Gospel of Luke Study – Chapter 1
The Reverend Jeffrey G. Bohan, Senior Pastor
St. Luke Lutheran Church – Bloomsburg, PA
1:1-4 – The Prologue (Introduction) – This is what tells us the purpose for this writing, and gives us some background on the author, what his reasons are, etc. Scholars call this one of the most literarily stylized sentences of the New Testament, rivaled only by John 1. This prologue is sophisticated in its day, and would appeal to a “secular” audience that is used to the conventional historical writing of the day.
1. Luke is concerned about the “events that have been fulfilled among us,” this is the subject matter.
2. We realize that there are multiple accounts of the things this book is going to be about, and the author knows of them, has researched them, and is using them in creating this “orderly account.”
3. These writers (including Luke) are dependent upon those who were “eyewitnesses.” This is key to any history of the day; to be thought to be accurate it had to come from “eyewitnesses.” This shows the connection that Luke is making from Jesus, to eyewitnesses, to Luke’s writing. Thus the tradition of the Christian Church from Jesus to eyewitnesses to gospel to disciples down through the ages is intact. We will see this same type of connection made in the geneology of Jesus (chapter 3).
4. This writing is for Theophilus in order that he may know the truth about the things he has already been instructed about. Is this a putting into writing the exact things that were taught to Theophilus? Is this an orderly account to correct some things Theophilus has been taught?? Not sure, but it is clear that Theophilus is a benefactor of some sort, higher class (ie. Most excellent), and deserving of instruction by the author, and needing to have the “truth” written down in an orderly form.
The next two stories are really to be compared together to notice the similarities, but then to realize the very apparent differences between them. John & Jesus are both very very important figures, but it is obvious when these stories are compared what place each has in the story being told.
1:5-25 – The Annunciation (announcing) of the Birth of John the Baptist
This story starts with an upstanding priestly couple, Zechariah (priestly order of Abijah), and Elizabeth (descendent of Aaron, Moses’ brother and right hand man!!), and we hear some pretty incredible things about them: They are righteous before God, living blamelessly, keeping the commandments (not many can say this!!) Sadly no children, Elizabeth was barren. This is the biblical clue for WAKE UP GOD IS GOING TO DO SOMETHING HERE!!!!! Remember Abraham & Sarah from Old Testament, Luke actually takes some quotes from there. Zechariah and Elizabeth are the Abraham & Sarah of this story; an old childless couple. These two have every sign of ones who are faithful, obedient, and ready for God to appear at any moment. Are they??
As a priest Zechariah is to take care of the temple, and every once in a while one is chosen to go into the sanctuary of the Lord (where God dwells) to offer incense, etc. Zechariah gets the opportunity (marked by God) this time. The priests who cast lots were the ones who had never had the opportunity before, and so since Zechariah is quite old, he has been waiting his whole life to enter this part of the temple. He had never been in there before! Now, remember, this is the place where God dwells!! A priest should expect to see God!! Yet, when Zechariah sees the angel Gabriel he is terrified (which is always the normal reaction to an angel), though maybe as a priest he should have at least expected it (compare with Mary later). Every time an angel appears the first words are always, “Don’t be afraid!!” They expect to be an intrusion into what we would normally expect.
Gabriel then launches into his story. Their prayer is answered by God, they will have a son, and continues with everything about this son. Parenting instructions: You will name him John; You will rejoice; He will be great; Parenting instructions: No strong drink; He will be filled with the Holy Spirit (important for Luke throughout Gospel, watch for more from the HS); he will turn many back to God; he will be like Elijah; he will turn the disobedient into righteous; for the purpose of preparing the way! John is going to enter into the illustrious history of the prophets who were chosen very young: Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, David.
Zechariah’s question is Abraham’s question from the OT actually quoted by Luke, however, Zechariah should know the story pretty well!! Gabriel’s proof is who he is, and that he stands in God’s presence, and is bringing God’s word!!! Because Zechariah didn’t believe he will be mute, unable to speak. When Zechariah finally comes out he can’t speak, and the crowd knows he has seen a vision. He is gesturing wildly because he can’t speak!! After Zechariah’s service he returns home, and they conceive a child. Elizabeth’s seclusion allows for Mary not knowing about this until the angel appears to Mary in the next scene.
