Luke’s Introduction
Luke is like a never ending introduction;
1:1-4; 1:5-2:52; 3:1-38; 4:1-30.
We will simply deal with the unique
Lucan material (1:1-2:52) and its
implications on the rest of the gospel.
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
1 Many
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.
3 Therefore, 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.
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
Formal, literary; different from rest of
the book.
The style is introduced in 1:1 as a
narrative or story (dih,ghsij) but it is one
account among others
What others?
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
The style is further refined in 1:3 when
Luke says, “it seemed good also to me to
write an orderly account for you”
What order?
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
Comments of Papias about Mark,
“Mark became Peter’s interpreter
(hermeneutes) and wrote accurately
whatever he remembered, but not in
order of the things said or done by
the Lord.”
Eusebius (H.E. 3.39.14-17)
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
Notice how in 1:4, Luke clearly ties the
orderly account with the question of
truth/certainty
i[na
Orderly account
Certainty
Result Clause
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
Luke is a 2nd generation Christian,
standing on others’ shoulders (scrolls?)
 Note his use of 2nd person pronouns
He has models before him (1:1,2)
He has a message to contribute (1:4)
 Note “eyewitnesses and servants”
oi` avpV avrch/j auvto,ptai kai.
u`phre,tai
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
These are fulfilled events (peplhroforhme,nwn)
Note Perfect tense,
Fulfillment with effects still today
Note Passive voice,
Divine passive
Luke: Introduction #1
Luke 1:1-4
Luke is proclamation
Narrative is not the basis for
proclamation, rather narration is
proclamation.
For Luke, an orderly account is concerned
with a development of “certainty of the
things you have been taught.” It’s not
about facts alone but faith.
Luke is theological history
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
Luke presents his narrative style introduction
with people, places and ideas, with real
historical referents: (1:5, 2:1).
Luke presents a story begun long before now.
There are so many OT echoes and motifs that
it’s almost deafening to the reader/listener. Luke
is more of a continuation of God’s on-going,
unfolding history with His people. I would like
to call it climactic, but then comes Acts!
Note Abrahamic and Prophetic promises
(1:54-55, 68-79)
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
Role of the Holy Spirit in the origin and
ministry of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit / Spirit of the Lord
1:15,17,35,41,47,67,80; 2:25,26; 3:16,22; 4:1(2x),
14,18,33; 10:21; 11:13; 12:10,12; [24:49]. While
not appearing throughout the entire book, it seems
particularly important in the early chapters.
The “promise of the Father,” 24:49, also makes
implicit reference to the Holy Spirit, providing an
important continuity with the continuation of this
account in Acts.
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
Relationship of Jesus and his precursors to the
Temple.
Zechariah’s term 1:22; Infant and childhood
presence in the temple 2:27,37,46; Temptation 4:9;
Parable 18:10; Jesus’ action and teaching in the
temple 19:45,47; 20:1; 21:5,37,38; Trial and
crucifixion 22:52,53; 23:45; Closing locale 24:53.
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
This “temple” at several critical points in the
story is unique to Luke.
3 x’s in 3 verses (2:22-24) Luke tells us that this
was done according to the Law of the Lord (again
in 2:39)
Luke seems anxious to stress that Jesus was
righteous in terms of the Law.
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
Examples:
Luke omits “antithesis” in Sermon on Mt
Luke omits tradition of elders in Mt and Mk
Note the theme of innocence / righteousness of
Jesus in the Passion Narrative:
Pilate (23:13-16);
Thief on cross (23:39-43);
Centurion (23:47)
Material links with Acts 3:13-14 and Is 52:13-53:12.
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
Final comment on the theme of innocence /
righteousness of Jesus in the Passion Narrative:
The words of the centurion (23:47)
“The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised
God (doxa,zw) and said, "Surely this was a righteous
(di,kaioj)” man.”
Connection of Praising God: 2:30; 5:25-26; 7:16;
13:13; 17:15; 18:43
Luke: Introduction #2
Luke 1:5-2:52
This “temple” ties in to the major Jerusalem
theme (esp. 24:44-53)
Jerusalem. 2:22,25,38,41,43,45; 4:9; 5:17; 6:17;
9:31,51,53 (J. sets face toward); 10:30; 13:4,22*, 33,34;
17:11*; 18:31*; 19:11*, 28*; 21:20,24; 23:7,28;
24:13,18,33,47,52.
