Session 4: The Gospel of Luke

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why do scholars think Luke, a gentile, knew so much about the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible?

He was a scholar of ancient texts from different cultures.

He was a Jewish convert before writing the gospel.

He was born into a Jewish family before becoming a gentile.

He was a member of a group called God-fearers who were interested in Judaism and its scriptures. (correct)

What evidence from Colossians 4 has led to debate about Luke's background?

Paul calling Luke 'the beloved physician'. (correct)

Paul stating he learned everything from Luke.

Paul mentioning Luke's interest in healing miracles.

Paul alluding to Luke's travels around the world.

Why do scholars believe Luke's gospel was likely written around 80AD?

The gospel is heavily focused on Paul's teachings.

It is widely accepted that Luke utilized Mark's gospel for his writing. (correct)

Luke is known to have directly quoted Mark in his gospel.

Luke mentions specific historical events from 80AD in the text.

Why is it believed that Luke and Acts were written as a 2 volume work by the same author?

Both texts share common themes and characters. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Luke approach his storytelling?

Crafting a carefully ordered narrative (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Luke emphasize placing things in order in his gospel?

To ensure the truth and certainty of what is being told (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Luke imply about his audience in the prologue of his gospel?

That they are already aware of the story (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Luke's emphasis on storytelling in his gospel?

To draw readers in and convey certainty about the truth (B) Signup and view all the answers

What event occurs in Luke 9 that sets the stage for the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10?

The disciples pass through a Samaritan village (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might Luke have included the account of the disciples wanting to 'burn them up with fire' in Luke 9?

To highlight the disciples' lack of understanding (C) Signup and view all the answers

What technique does Luke often use in his storytelling that engages the reader's imagination?

Leaving gaps in the story for readers to fill in (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why readers often feel drawn into the stories told by Luke?

The opportunity for personal interpretation and engagement (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does Luke differentiate his storytelling technique from other Gospel writers like Matthew and Mark?

By intentionally leaving gaps in the story for reader engagement (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Luke prepare his audience for understanding the significance of Samaritans in his Gospel?

By portraying Samaritans negatively in a prior narrative (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of Luke's approach to storytelling that makes his narratives particularly engaging?

Leaving gaps in the story for readers to imagine and engage with (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason Luke's stories like the Prodigal Son are so beloved by readers?

For their open-endedness that encourages personal reflection (D) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Luke's sparse provision of details in his narratives have on readers?

'Our imaginations fill in the details.' (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Paula Gooder believe the Gospel of Luke didn't finish with the death of Paul?

To highlight that Paul wasn't Jesus (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might Luke appear to imitate the Old Testament?

To draw attention to Old Testament texts within the New Testament narrative (D) Signup and view all the answers

What historical book does Luke's Gospel possibly follow, according to the text?

1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons Luke may be imitating the Old Testament in his Gospel?

To show continuity in the story of the people of God (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Luke's writing style differ from that of Mark?

Luke uses small passages as connections between chunks, unlike Mark. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What might be a reason why Luke uses passages as 'glue' between chunks in his Gospel?

To connect different stages in Jesus' life seamlessly (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might Luke's imitation of Old Testament themes be considered radical?

Because it merges Jewish history with Gentile audiences (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Paula Gooder suggest about Luke's Gospel not being a New Testament book at its time of writing?

It was meant to be part of a series of historical books. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What might be an important aspect of Mary's song ('the Magnificat') from Luke's Gospel?

Its resemblance to Hannah's song in 1 Samuel (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reading Luke

Luke emphasizes little details to reveal important themes in his Gospel.
Luke's Gospel is characterized by striking narratives, and his storytelling technique is masterful.
Luke may have written to a Gentile audience unfamiliar with Jewish geography and customs.

The Good Samaritan

The story of the Good Samaritan is set up in Luke 9:52, where Jesus' face is set to go to Jerusalem.
In Luke 9, Jesus and his disciples are rejected by a Samaritan village, and Jesus prevents the disciples from retaliating with fire.
This narrative primes the reader to view the Samaritan in the parable of the Good Samaritan as an unlikely hero.

Luke's Storytelling

Luke is a masterful storyteller who provides sparse details, allowing the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps.
This technique draws the reader into the story and makes it more relatable.
Luke's stories are often sparse on details, leaving room for the reader's imagination.

Authorship and Date of Writing

Luke is thought to be a Gentile, but the Gospel is rich in Old Testament references.
Luke may have been a God-fearer or traveled with Paul, learning from him.
The Gospel is dated around 80 AD, as it is believed to have been written after Mark's Gospel.

Acts

Acts is considered a 2-volume work with Luke's Gospel, written by the same author.
Acts does not end with the death of Paul, implying that the message of Jesus continues.
Luke's emphasis on ordering events carefully is seen in Luke 1:1-4, where he states his purpose is to provide certainty about the truth.

Imitating the Old Testament

Luke's Gospel imitates the Old Testament style, possibly to imply that Jesus' story is a continuation of the people of God's history.
Examples include Mary's song in Luke 1, which resembles Hannah's song in 1 Samuel.
This imitation may be intentional, as Luke could be writing another Old Testament book.

Literary Structure

Luke's Gospel is written in chunks, with short passages acting as "glue" between larger sections.
These passages, such as Luke 1:80, provide context and connect the narrative threads.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Revise your learning from the Paula Gooder video.