Questions and Answers
In what respects might the younger son and the father seem 'prodigal' in the parable of the prodigal son?
The younger son is prodigal for asking for his inheritance early and squandering it, while the father is foolishly spendthrift with his love.
_______________ wrote both the Gospel bearing his name as well as the ____________________.
Luke, Acts of the Apostles
What does Luke's Gospel present about Jesus?
It presents Jesus as one who intimately knows the heart of his Father, a compassionate God who longs to save all his children.
Luke consciously and masterfully organized his writings, linking both salvation history and Jewish history.
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How does Luke organize his Gospel around the symbol of Jerusalem?
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Jesus tells his disciples that he must die in Jerusalem.
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The Gospel of Matthew ends with Jesus telling the Apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the descent of the Holy Spirit.
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The Acts of the Apostles continues to stress the importance of ______________, opening with the descent of the Holy Spirit on ________________ in the Holy City.
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From there the Gospel _______________ to the farthest reaches of the _________________ Empire.
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For Luke, Jerusalem is a _______________ of how the Christian life is a even for Christians today who will experience rejection, ______________, and death in the sharing the Gospel.
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_________________ tells us St. Luke was a ______________ Christian who may have been attracted to __________.
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Both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are addressed to ___________________ an important clue that Luke is the author of both.
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Further evidence is the similarity of their _________________, language, organization, and ___________________ elements.
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Together, these two works comprise more than a _______________ of the New Testament.
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It appears that St. Luke was a physician by trade and a steadfast friend and coworker to St. Peter.
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What evidence suggests that Luke was writing for Gentile Christian churches?
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Luke used several sources to compose his Gospel, including Q, L (sources unique to Luke), and about 60 percent of Matthew's Gospel.
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Study Notes
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
- The younger son is depicted as prodigal through his reckless request for inheritance and squandering it on indulgent living.
- The father can be seen as prodigal in his generous display of unconditional love for his son.
- The parable conveys that the return of sinners is met with great joy in heaven; God's love is boundless.
Authorship of the Gospel of Luke and Acts
- Luke, the author of both works, presents Jesus as deeply connected to the compassionate nature of God.
- The Acts of the Apostles details how the early Church spread the message of God's love after the Resurrection of Jesus.
Narrative Organization
- Luke organizes his writings effectively, linking salvation history to ordinary history.
Symbolism of Jerusalem in Luke's Gospel
- Jerusalem is central in Jesus' life—visited shortly after birth and significant to prophetic declarations.
- At twelve, Jesus emphasizes his divine purpose in the temple of Jerusalem.
- Throughout Jesus' Galilean ministry, Jerusalem's importance is continually highlighted.
- A pivotal moment occurs in Luke 9:51, where Jesus is determined to journey to Jerusalem.
Jesus' Fate and the Apostles' Mission
- Jesus explicitly states that he must die in Jerusalem, foretelling his ultimate fate.
- The Gospel of Luke concludes with instructions for the Apostles to await the Holy Spirit’s descent in Jerusalem before beginning their mission of forgiveness to all nations.
Importance of Jerusalem in Acts
- Acts emphasizes the significance of Jerusalem, beginning with the Holy Spirit's descent at Pentecost.
- The Gospel then spreads throughout the Roman Empire, underlining a journey filled with challenges for Christians, including rejection and suffering.
Evidence of St. Luke's Background
- Tradition suggests St. Luke was a Gentile Christian, potentially indicating his audience's focus.
- Both works are addressed to Theophilus, hinting at a communal tie to early Christian Gentile listeners.
- Similarities in style, structural elements, and language between the two works showcase their unity within the New Testament.
Clarifying St. Luke's Profession and Association
- St. Luke is identified as a physician and a devoted companion to St. Paul, countering any claims of association with St. Peter.
Target Audience of Luke’s Gospel
- The Gospel explicitly appeals to a Gentile audience, advocating the universality of salvation.
- Luke asserts that Gentile believers don't need to adopt Judaism, streamlining the message for non-Jews.
- Omissions of Jewish-specific names and passages underscore inclusivity of his audience.
- Jesus is emphasized as the only Lord, distinct from Roman emperors, and Gentiles are highlighted throughout.
Sources Used by St. Luke
- Luke draws from various sources, such as Q, unique sources (L), but does not rely heavily on Matthew, contrary to previous assumptions.
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Description
Explore the themes and messages in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles with these flashcards. Dive into parables such as the prodigal son, examining the characteristics of the younger son and the father, as well as the overarching lessons conveyed by Jesus.