After 9:31, (* marks explicit reference) to the journey
toward Jerusalem which orients the narrative from 9:31
to 19:28-40, where Jesus actually enters the city.
Interestingly, at the point of entry itself, no explicit
mention of Jerusalem is made, but instead Luke
mentions the “descent of the Mt. of Olives” (19:37),
Jesus weeping over “the city” (v41) and continued daily
teaching there in the temple (v47).
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Intro 1
1:1-4
Opening Words
Intro 2
1:5-2:52
Birth of John and Jesus
Intro 3
3:1-22
Cry in Wilderness
Intro 4
3:23-38
Family Tree
Intro 5
4:1-15
Temptation in Wilderness
Intro 6
4:16-30
First Sermon
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Luke: Gospel to the Poor
In Luke, this sermon in Nazareth is at
beginning of ministry in Galilee (cf. Matt 13:5358 & Mark 6:1-6)
In Luke, this is the only place where we find
content of his preaching
In Luke, this sermon is connected with other
key passages in Luke-Acts (7:18-23 & Acts
10:38). This “mission” will not be resolved in
Luke. But we must wait for Acts . . . and more!
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Content of the Text Reading
Quote from Isaiah 61:1-2 (from the LXX)
“The Spirit of the LORD is on me,
for he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor He has sent
me.
To proclaim for the captives release,
and to the blind sight;
To send forth the oppressed in release;
(from Is 58:6)To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor”
[and the day of vengeance of our God] (removed)
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Observations the Text Reading
Jesus’ reading IS an interpretation!
Jesus’ reading places an emphasis upon his
mission. A clear connection between the person of
Jesus: ME and his mission: RELEASE.
The recurring ME must also be heard against the
anticipation which the recurring introductions have
given to us regarding the identity and public
ministry of Jesus.
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Ministry of “Release”
There is a direct connection between Isaiah 61 &
58 with Lev 25; The Year of Jubilee (Lev 25:10)
The hearers (and present day readers) have
entered into this new epoc of the salvation of the
Lord; release/forgiveness (a;fesij) (see; Luke 1:77;
3:3; 5:20-21; 5:23-24; 7:47-49; 11:4; 11:4; 12:10;
17:3-4; 23:34; 24:47)
Throughout Luke, the power of release is at work
against diabolic forces (see esp, 13:10-17).
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Ministry of “Release”
Let’s not forget that “release” also carries direct
social consequences. What is forgiveness if not
removing the barrier (sin) which has excluded an
individual from community life?
 “Release” is a thorough-going entrance to
wholeness, NOW, not simply a future hope or
promise. A removal of both diabolic and social
chains.
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Good News to “Poor”
Note three verbs:
to proclaim (euvaggeli,zw )
to send forth (avposte,llw )
to preach (khru,ssw )
Who are “Poor” (ptwco,j)
Poor economically?
Status in ancient world was one of birth
not performance
One was included or excluded based upon
socialmarkers
 The Ruler
Social
Stratification:
Status, Not
Class
The Governing
Class
Merchants
Artisans
Retainers and
Priests
Peasants
Unclean/Degraded
Expendables
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Lists of Social Exclusion
Priesthood:
Lev 21:16-24
Blemish;
blind; lame;
broken foot;
hunchback;
blemish in
eyes; dwarf;
scabs, etc.
Dead Sea Scrolls:
Rule of
Community
(1QSa 2:5-7)
Boys, Women,
Lame, blind,
crippled, defect,
etc.
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
4:18
Poor,
captive,
blind,
oppressed
Luke’s Lists of Social Inclusion
6:20
7:22
14:13
and
poor,
blind,
14:21
hungry,
lame,
mournful,
persecuted
16:20,22
poor, ulcerated,
hungry
leper,
deaf,
dead,
poor
poor,
maimed,
lame,
blind
Luke: Introduction #6
Luke 4:16-30
Luke’s Lists of Social Inclusion
This continual list of adjectives in the narrative flow
draws attention to the fact that
to the nature of those who are unexpected recipients to
the good news (4:16-30; 7:18-23) and blessedness (6:2026)
to the status of the normally excluded are now
welcomed (14:12-14; 14:15-24; 16:19-31)
in each case, poor is at the top of the list (except 7:22,
where it is climactic!