the gospel quartet: the gentile counterpoint the gospel according to luke

The Gospel Quartet:The Gospel Quartet:The Gentile CounterpointThe Gentile Counterpoint

The Gospel according to LukeThe Gospel according to Luke

RememberingRemembering

Gospel of MarkGospel of Mark::Portrait of Jesus—Portrait of Jesus—The Son of God who The Son of God who arrives with great arrives with great authority to authority to overcome all other overcome all other powers that powers that demean, demean, demoralize, demoralize, demonize, demonize, dehumanize, dehumanize, diminishdiminish

RememberingRemembering

Gospel of MatthewGospel of Matthew::

Portrait of Jesus—The Portrait of Jesus—The Messiah King who Messiah King who fulfills Old Testament fulfills Old Testament prophecy, relives the prophecy, relives the life of Israel, teaches life of Israel, teaches the life of discipleship, the life of discipleship, and rises to rule over and rises to rule over all nationsall nations

Why Another Gospel?Why Another Gospel?

Provide a fuller picture of who Jesus Provide a fuller picture of who Jesus was and what he did:was and what he did:• Luke says he collected more first-hand Luke says he collected more first-hand

reports about the life of Jesusreports about the life of Jesus Expand on the amount of teachings Expand on the amount of teachings

from Jesus available:from Jesus available:• Especially Jesus’ parablesEspecially Jesus’ parables

Address the needs of Gentile Address the needs of Gentile ChristiansChristians

What Do We Know about the What Do We Know about the Author?Author?

What do we find in the gospel itself?What do we find in the gospel itself?• Author is certainly well-educated:Author is certainly well-educated:

He uses excellent GreekHe uses excellent Greek He knows history and current eventsHe knows history and current events He is aware of geography and distancesHe is aware of geography and distances He understands social customsHe understands social customs

• Author is certainly analytic:Author is certainly analytic: He does investigative researchHe does investigative research

• Author is certainly caring:Author is certainly caring: He shows special interest in the sick and He shows special interest in the sick and

socially marginalizedsocially marginalized

What Do We Know about the What Do We Know about the Author?Author?

What other evidence is there?What other evidence is there?• We need to look at both Luke and Acts:We need to look at both Luke and Acts:

Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-2 show same Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-2 show same authorshipauthorship

• Acts 16:6-12 is very interesting:Acts 16:6-12 is very interesting:

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.the gospel to them. From Troas we put out to sea and From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.And we stayed there several days.

Acts 16:6-12Acts 16:6-12

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When theythey came to the border of Mysia, came to the border of Mysia, theythey tried to enter Bithynia, tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow themthem to. So to. So theythey passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, Paul had seen the vision, wewe got ready at once to leave for got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called Macedonia, concluding that God had called usus to preach to preach the gospel to them.the gospel to them. From Troas From Troas wewe put out to sea and put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there Neapolis. From there wewe traveled to Philippi, a Roman traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And And wewe stayed there several days. stayed there several days.

Acts 16:6-12Acts 16:6-12

What Do We Know about Luke?What Do We Know about Luke?

What other evidence is there?What other evidence is there?• Elsewhere in the New Testament:Elsewhere in the New Testament:

Colossians 4:14—”Our dear friend Luke, the Colossians 4:14—”Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.”doctor, and Demas send greetings.”

Philemon 24-25—”Epaphras, my fellow Philemon 24-25—”Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.” Luke, my fellow workers.”


What other evidence is there?What other evidence is there?• Other New Testament allusions?Other New Testament allusions?

2 Corinthians 8:18—And we are sending 2 Corinthians 8:18—And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.all the churches for his service to the gospel.


What other hints did the early church What other hints did the early church give?give?• Luke was a painter as well as a Luke was a painter as well as a

physicianphysician• Physicians often began as slaves who Physicians often began as slaves who

were apprenticed to doctors and in that were apprenticed to doctors and in that way learned the healing arts until they way learned the healing arts until they could buy they freedom and set up a could buy they freedom and set up a practicepractice

What Do We Know about Luke?What Do We Know about Luke?A Summary:A Summary:

Started life as a slave?Started life as a slave?• understands the plight of the oppressed understands the plight of the oppressed

and marginalizedand marginalized Doctor practicing in Troas?Doctor practicing in Troas?

