Themes and More in Luke
Getting Started – Part 2
In the previous post, I wrote about how to get started gathering background information about a book like Luke. As a Bible teacher, I have to go a little deeper than just the Study Bible introductions, so I read some introductions in longer commentaries on the book of Luke. (A commentary is written by a Bible scholar or teacher who has researched that specific book of the Bible.)
Here are a few helpful things I either gleaned from commentaries or noticed myself as I studied.
The Book of Luke Has a Sequel
The Gospel of Luke is Part 1 of a two-volume work: Luke-Acts. This is not immediately obvious since the arrangement of the Bible places the Gospel of John in between them.
Luke and Acts are the two longest books in the New Testament. The Gospel of Luke covers the period of Jesus’ presence on earth, and the book of Acts covers the disciples’ mission on earth after his ascension. You can see Luke is already thinking about the book of Acts when he wraps up his Gospel account:
...and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
You may want to read the book of Acts some time this year during your study of Luke in order to see where this whole story is heading.
The Literary Genius of the Author
Luke is a literary genius. Not only is the book well researched and reliable, it is well written. He uses many literary techniques in getting his message across.
Compare and Contrast
One of the techniques Luke uses extensively is compare and contrast. He often places two people or events side by side in order to make a point.
For example, in Luke 4 we see Jesus rejected by the people of his hometown of Nazareth followed immediately by stories of Jesus being welcomed and believed in by people in Capernaum. In the very first chapter we see both Zechariah and Mary receive a visit from the same angel, but their interactions are very different.
Consider
When you see two similar but different people, events or ideas placed near each other in Luke, ask yourself, “What is Luke trying to point out by placing these things side by side?”
Old Testament Allusions
Luke also makes use of many references and allusions to the Old Testament. You will notice this from the first chapter, and you may want to look up some of the Old Testament references to get to a deeper understanding of the text.
If your knowledge of the Old Testament is not robust, you can still access these references. We will point them out and explore them in depth in the Deeper Riches: Luke homework each week, so don’t worry about not being able to figure it out on your own.
Consider
When you encounter an Old Testament quote or reference, ask yourself, “What does this quote/reference have to do with what is happening in the story right now?”
Major Themes in the Gospel of Luke
Jesus is the Promised Messiah King
Luke will prove over and over again that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah King of the Jews. Watch for Old Testament prophecies fulfilled, and a clear demonstration that Jesus is rightful heir to the throne of King Dave. “Fulfillment” is a major theme of Luke.
The Upside-Down Kingdom of God
Luke emphasizes over and over that the new Kingdom of God which is at hand is not like the Kingdoms of the world. Those whom the world and the religious establishment consider important may have no access to this Kingdom. This Kingdom is for the poor, the humble, the outcast, the sinner, the outsider. Watch how high and mighty people respond to Jesus compared to the poor, the sick, and the sinners. And watch for how Luke sets Jesus as a contrast to the political and religious leaders of His day. “Kingdom” is a major theme of Luke.
The Major Theme is Salvation
R.T. France points out in his commentary* that “Salvation is the essential message of Luke/Acts.”
“Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
Salvation is for the Gentiles
Luke’s readers are Gentiles (non-Jews), so it should not surprise us to find one theme of Luke’s book is that Salvation through the Jewish Messiah is not only for the Jews. This was ground breaking news. Gentiles were considered “unclean” and excluded from the things of God, unless they converted to Judaism (an event often marked by baptism*). Luke is letting the Gentile believers know they are rightful heirs to the promises of the Old Testament if they are in Christ Jesus.
Jesus Will Be Rejected
Another major theme of Luke is “Rejection.” Not everyone will receive this promised King with the joy of the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2). Jesus faced rejection and increasing hostility, which eventually reached a murderous pitch. Our King was rejected by the ones He came to save.
If the King was rejected, should His followers expect different treatment? Luke was a travelling companion of Paul the Apostle. He experienced first hand the rejection that followers of Jesus have to bear. Luke’s gospel encourages us to be willing to suffer persecution and rejection as we follow the example of Christ. When Jesus passes the baton to His disciples in Luke 24, rejection will come with it, as the sequel (Acts) will demonstrate.
Conclusion
Knowing about the themes and style of the book of Luke has helped me enjoy the majesty of Luke’s incredible storytelling. I hope sharing these things will increase your enjoyment and understanding of the Gospel of Luke. The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and God has given you His Holy Spirit to teach you all things (John 14:26). He will help you understand it. Approach this book with confidence that God will show you what He wants you to see if you open up your mind and heart to Him and invest some precious time in the study of His Word.
Abraham, Elijah, and David! Oh My!… If Luke is writing to Gentiles, why so many Old Testament references?
Luke is Not a Letter. How to do Observe-Interpret-Apply with a narrative book like Luke.
Quotes from The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers.
*Commentaries Consulted:
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2016)
Darrell L. Bock, The NIV Application Commentary: Luke (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996)
R. T. France, Luke (Teach the Text Commentary Series) (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013)
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