1:26-38 – The Annunciation (announcing) of the Birth of Jesus
Contrast this meeting by the angel Gabriel with the previous one. The angel comes to an unknown woman, of no status, not a priest. There is no OT biblical equivalent to a young unmarried woman receiving the joyous news that she is going to have a baby. Mary is engaged to Joseph who is from the house of David. At age 12 a woman’s vow was considered valid, but an age is not given, so we can surmise that she is at least 12, possibly a little older. This meeting doesn’t happen in a special religious place (like the temple), but in a small remote village, Nazareth. We aren’t given any information about Mary’s family yet, and so Luke seems to be portraying her as an unknown to us. She is meant to be a surprise, biblically, for us. God is doing something new. The obstacle that God needed to overcome in John’s birth is that Zechariah & Elizabeth are old, which is a traditional OT birth miracle. The obstacle in Jesus’ conception & birth is that Mary is not married, this is an even great miracle birth by a virgin!!
Gabriel greets Mary in a very special way! Though Mary isn’t “terrified” like Zechariah, only “perplexed.” But then as Mary is perplexed we hear the traditional angelic words, “Do not be afraid!”
Both John & Jesus will be great, but Jesus will also be “Son of the Most High.” Jesus will be given the throne of David, and he will rule forever. Here is the ultimate in Kingship!! However, in Luke the traditional king is not what Jesus is, in fact, Jesus never calls himself a King, rather others accuse him of being a king, and for this he is executed. Throughout Gabriel’s speech he is emphasizing God’s action, this is what God is doing. God has chosen Mary for this special purpose. The angel doesn’t seem to mind Mary’s question, though it seems similar to Zechariah’s. It is possible that Zechariah was looking for some proof, while Mary is just wondering how it is going to happen. The angel then describes the incredible process, certainly very unusual (different from Zechariah & Elizabeth, another reason why Mary’s question makes more sense. The explanation is the Holy Spirit, “will come upon you.” This will come up again in the book of Acts as the Holy Spirit rests on the believers. And the Holy Spirit will “overshadow” Mary. This kind of overshadowing is similar to the description of God’s presence in the tent in Exodus 40:35 “Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” This child will by Holy!
For proof the angel tells Mary of Elizabeth’s conception of a child, and she is well enough along for Mary to be able to see for herself. We now learn that Mary & Elizabeth are relatives. “Nothing will be impossible with God!!” Important statement here, as it continues the focus not on Mary, or Elizabeth, or Zechariah, but the focus is on what God is doing here!! Finally, the scene ends with Mary’s faithful pronouncement that she will be God’s pawn, and God can move her around as He sees fit. She is linked to the OT Hannah in her willing obedience (1 Sam 1:18).
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Introduction to Study of the Gospel of Luke
Gospel of Luke Study - Introduction
The Reverend Jeffrey G. Bohan, Senior Pastor - St. Luke Lutheran Church – Bloomsburg, PA
Anonymous author
The Gospel of Luke was written by an author who never tells us his name within the gospel writing itself. The name of Luke was attached to this gospel early on, however. We do have in the earliest manuscript of this book dated to 175-225AD to which the name the Gospel According to Luke is attached, and in several other places there is mention to such a possibility that it was Luke who wrote the book.
Luke is named in several other New Testament books:
Philemon 24 - Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,* 24and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow-workers.
Colossians 4:14 - 13For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
2 Timothy 4:11 - 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.
Luke in Tradition
Irenaeus (c130-200), bishop of Lyon, wrote about “Luke” who was Paul’s companion, and who recorded a book of the Gospel preached by him. This sounds like Luke is the scribe writing down what Paul is preaching.
Tertullian (c150-225) writes of Luke as one who has followed the apostles, thus showing that Luke follows the unbroken chain from Jesus to the apostles to the writer of the Gospel of Luke.
It is very possible from the above that Luke did indeed write this gospel, and that Luke was a companion with Paul, and possibly even Paul’s scribe. However, not much more is known about the author, and it is probably worth noting that the author wasn’t interested in being known, but rather sharing the content of the Gospel about Jesus!! Thus, just from the absence of this information we have a beginning of Luke’s theology, and a focus for his story not on himself, but rather on Jesus!!
Comparison of the Gospel of Luke to Matthew and Mark
These three gospels have been called “synoptic” gospels by scholars. Synoptic means “seeing together” and basically is talking about how similar these three Gospel stories are to each other. They seem to follow along the same general path, with only a few adjustments that are important to each one telling the story of Jesus in their own special way. In reading the Gospel of John, you will notice how different in character the writing is to these other three.