• Paul may have needed medical carePaul may have needed medical care Careful researcherCareful researcher Participant in Christian mission with Participant in Christian mission with

PaulPaul Painter?Painter?

What Do We Know about What Do We Know about Luke’s Gospel?Luke’s Gospel?

Obviously built upon Mark’s Gospel:Obviously built upon Mark’s Gospel:• Same basic outline (hence “Synoptic”)Same basic outline (hence “Synoptic”)• Uses 55% of Mark’s material in three sections:Uses 55% of Mark’s material in three sections:

3:1-6:1 (John the Baptist, temptations, call of 3:1-6:1 (John the Baptist, temptations, call of disciples)disciples)

8:4-9:50 (teachings, healings, sending disciples out)8:4-9:50 (teachings, healings, sending disciples out) 18:15-24:11 (teaching, Jerusalem entry, passion)18:15-24:11 (teaching, Jerusalem entry, passion)

• Two sections of Mark’s gospel not used:Two sections of Mark’s gospel not used: ““Big Omission” – Mark 6:45-8:26 (teachings and Big Omission” – Mark 6:45-8:26 (teachings and

healings)healings) ““Little Omission” – Mark 9:41-10:12 (teaching on Little Omission” – Mark 9:41-10:12 (teaching on

causing others to sin, and on divorce)causing others to sin, and on divorce)


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Specific Audience Identified:Specific Audience Identified:

““Theophilus” (“Friend of God”)Theophilus” (“Friend of God”)• Evidently a recent Gentile convertEvidently a recent Gentile convert• Actual name or pseudonym?Actual name or pseudonym?• ““most excellent” may infer Roman official statusmost excellent” may infer Roman official status


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Adds birth stories (1-2)Adds birth stories (1-2)

Focus on preparation for Jesus’ comingFocus on preparation for Jesus’ coming Emphasis on miraculous birthEmphasis on miraculous birth Clear testimonies of reversal of fortunesClear testimonies of reversal of fortunes


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Makes clear historical connections:Makes clear historical connections:

Birth during reign of Caesar Augustus (2:1-2) Birth during reign of Caesar Augustus (2:1-2) NOTE: PAX ROMANA! NOTE: PAX ROMANA!

Ministry beginnings during reign of Tiberius Ministry beginnings during reign of Tiberius Caesar (3:1-2) Caesar (3:1-2)


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Journey motif: “set his face toward Journey motif: “set his face toward

Jerusalem”Jerusalem” Nine times in 9:51-19:44Nine times in 9:51-19:44 Similar to Luke’s report in Acts that Paul Similar to Luke’s report in Acts that Paul

“had to go to Jerusalem”“had to go to Jerusalem”


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Emphasis on:Emphasis on:

Worship (gospel begins & ends in Temple)Worship (gospel begins & ends in Temple) Song (Mary, Zechariah, Angels, Simeon)Song (Mary, Zechariah, Angels, Simeon) Prayer (especially 11:1-13)Prayer (especially 11:1-13)


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Special care for:Special care for:

The poor (Mary’s song, Mary & Joseph, The poor (Mary’s song, Mary & Joseph, blessings & woes, poor Lazarus)blessings & woes, poor Lazarus)

The sick (demon-possessed, lepers, paralyzed)The sick (demon-possessed, lepers, paralyzed) The marginalized (shepherds, children, tax The marginalized (shepherds, children, tax

collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, blind)collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, blind) Women (Mary, Elizabeth, widows, bleeding Women (Mary, Elizabeth, widows, bleeding

woman, Mary & Martha, crippled woman)woman, Mary & Martha, crippled woman)


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:• Great Stories & Parables:Great Stories & Parables:

