Introduction to Luke
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Announcements
Announcements
Women’s Study: Looking at at study by Tim Keller on Romans. Starts this Tuesday @ 6:30am. There will also be an evening study with Linda Jones.
Church Potluck: This Sunday (9/10) following the afternoon worship service.
Jack & Keiko Marshall: Visiting Grace Clovis on Sunday (9/17). Jack and Keiko will be sharing about their ministry in Japan and I will be praying for them in the AM service. Then at 4pm Jack will be preaching at our afternoon worship service. I hope you will join us as we learn more about the work God is doing in Japan.
Hurricane Harvey Relief:
Pray for relief from the storm and for those being rescued and affected by this storm.
Give generously. Click here to support efforts financially. Funds will be used for assessment, mobilization, relief grants for flooded PCA families and churches, to purchase needed supplies and equipment, to construct Sheds of Hope, and to setup and operate flood recovery sites.
Give generously. Click here to support efforts financially. Funds will be used for assessment, mobilization, relief grants for flooded PCA families and churches, to purchase needed supplies and equipment, to construct Sheds of Hope, and to setup and operate flood recovery sites.
Prepare to GO. We have the opportunity to join FPCJ if anyone is interested.
Prepare to GO. We have the opportunity to join FPCJ if anyone is interested.
Afternoon Prayer
Afternoon Prayer
Financial Stability: Our goal is to be self-sufficient by the end of the year.
New Members: Let’s ask the Lord to provide five new families in 2017.
Unity: That we would have unity amid diversity - loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the gospel.
The Mills’: Carrie’s sister, Nicole, is still dealing with blood clotting in her leg. She just found out that she will not be able to have anymore children.
The Ponce Family: House hunting. Larry’s co-worker Frank’s girlfriend is pregnant and may have cancer. DeeDee’s daughter, Nicole, is dating Moses who may have cancer. His mother, Sarah, is also in poor health. Please pray for opportunities to share the gospel in each of these circumstances.
The Salas Family: Anita’s brother, Nick, is recovering from a stroke that was caused by blockage. He is taking blood thinners and scheduled for an appointment on Friday. The hope is that the medication will dissolve the blockage so that he won’t require surgery.
Unity: That we would have unity amid diversity - loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the gospel.
- **Financial Stability:** Our goal is to be self-sufficient by the end of the year.
The Mills’: Carrie’s sister, Nicole, is still dealing with blood clotting in her leg. She just found out that she will not be able to have anymore children.
The Winslow's: Derek's mom, Dorothy, is recovering from stint surgery.
- **The Mills’:** Carrie’s sister, Nicole, is still dealing with blood clotting in her leg. She just found out that she will not be able to have anymore children.
- **The Ponce’s:** House hunting. Larry’s co-worker Frank’s girlfriend is pregnant and may have cancer. DeeDee’s daughter, Nicole, is dating Moses who may have cancer. His mother, Sarah, is also in poor health. Please pray for opportunities to share the gospel in each of these circumstances.
- **The Salas’:**
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
Affirmation of Faith
Affirmation of Faith
WSC Q.89-90
Offering
Offering
1 Cor 16:29
1 cor 16 29
1 Corinthians 16:29
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness
Introduction
Introduction
This morning we will look at the prologue of Luke’s gospel which will help us to understand the situation of the author, the recipients, as well as the purpose for which Luke is writing. This introduction can be viewed as a road map that shows us where we are going.
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
[Scripture Passage]
Charles Templeton was converted in 1936, began pastoring a church in 1941, and became a friend of Billy Graham’s and fellow evangelist with Youth For Christ in 1945. However, in 1948, Templeton began questioning his faith, just before entering Princeton Seminary. In 1957 Templeton publicly announced he had become agnostic. In 1995 He would go on to write a popular account of his departure from faith titled, Farewell to God: My Reasons for Rejecting the Christian Faith.
