The book of Luke
IN THIS LESSON
Who wrote it? Why should we read it? What is it about?
In this lesson, we will be looking at an overview introduction to the book of Luke, some key facts and some things we should know as we delve deeper into the book!
Why write the book of Luke?
'Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.'
— Luke 1:1-4Introduction to the Book of Luke
What is a ‘gospel’?
The English word “gospel” is an Anglo-Saxon version of the Greek word evangelion. It was used in the New Testament times to describe the announcement of shattering news. It means “too good to be true news”.
The too good to be true news was that the Messiah has come!
There were more than 300 prophecies predicting the coming of the Messiah in the Old Testament, and all of these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. As the early Church began to grow and news of the gospel spread throughout the Roman world, it became imperative that the witnesses to what Jesus’ ministry wrote down reliable accounts of his life to protect the truth. There are around 25,000 early manuscripts, from both secular and religious texts, talking about the life of Jesus that confirm His existence and His acts. You can find out more about this here.
All gospels were written by revelation of the Holy Spirit. God used the unique situation of each book and author to communicate His truth. The gospels complement, not contradict one another. They all give us varying perspectives of the same truth.
In this Bible study plan, we’ll be covering the truth of Jesus. How did Jesus reveal Himself and how can we use what we learn over this study to reveal Jesus His way?