Two Miraculous births (1-2)Two Miraculous births (1-2) Jesus in the Temple (3)Jesus in the Temple (3) Jesus’ “Homecoming” (4)Jesus’ “Homecoming” (4) The Good Samaritan (10)The Good Samaritan (10) The Rich Fool (12)The Rich Fool (12) The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son (15)The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son (15) The Clever Steward (16)The Clever Steward (16) The Rich Man and Lazarus (16)The Rich Man and Lazarus (16) The Ten Lepers (17)The Ten Lepers (17) The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18)The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18) Zaccheus (19)Zaccheus (19)


Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s Major Unique Elements not in Mark’s gospel:gospel:• Better Conclusion (24):Better Conclusion (24):

Jesus walks with the two on the road to Jesus walks with the two on the road to Emmaus (known today in Holy Communion)Emmaus (known today in Holy Communion)

Jesus meets all the disciples and blesses Jesus meets all the disciples and blesses themthem

The disciples return to the Temple to The disciples return to the Temple to worshipworship

How Do We Meet Jesus in How Do We Meet Jesus in Luke’s Gospel?Luke’s Gospel?

First Glimpse of Jesus: (2)First Glimpse of Jesus: (2)• Heaven-heralded SaviorHeaven-heralded Savior• Born to the poor, announced to the poorBorn to the poor, announced to the poor

First Impressions of Jesus: (3-4)First Impressions of Jesus: (3-4)• Pedigree—genealogy to AdamPedigree—genealogy to Adam• Unusually brilliant teacherUnusually brilliant teacher• Unusually gifted healerUnusually gifted healer

How Does the Story Unfold?How Does the Story Unfold?

Like Mark & Matthew (“Synoptic”):Like Mark & Matthew (“Synoptic”):• 2-9 Jesus heals as evidence of the 2-9 Jesus heals as evidence of the

Kingdom of GodKingdom of God 9 Transitional Event – the Transfiguration9 Transitional Event – the Transfiguration

• 9-19 Jesus teaches the meaning of 9-19 Jesus teaches the meaning of discipleshipdiscipleship

19 Transitional Event – entry into Jerusalem19 Transitional Event – entry into Jerusalem

• 20-24 Jesus teaches through self-20-24 Jesus teaches through self-sacrifice; heals even deathsacrifice; heals even death

How Does the Story Unfold?How Does the Story Unfold?

Luke’s additional emphasis:Luke’s additional emphasis:• 2-9 Northern Ministry of Healing2-9 Northern Ministry of Healing

9:51-62 Transitional Event – the road to 9:51-62 Transitional Event – the road to Jerusalem and the crossJerusalem and the cross

• 10-19 Journey Ministry of Teaching10-19 Journey Ministry of Teaching 19 Transitional Event – entry into Jerusalem19 Transitional Event – entry into Jerusalem

• 20-24 Teaching & Healing come 20-24 Teaching & Healing come together in Jesus’ own experiencetogether in Jesus’ own experience

Luke’s Unique Insight:Luke’s Unique Insight:

Entry into Jerusalem (19):Entry into Jerusalem (19):• For Mark—Jesus has no place, curses fig For Mark—Jesus has no place, curses fig

treetree• For Matthew—Jesus is the glory of God For Matthew—Jesus is the glory of God

returning to the Templereturning to the Temple• For Luke—Jesus is the humble King who For Luke—Jesus is the humble King who

enters his capital city after the enters his capital city after the successful northern campaignssuccessful northern campaigns

Luke’s Unique InsightLuke’s Unique Insight

Strong Missionary Emphasis:Strong Missionary Emphasis:• The shepherds’ mission testimony (2)The shepherds’ mission testimony (2)• Levi’s neighborhood mission party (5)Levi’s neighborhood mission party (5)• ““Disciples” called to be “Apostles” (6)Disciples” called to be “Apostles” (6)• The Twelve sent out as missionaries (9)The Twelve sent out as missionaries (9)• The 72 sent out as missionaries (10)The 72 sent out as missionaries (10)• Pharisees chided for not having mission Pharisees chided for not having mission

hearts (15)hearts (15)• Witness to all nations before return of Witness to all nations before return of

Jesus (21)Jesus (21)

Luke’s Unique Insight:Luke’s Unique Insight:Jesus to be found today in the churchJesus to be found today in the church

the gospel quartet: the gentile counterpoint the gospel according to luke

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