In The Case for Faith, Lee Strobel had the opportunity to interview Templeton, just a few years before his death. Strobel asked:
“And how do you assess this Jesus?” It seemed like the next logical question—but I wasn’t ready for the response it would evoke.
Templeton’s body language softened. It was as if he suddenly felt relaxed and comfortable in talking about an old and dear friend. His voice, which at times had displayed such a sharp and insistent edge, now took on a melancholy and reflective tone. His guard seemingly down, he spoke in an unhurried pace, almost nostalgically, carefully choosing his words as he talked about Jesus.
“He was,” Templeton began, “the greatest human being who has ever lived. He was a moral genius. His ethical sense was unique. He was the intrinsically wisest person that I’ve ever encountered in my life or in my readings. His commitment was total and led to his own death, much to the detriment of the world. What could one say about him except that this was a form of greatness?”
I was taken aback. “You sound like you really care about him,” I said.
“Well, yes, he is the most important thing in my life,” came his reply. “I . . . I . . . I . . . ,” he stuttered, searching for the right word, ‘I know it may sound strange, but I have to say . . . I adore him!” . . .
” . . . Everything good I know, everything decent I know, everything pure I know, I learned from Jesus. Yes . . . yes. And tough! Just look at Jesus. He castigated people. He was angry. People don’t think of him that way, but they don’t read the Bible. He had a righteous anger. He cared for the oppressed and exploited. There’s no question that he had the highest moral standard, the least duplicity, the greatest compassion, of any human being in history. There have been many other wonderful people, but Jesus is Jesus….’
“Uh . . . but . . . no,’ he said slowly, ‘he’s the most . . .” He stopped, then started again. “In my view,” he declared, “he is the most important human being who has ever existed.”
That’s when Templeton uttered the words I never expected to hear from him. “And if I may put it this way,” he said as his voice began to crack, ‘I . . . miss . . . him!”
With that tears flooded his eyes. He turned his head and looked downward, raising his left hand to shield his face from me. His shoulders bobbed as he wept. . . .
Templeton fought to compose himself. I could tell it wasn’t like him to lose control in front of a stranger. He sighed deeply and wiped away a tear. After a few more awkward moments, he waved his hand dismissively. Finally, quietly but adamantly, he insisted: “Enough of that.”
An historical Jesus is quite a powerful figure, but if we stop there we will miss the real Jesus entirely.
Begin with an involving introduction that surfaces need. Use a provocative question, human-interest story, simple assertion, startling statement, a catalog of information, or create a conflict/problem.
Luke opens his gospel with a dedication that sets the stage. We will note the credibility of the author, the probable situation of the recipients, and the primary purpose for which Luke writes.
Big Idea:
Several factors make it likely that Luke was written sometime before A.D. 70. The destruction of the temple, which occured in A.D. 70 is not recorded. Paul’s death in Rome and
The Author (1-2)
The Recipients (3)
The Purpose (4)
1. The Author (1-2)
1. The Author (1-2)
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,
Of course, here, Luke has Mark in mind as well as other writers who might have written short accounts of the life of Jesus that have not survived.
Luke does not name himself in the introduction like the NT epistles, but this is true of the other gospels as well. This, however, does not mean the gospels were distributed anonymously. The oldest manuscripts we have access to included titles “According to Matthew/Mark/Luke/John”. And as they were often distributed together, at some point they were bound as accounts of the good news about Jesus Christ.
Most scholars agree that the same author wrote Luke and Acts. Both are addressed to Theophilus. Both have similar language, style, and theology. In Acts, the author used “we” in several places leading us to believe the author was actually with Paul during those periods. When we compare the letters Paul wrote on those journeys it seems most likely that Luke is the author.
just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,
Luke acknowledges that he was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, but he received the message from eyewitnesses, of whom he had followed the story closely (v.3). Luke was quite detailed in his approach to the story. 30% of his gospel contains content that is exclusively found in Luke.
Luke acknowledges that he was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, but he received the message from eyewitnesses (v.2). The only thing we know of Luke’s background come from:
The only thing we know of Luke’s background comes from:
Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.