In comparing the gospels you will notice that there are some sections of each of these gospels that are strikingly similar if not exactly the same, there are sections of Luke & Matthew that are strikingly different from each other, and not at all in Mark, and you would notice that most of the Gospel of Mark is contained in both Matthew & Luke. This leads scholars to conclude that Matthew and Luke both probably used the Gospel of Mark to create their gospels, as well as a source that was common to both of them which scholars call “Q,” and that both Matthew and Luke had sources for material that are unique to their Gospel.
Luke from the Gospel Writing
- Luke is a skilled writer, and a master storyteller, and is able to weave the elements of the story into a complex story from beginning to end. He provides a structure for the entire Gospel, but also is able to provide structure for each story contained in the larger story.
- Luke has a deep knowledge of the Old Testament; and also knows the Greek world, and how to connect the two together.
- Luke was most probably in the artisan class (physicians are included here), who thus served the elite (Theophilus) to whom he is writing for.
Outline of the Gospel of Luke
Chapter 1 -2 – Prologue and Infancy Stories
Chapter 3 – 4:13 – Preparation for Jesus’ Ministry
Chapter 4:14 -9:50 – Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee
Chapter 9:51-19:27 – Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem
Chapter 19:28-21:38 – Jesus’ Ministry in Jerusalem
Chapter 22-24 – Jesus’ Death (Passion) & Resurrrection
Themes running through the Book
Kingdom of God – how this is breaking into our world; banquet; eating; healing; good news to the poor; new sense of Kingdom, not what we normally think of as a Kingdom.
Wealth & Poverty – blessings of poverty and the dangers of wealth
Prophet’s Voices – Regular people being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking words from God; these are the “good guys” in the story; connects with ACTS, and with us today as we follow Jesus God uses us as prophets speaking & doing by being filled with the Holy Spirit!
Repentance & Forgiveness = preaching the gospel/good news; disciples are required to forgive. “Repentance is Luke’s model for how ones begins discipleship.”(Vinson)
Salvation for all alike – Jesus breaks down all prejudice and eats with all who are labeled “sinners” by the religious elite.
Women – are visible in this gospel. They are very important, and play important roles.
Apostles (the 12 chosen ones), Disciples (70+ others that follow), Crowds (wishy-washy group that hangs around), & Enemies (Pharisees, Scribes, Chief Priests, Elders) – four groups that spend a lot of time around Jesus.
Identity of Jesus running through the Book
Son of God – used 6 times (Angel Gabriel, the devil 2x, demons 2x, question from “enemies”)
Prophet – one greater than the prophets. Fulfillment of the prophets.
Lord – used in various ways from the simple meaning of “sir” all the way to meaning Jesus is LORD of heaven and earth.
Messiah/Christ – “anointed one”; connects to kingship whoever is the Lord’s anointed.
Son of Man – how Jesus refers to himself most often in Luke; sometimes replaces “I”. Links Jesus’ ministry, his death, and the future judgment. What is our response to this “son of man”?
Savior - of the synoptics this appears only in Luke (2x) in the infancy narrative; but in a variety of forms links this idea of salvation in Jesus throughout the gospel.
The Reverend Jeffrey G. Bohan, Senior Pastor - St. Luke Lutheran Church – Bloomsburg, PA
Anonymous author
The Gospel of Luke was written by an author who never tells us his name within the gospel writing itself. The name of Luke was attached to this gospel early on, however. We do have in the earliest manuscript of this book dated to 175-225AD to which the name the Gospel According to Luke is attached, and in several other places there is mention to such a possibility that it was Luke who wrote the book.
Luke is named in several other New Testament books:
Philemon 24 - Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,* 24and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow-workers.
Colossians 4:14 - 13For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
2 Timothy 4:11 - 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.
Luke in Tradition
Irenaeus (c130-200), bishop of Lyon, wrote about “Luke” who was Paul’s companion, and who recorded a book of the Gospel preached by him. This sounds like Luke is the scribe writing down what Paul is preaching.
Tertullian (c150-225) writes of Luke as one who has followed the apostles, thus showing that Luke follows the unbroken chain from Jesus to the apostles to the writer of the Gospel of Luke.
It is very possible from the above that Luke did indeed write this gospel, and that Luke was a companion with Paul, and possibly even Paul’s scribe. However, not much more is known about the author, and it is probably worth noting that the author wasn’t interested in being known, but rather sharing the content of the Gospel about Jesus!! Thus, just from the absence of this information we have a beginning of Luke’s theology, and a focus for his story not on himself, but rather on Jesus!!
