• The Gospel of Luke was written around 80AD – 150AD.

• It was written to "most excellent" Theophilus.

• The earliest record of a "Theophilus" is Theophilus of Antioch who was an early Christian patriarch who wrote around 180-185 AD.

• Theophilus is the patron of the author. Theophilus, in Greek, means “Beloved of God,” which is a generic name for a christian. The author wrote to him as a friend and a mentor.

• “The traditional view is that the author of Luke is the "Luke" mentioned by Paul in his letters, below:

• “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus…and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow-workers.” (Philemon 1:23-24)

• “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” (Colossians 4:14)

• “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11)

What do you see in this picture?

IN LUKE, JESUS EMERGES PRIMARILY AS:

• A TEACHER

• A TEACHER OF ETHICAL WISDOM

•SOMEONE WHO'S CONFIDENT AND SERENE

•SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN INCULCATING THE VIRTUES OF COMPASSION AND FORGIVENESS AMONG HIS FOLLOWERS.

•Luke was portrayed as an ox because in the beginning of his story, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, offering sacrifice in the temple at Jerusalem.

•A winged ox is also a symbol of St. Luke because of his emphasis on Jesus' sacrificial atonement.

•In contrast to both the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, Luke's gospel is clearly written more for a gentile audience. It is said that The Gospel of Luke is a novel of gentiles.

•Luke is traditionally thought of as one of Paul's traveling companions.

•Unlike the other Gospel writers, The author of Luke is said to have also written Acts. Acts is like an extension of the Gospel of Luke.

•The Gospel of Luke is a synoptic Gospel, and is the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels.

“Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. (45)You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. (46)You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. (47)Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.’”

•This passage is unique to Luke because just like the reason he used the ox as the symbol, he is stressing how important Jesus is to everyone no matter what.

•Also, Luke is presenting Jesus as a teacher of morals, who is teaching Simon about how sins are truly forgiven.

•Jesus is expressed as wise and just, but also very willing to forgive one’s sins.

•Jesus tells the men that they aren’t going to be forgiven if they act like they are mightier than even the smallest person.

1. What are some clues in Paul’s letters and Luke’s acts to show they traveled together at times?

• “Luke is with me.” (2 Timothy 4:11)• “Luke sends you greetings.” (Philemon

24)• “Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings.” (Colossians 4:14)

2. List clues in Luke to show:• That he wrote, primarily, for people unfamiliar with Jewish

customs and geography.• That he wanted to stress Jesus’ special concern for society’s

“second-class” citizens.

Answer: Luke explains Jewish customs (Luke 22: 1) and locates Jewish towns (Luke 4:31, 23:51).

Answer- “Happy are your poor, the Kingdom of God is yours! Happy are you who are hungry now; you will be filled! Happy are you who weep now; you will laugh!” (Luke 6:20-21)