If this is indeed the same person, then it is easy to see why the literary style is of such high quality. He was clearly someone who was well educated, and probably classically trained. He often provides historical details in order to bolster his argument.
R.C. Sproul points out:
A Walk with God: Luke Characteristics of His Gospel
It was common for late nineteenth century scholars to be sceptical about the trustworthiness of Luke and Acts. Luke was criticised as an historian. His accuracy on details of first century culture was questioned. However, the critics and sceptics have been embarrassed, as Luke’s credibility has been successively vindicated. It seems that whenever archaeologists uncover a new Palestinian artefact, Luke’s historical accuracy is upheld. One scholarly non-Christian rabbi thought Luke was the finest historian in the ancient world.
It is tremendously helpful to lay out all of the evidence we have of the historical Jesus. We have eyewitness testimony, enough to convince an impartial jury that Jesus was a real historical figure.
But Luke was more than a good historian, he had pastoral instincts as well. He presents events in such a way that connects them to their underlying theological point.
According to tradition, Luke came from Antioch in Syria, and Luke-Acts certainly demonstrates an interest in the evangelization of Gentiles in that city (Acts 11:19–30) and its role in the Gentile mission beyond Palestine (13:1–3; 14:26–15:4). The author is keenly interested in the conversion of Gentiles, both “God-fearers” associated with synagogues and full pagans, and he himself may be the only New Testament author to have come from a Gentile background.
It is tremendously helpful to lay out all of the evidence we have of the historical Jesus. We have eyewitness testimony, enough to convince an impartial jury that Jesus was a real historical figure.
But thankfully, Luke was more than a good historian, he had pastoral instincts as well. He presents events in such a way that connects them to their underlying theological point.
In The Case for Faith, Lee Strobel had the opportunity to interview Templeton, just a few years before his death. Strobel asked:
In The Case for Faith, Lee Strobel had the opportunity to interview Charles Templeton. Templeton was a friend of Billy Graham’s and fellow evangelist until he began questioning his faith before entering Princeton Seminary in 1948.
“And how do you assess this Jesus?” It seemed like the next logical question—but I wasn’t ready for the response it would evoke.
Templeton’s body language softened. It was as if he suddenly felt relaxed and comfortable in talking about an old and dear friend. His voice, which at times had displayed such a sharp and insistent edge, now took on a melancholy and reflective tone. His guard seemingly down, he spoke in an unhurried pace, almost nostalgically, carefully choosing his words as he talked about Jesus.
“He was,” Templeton began, “the greatest human being who has ever lived. He was a moral genius. His ethical sense was unique. He was the intrinsically wisest person that I’ve ever encountered in my life or in my readings. His commitment was total and led to his own death, much to the detriment of the world. What could one say about him except that this was a form of greatness?”
I was taken aback. “You sound like you really care about him,” I said.
“Well, yes, he is the most important thing in my life,” came his reply. “I . . . I . . . I . . . ,” he stuttered, searching for the right word, ‘I know it may sound strange, but I have to say . . . I adore him!” . . .
” . . . Everything good I know, everything decent I know, everything pure I know, I learned from Jesus. Yes . . . yes. And tough! Just look at Jesus. He castigated people. He was angry. People don’t think of him that way, but they don’t read the Bible. He had a righteous anger. He cared for the oppressed and exploited. There’s no question that he had the highest moral standard, the least duplicity, the greatest compassion, of any human being in history. There have been many other wonderful people, but Jesus is Jesus….’
“Uh . . . but . . . no,’ he said slowly, ‘he’s the most . . .” He stopped, then started again. “In my view,” he declared, “he is the most important human being who has ever existed.”
That’s when Templeton uttered the words I never expected to hear from him. “And if I may put it this way,” he said as his voice began to crack, ‘I . . . miss . . . him!”
With that tears flooded his eyes. He turned his head and looked downward, raising his left hand to shield his face from me. His shoulders bobbed as he wept. . . .
