Summary This is the first of two works by Luke. The second is the Acts of the Apostles. The first work, the gospel record, is an historical account of Jesus' life, and the second, an historical account of the early preaching of the gospel beginning from the time of Jesus' ascension. Luke's gospel is different to the other Gospel records because of its historical approach. Luke is the physician and historian of the apostles. It is in this way that Luke records Jesus' ministry in an almost chronological way, similar to the way in which contemporary historians recorded the work of the time's political figures. It is also because of this approach that Jesus the man becomes evident. The almost simplicity of this approach is not to deny the importance of the record. Luke goes into considerable detail in many events, and in particular, Jesus' birth. In this, he records the angels' message to Mary, drawing attention to the salvation possible through Jesus (1:32) and the fulfilment of the promise made to King David (1:32 - 33; cf 2 Samuel 7:11). This emphasis sets the scene for the continual presentation of the theme of the gospel that is continued through the reference to John the Baptist (1:67 - 80), the events surrounding Jesus' birth (2:10 - 11), and through incidents in which Jesus indicates that salvation is possible to people in all circumstances. For example: to the Jews (1:33), to Gentiles, in this case, Samaritans (10:30 - 37), to women (10:38 - 42) as well as to men, to poor (7:22) and to the rich (19:2), although, for the rich, salvation is ore difficult (6:24). Above all, Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (5:32) and that includes us all (Romans 3:23). It is significant that the record concludes with the account of Jesus' exposition of the aspects of the law and the prophets which relate to his ministry, his request that the apostles preach the gospel of repentance and remission of sins, and a brief account of his ascension (24:44 - 51). Even though Luke's account is historical, through God's guidance he never lost sight of the theme of salvation through Jesus.

Outline 1:1 - 4 Introduction 1:5 - 2:52 The birth and childhood of Jesus 3:1 - 4:13 Preparation for the ministry - John the Baptist; Jesus' baptism; Jesus' temptation 4:14 - 9:50 The ministry in Galilee - Teaching through parables; Teaching through healing; 9:51 - 19:40 The ministry continues on the way to Jerusalem 19:41 - 21:38 The ministry in Jerusalem -Prophecy 22:1 - 24:53 The crucifixion, resurrection and ascension

Author – Luke
Time – 4 B.C. to 30 A.D.

Summary – The book of Luke gives us the most complete look at the life of Jesus. Luke uses eyewitnesses as sources for his writings. He stresses Jesus’ humanity (since Luke was a doctor himself) and compassion as well as the power of the Holy Spirit and of prayer.

Key Verses – "Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man!" Luke 23 v 47 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" Luke 19 v 10

Unique Features – It was written particularly for Greeks, who delighted in wisdom, beauty and system. Luke, therefore, tells the story of Jesus, unfolding his development in a systematic manner, setting the facts in chronological order in a manner not attempted by the other writers. Luke was an artist with the pen, drawing the portrait of Jesus as the perfect man. He followed up by writing the book of Acts (the Acts of the Apostles.

The Son of Man as prophet to King in Galilee – Chapter 4 v 14 to 9 v 50