

                   Just as the pagan cities were judged, Jerusalem will also be judged.

                        They have had a greater revelation than those cities had.

                        Therefore they are more deserving of judgment.

                   Reception or rejection of the light revealed in Jesus' ministry will be the basis for

                        judging their spiritual condition.

         Jesus' accusation   11:37-54

              Jesus accuses the religious leaders of Israel.

                   Although they were observing the prescribed external ritual and receiving praise

                        for their acts, they did not love nor seek to submit to God.

              The rejection of Jesus directs the reader's attention back to the two alternatives.

                   He may follow those who rejected Christ as their Messiah (11:14-54);

                   or, he may follow those who accepted Him.

              All, however, must make a choice.

                   Their future destiny depends on the choice they make (12:49-13:9).

INSTRUCTION IN VIEW OF REJECTION   12:1-19:27

    Proper conduct for His followers   12:1-48

    Distinguishing consequences of alternatives   12:49-13:9

         Jesus returns to the issue of rejection.

         The decision concerning rejection or acceptance of Jesus will produce different

              consequences for the two groups.

    True nature of rejection   13:10-16:31

         Luke combines a series of incidents from Jesus' ministry which demonstrate the true

              nature of the rejection he is describing.

         He wants the reader to understand that the theological objections to Jesus were a smoke

              screen, intended to veil the true motive of Israel's leaders.

    Personal instruction for disciples   17:1-19:27

               Jesus concludes the discussion of the Pharisaic attitude with their final rejection of

                   God's word.

              He then leaves them behind and turns to the disciples.

              His personal instructions to them are to prepare them for His rejection and departure.

         Concerning forgiveness   17:1-10

         Concerning thankfulness   17:11-19

         Concerning future of the kingdom   17:20-37

         Concerning prayer in persecution   18:1-8

              In the midst of the persecution which will accompany the rejection of Jesus, God's

                   children should trust Him to hear them when they cry out because of the injustice

                   suffered.

              He will repay appropriately those who mistreat them.

         Concerning recognition of sin   18:9-14

         Concerning entrance to the kingdom   18:15-30

         Concerning rejection   18:31-19:27

            The final series of instructions to the disciples deal with His rejection, death and

                resurrection.

              He wants them to be aware of the things that are going to happen and how they relate

                   to God's plan.

Fourth, Luke describes Jesus' suffering and death.

FORMAL PRESENTATION   19:28-48

    Triumphal entry   19:28-40

    Tearful prediction of judgment   19:41-44

    Temple ministry   19:45-48

OFFICIAL OPPOSITION   20:1-21:38

    Question concerning authority   20:1-8

    Parable of the unjust tenants   20:9-19

    Question concerning taxes   20:20-26

    Question concerning resurrection   20:27-38

    Question concerning David's son   20:39-44

         When they decided that the questions were only confirming Jesus' wisdom, they

              stopped asking.

         Then Jesus asked them a question.

              How could the Messiah be both David's son and his Lord?

              They could not explain it and thus did not answer.

         Although Jesus shows that the leaders don't understand God's plan concerning Messiah,

              they never come to Him for an answer to clarify the issue.

              They are not interested in the truth.

              They want to stop Him and this question certainly won't help their cause!

    Warning concerning the lawyers   20:45-47

    Example of the poor widow   21:1-4

    Judgment caused by opposition   21:5-36

         The opposition to Jesus, which reaches its climax in His rejection and crucifixion, will

              result in judgment.

         This judgment will be accomplished in two main stages, one immediate (A.D. 70), and

              one at the end of the age.

         The kingdom will not be offered to Israel until after the second judgment.

    Nocturnal refuge on the mount   21:37-38

AGREEMENT FOR BETRAYAL   22:1-6

PRIVATE PREPARATION   22:7-46

    Celebration of Passover   22:7-38

    Prayer on Mount of Olives   22:38-46

ARREST AND CONVICTION   22:47-23:25

    Arrest   22:47-53

    Denial   22:54-62

    Trial   22:63-23:25

         The trial of Jesus took place in various stages, all of which pointed to His innocence.

              He was abused illegally by the guards without a cause (22:63-65).

              Although the religious leadership really wasn't interested in discovering the truth

                   about Jesus, they accused Him because of His claim to be the Son of God, that is,

                   Messiah (23:63-71).

              They never investigated the truth of the claim.

         Jesus was tried before Pilate who found no basis to condemn Him (23:1-5).

              Pilate's decision was confirmed by Herod also (23:6-12).

              Their agreement formed the basis for a lasting friendship between the two who had

                   previously been opposed to one another.

              Although personally convinced of Jesus' innocence (23:13-17), Pilate gave in to the

                   pressure of the Jews to crucify Him (23:18-25).

CRUCIFIXION   23:26-56

    Assistance from Simon   23:26

    Lament of the women   23:27-31

    Mockery of the crowd   23:32-39

    Faith of a criminal   23:40-43

    Death of Jesus   23:44-46

         Even as He died, Jesus' control of the event was evident.

              Nature lamented His death as darkness covered the earth.

              The temple veil was torn in two.

              Jesus even authoritatively dismissed His own spirit.

    Reactions of the witnesses   23:47-49

         The centurion confessed he had never seen a death like this one before.

              Jesus was different.

              The other witnesses also recognized the uniqueness of Jesus' death.

    Burial of Jesus   23:50-56

The climax is based on Jesus' triumph at the resurrection (24:1-53).

The commission Jesus gives His followers is possible because of His victory over His

    enemies and death.

AUTHENTICATION OF THE SON OF MAN   24:1-53

    The story doesn't end with Jesus' death however.

    That's just the beginning of the story.

    His claims were finally authenticated by His resurrection.

CONFIRMATION   24:1-12

         Even those who followed Jesus were surprised by the resurrection and found it hard to

              believe, in spite of His repeated promise.

              The event was confirmed by an angelic appearance to the women but the disciples

                   dismissed their testimony as female nonsense.

    Witness of the empty tomb   24:1-3

    Witness of the angels   24:4-8

    Witness to the unbelieving disciples   24:9-12

EXPLANATION   24:13-35

         Besides the testimony of the women, His resurrection was confirmed by two of His

              followers whom he met on the road to Damascus.

               Jesus appeared to them and explained the Scriptural teaching concerning Himself.

              They were convinced by His appearance to them and to Peter.

    Appearance to  the two followers   24:13-18

    Unbelief of the two followers   24:19-24

    Explanation from the Scriptures   24:25-32

    Confirmation from Simon   24:33-35

COMMISSION   24:33-49

         Jesus appeared to disciples to demonstrate the fact of His resurrection and to explain

              God's program and their part in that program, in the light of His death and

              resurrection.

    Confirmation of the resurrection   24:33-44

    Commission for future ministry   24:45-49

         The commission given here is repeated in Acts as the basis for their ministry in the

              foundation of the church.

ASCENSION   24:50-53

    Following the challenge to preach the gospel to all nations, the disciples witness Jesus'

         ascension into heaven.

    His ascension gave joy and certainty to the disciples and caused them to worship Him and

         to praise God.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE STUDY OF THIS GOSPEL?