Comparison of the Gospel of Luke to Matthew and Mark
These three gospels have been called “synoptic” gospels by scholars. Synoptic means “seeing together” and basically is talking about how similar these three Gospel stories are to each other. They seem to follow along the same general path, with only a few adjustments that are important to each one telling the story of Jesus in their own special way. In reading the Gospel of John, you will notice how different in character the writing is to these other three.
In comparing the gospels you will notice that there are some sections of each of these gospels that are strikingly similar if not exactly the same, there are sections of Luke & Matthew that are strikingly different from each other, and not at all in Mark, and you would notice that most of the Gospel of Mark is contained in both Matthew & Luke. This leads scholars to conclude that Matthew and Luke both probably used the Gospel of Mark to create their gospels, as well as a source that was common to both of them which scholars call “Q,” and that both Matthew and Luke had sources for material that are unique to their Gospel.
Luke from the Gospel Writing
- Luke is a skilled writer, and a master storyteller, and is able to weave the elements of the story into a complex story from beginning to end. He provides a structure for the entire Gospel, but also is able to provide structure for each story contained in the larger story.
- Luke has a deep knowledge of the Old Testament; and also knows the Greek world, and how to connect the two together.
- Luke was most probably in the artisan class (physicians are included here), who thus served the elite (Theophilus) to whom he is writing for.
Outline of the Gospel of Luke
Chapter 1 -2 – Prologue and Infancy Stories
Chapter 3 – 4:13 – Preparation for Jesus’ Ministry
Chapter 4:14 -9:50 – Jesus’ Ministry in Galilee
Chapter 9:51-19:27 – Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem
Chapter 19:28-21:38 – Jesus’ Ministry in Jerusalem
Chapter 22-24 – Jesus’ Death (Passion) & Resurrrection
Themes running through the Book
Kingdom of God – how this is breaking into our world; banquet; eating; healing; good news to the poor; new sense of Kingdom, not what we normally think of as a Kingdom.
Wealth & Poverty – blessings of poverty and the dangers of wealth
Prophet’s Voices – Regular people being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking words from God; these are the “good guys” in the story; connects with ACTS, and with us today as we follow Jesus God uses us as prophets speaking & doing by being filled with the Holy Spirit!
Repentance & Forgiveness = preaching the gospel/good news; disciples are required to forgive. “Repentance is Luke’s model for how ones begins discipleship.”(Vinson)
Salvation for all alike – Jesus breaks down all prejudice and eats with all who are labeled “sinners” by the religious elite.
Women – are visible in this gospel. They are very important, and play important roles.
Apostles (the 12 chosen ones), Disciples (70+ others that follow), Crowds (wishy-washy group that hangs around), & Enemies (Pharisees, Scribes, Chief Priests, Elders) – four groups that spend a lot of time around Jesus.
Identity of Jesus running through the Book
Son of God – used 6 times (Angel Gabriel, the devil 2x, demons 2x, question from “enemies”)
Prophet – one greater than the prophets. Fulfillment of the prophets.
Lord – used in various ways from the simple meaning of “sir” all the way to meaning Jesus is LORD of heaven and earth.
Messiah/Christ – “anointed one”; connects to kingship whoever is the Lord’s anointed.
Son of Man – how Jesus refers to himself most often in Luke; sometimes replaces “I”. Links Jesus’ ministry, his death, and the future judgment. What is our response to this “son of man”?
Savior - of the synoptics this appears only in Luke (2x) in the infancy narrative; but in a variety of forms links this idea of salvation in Jesus throughout the gospel.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Upcoming Bible Study - Gospel of Luke
We will be starting a long-term Bible Study on the Gospel of Luke. We will be looking at a chapter a week starting on Wednesday Oct 28th @ 6:20pm-7:00pm, and we will have the same Bible Study each week on Thursday morning at 11:00am-12:00pm. My hope is to post the information that I will be sharing with the Bible Study at least by Wednesday sometime, and even if you cannot make the actual Bible Studies at church you can follow along at home through this blog!! This is my first time attempting a blog so we will see how it goes!!
Pr. Jeff
Pr. Jeff
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Welcome
Welcome to St. Luke's new blog! Our plan is to post information here regarding upcoming events, as well as post Bible study discussions. Visit this page often!
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