Templeton fought to compose himself. I could tell it wasn’t like him to lose control in front of a stranger. He sighed deeply and wiped away a tear. After a few more awkward moments, he waved his hand dismissively. Finally, quietly but adamantly, he insisted: “Enough of that.”
An historical Jesus is quite a powerful figure, but if we stop there we will miss the real Jesus entirely.
Thankfully, Luke was more than a good historian, he had pastoral instincts as well. He presents events in such a way that connects them to their underlying theological point.
That is worth pondering a bit. Luke gave a good amount of time to telling the story of Jesus with precision and care. He studied the testimonies. He organized them with pastoral intent.
The credibility of Luke is, therefore, quite important. His commitment to sharing his message would have been discredited were he found to be fabricating the testimony or historically inaccurate. Likewise, the way he lived before others either supported or hindered his witness.
Has the story concerning our Lord, Jesus Christ, so captured your mind and affections?
If we purely read this account as another history book, we will miss Jesus.
It is a reminder to those of us committed to sharing this story with others. They are watching the way that we live our lives to determine whether this gospel message has really changed us.
They may see us going to church, and that’s a significant witness in a culture that has largely given up on religion, but is that the extent of our testimony? Do they see our love for one another? Do they see our love for them? Do our lives support or discredit our testimony?
In Luke’s case, his credibility caused people to value his message.
2. The Recipients (3)
2. The Recipients (3)
it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
Some have suggested the name Theophilus is symbolic. Theos means God and philaeo means love. Theophilus literally means “a lover of God”. However, Luke gives the title “most excellent” which would have been reserved for those of high social rank, such as Roman officials.
Some have suggested the name Theophilus is symbolic. Theos means God and philaeo means love. Theophilus literally means “a lover of God”.
It’s possible Theophilus was a Gentile God-fearer who had recently come to Christ. We know less about Theophilus than we do about Luke, but we should also recognize that Luke had a broader audience in mind as well. It was common practice to dedicate a work to an individual. And oftentimes that individual was the person who funded the work.
Luke was a Gentile (the only one who was an author in the NT), writing to a Gentile, and that explains the clear emphasis upon the expansion of the gospel to Gentiles in Luke/Acts.
Luke gives Theophilus the title “Most Excellent” which would have been reserved for those of high social rank, such as Roman officials.
We also learn that he had been “taught” the things that Luke will write about. “Taught” = “κατηχέω” from which we derive the term “catechism”. Theophilus was properly catechized about the Christian faith.
“Taught” = “κατηχέω” from which we derive the term “catechism”. Theophilus grew up in a home where he was properly catechized about the Christian faith.
Several factors make it likely that Luke was written sometime between A.D. 60-70, with an earlier date preferred. Luke records none of the following: The destruction of the temple, Paul’s letters, and Paul’s death in Rome.
Luke for Everyone Prologue (Luke 1:1–4)
The Jews rebelled against the occupying Roman forces in 66, until finally, after a long siege, Jerusalem was destroyed in 70. The result was that many towns and villages where Jesus had been seen and known were decimated. Not only was the older generation dying out, but communities that had witnessed Jesus’ activities were being dispersed or destroyed. The stories, which depended for transmission on a peaceful, stable society, were in danger of dying out. Unless steps were taken to write them down, the message would not be passed on to the next generation. And since Luke, like all the early Christians, believed that the things that had actually happened—what we would call the historical facts—had changed the course of the world, it was vital that they be presented as clearly and unambiguously as possible.
This story was recorded so that we might be apart of it too. Luke wrote with recipients in mind who struggled to believe the details as much as anyone today.
Illustration - Move me!
This story was recorded so that we might be apart of it too. Luke wrote with recipients in mind who struggled to believe the details as much as anyone today.
My prayer is that we too would be encouraged in our faith. That our study of this gospel message will calm our fears and settle our doubts, so that we might respond in faith and obedience.
