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How to Read Luke

(Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The story of Jesus and the salvation of Israel, beginning with the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the Spirit and ending with his ascension.

Author & Date: According to very early tradition, Luke the physician.  Could have been written either before the death of Paul (since Acts ends before Paul’s death) or after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD (because of his use of Mark’s gospel).

Emphases: God’s Messiah has come to his people, Israel, with the promised inclusion of the Gentiles; Jesus came to save the lost, including every kind of marginalized person whom traditional religion would put outside the boundaries; Jesus’ ministry is carried out under the power of the Holy Spirit; the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

How to read Luke: Luke’s gospel is unique in that it is part one of his story, with the second part written in the Book of Acts.  Part I is about how the good news of God’s salvation for all people began, through the power of the Holy Spirit, with Jesus in Galilee and in Jerusalem.  Part II is how the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus was, by the power of the Spirit, carried by the apostles from Jerusalem to Rome.

As you read, pay attention to the following themes:

1) The story of salvation – Luke’s gospel, and the Book of Acts, are concerned with God’s salvation of Israel and the promised inclusion of the Gentiles.  Salvation means God’s acceptance and forgiveness of sinners, which is especially good news for the marginalized in society.

2) The temple – The temple, which in the Old Covenant was the earthly place where God’s spirit dwelled, plays a significant role in Luke’s writings.  It figures prominently in the beginning of Luke, is cleansed near the end of the book, and then its destruction is prophesied, since in the new covenant God will no longer dwell in a temple made by human hands.

3) The Holy Spirit – The Spirit is very involved, guiding much of Jesus’ ministry, and will play a big role in the Book of Acts as well, of course.

4) Prayer & Joy – Jesus is shown in prayer often, and Luke includes a good deal of teaching on prayer.  Also, His salvation is often concern for rejoicing and great joy.


Memory Verse – Luke 4:18-19,21 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor… Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

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