Implication - Show me!Transition
Now that we’ve considered something of the author and the recipients, let us turn to…
3. The Purpose (4)
3. The Purpose (4)
that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Luke wanted to provide an accurate account of Jesus’ ministry so that Theophilus would “have certainty”.
“Taught” = “κατηχέω” from which we derive the term “catechism”. Theophilus grew up in a home where he was properly catechized about the Christian faith.
Luke wants to provide an accurate account of Jesus’ ministry so that Theophilus will “have certainty”.
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,
We might say that Luke reports “redemption accomplished” whereas Acts reports “redemption applied”. In Luke, we see the person and work of Christ, primarily as it pertains to the salvation he accomplished in his life, death, and resurrection.
“Accomplished” could also be translated “fulfilled”. Luke wants to provide a detailed and full account of what Jesus did in order to prove he was the Messiah.
We might say that Luke reports “redemption accomplished” whereas Acts reports “redemption applied”. In Luke, we see the person and work of Christ, primarily as it pertains to the salvation he accomplished in his life, death, and resurrection. It is a salvation that is both physical and spiritual.
As our Summer Study in Tim Chester’s book A Meal With Jesus showed, Luke provides so many examples of Jesus sharing meals with others, that one commentator mentioned that Jesus is either leaving a meal, at a meal, or going to a meal.
Luke also frequently points out the needs of those whom society had rejected. The literal poor are an analogy of the spiritually poor. Those who are humbled by their circumstances are an example of those who should be humbled by their sin.
As in the sequel, Acts, Luke speaks often of the work and presence of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, we also see an emphasis upon prayer, that is unmatched by the other gospel accounts. Seven out of nine of Jesus’ recorded prayers are only found in Luke.
We also see an emphasis upon prayer.
The details Luke shares in this story are not what we would make up for a fictional hero. Darrell Bock notes:
The NIV Application Commentary: Luke Contemporary Significance
After all, who on his or her own would create a Savior who makes us all responsible for our sin and then chooses to pay the penalty for that sin by offering himself? Who would design a regal Messiah who is born in a stable and never wears a crown or sits in a palace? Who would make a hero out of a figure who was rejected by his own? This history cannot be concocted fiction. It is grounded in real events of an extraordinary figure with an extraordinary story. The unusual nature of the story is a testimony to its authenticity.
Illustration - Move me!
Illustration - Move me!
How can I know for sure?
If that’s the question you’re asking, I hope you will pay careful attention to the message Luke so diligently prepared for us.
Implication - Show me!Transition
In summary…
Transition
Conclusion
Conclusion
Luke wrote about the story of the gospel as a credible recorder of eyewitness testimony. The gospel should enable us to live with integrity so as to support the message we proclaim.
Luke wrote about the story of the gospel as a credible and humble recorder of eyewitness testimony. The gospel should humble all of us and enable us to live with integrity so as to support the message we proclaim.
Theophilus and the intended audience were likely new converts to Christianity from a pagan background. Luke’s care in passing the truth on to them is compelling and exemplary.
His purpose of writing a detailed and orderly account was to increase the assurance of these new disciples. As we mature in the faith, we too are called to this. It is what the Great Commission calls us to do. We are not simply called to proclaim the gospel, but to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded.
This is the gospel about Jesus. Over the next few years we will trace the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. There is not a more important message to hear. As Jesus reveals himself to us by his word, let us draw near to him with every expectation that he will make us into mature disciple-making disciples.
A Walk with God: Luke Characteristics of His Gospel
Luke emphasises the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry more sharply than the other gospels. His book is historical; about real people, places and predicaments, but it is also supernatural. Luke reveals the reality of the Spirit’s power and presence as he is poured upon Jesus. He traces the Spirit of Christ in his public ministry: from his baptism to the cross; from his transfiguration to his resurrection; to the glorious portrait of Christ ascending into heaven.
End with a charge.
Benediction
Benediction
May your prayers be counted as incense; the lifting up of your praise as the evening offering. Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father.