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Introduction to Luke

Luke presents perhaps the most detailed, historical and chronological account of all the Gospels (cf. Luke 1:1-4). He is not one of the original Twelve apostles, but he was a companion of Paul and a physician. He is the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. They are both written to a "Theophilus," whose precise identity and office are unknown; the address “most excellent” may indicate status, and Luke seeks to confirm the instruction he has received. They were likely written about the same time, perhaps during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome, where the Book of Acts ends. And tradition places the writing of this book in Rome itself. Some have suggested that one of the purposes of Luke-Acts was as a trial-brief for Paul's upcoming court hearing.

Luke presents not merely a history of the life of Christ. He also presents an apologetic ("defense") of the Christian Gospel. His audience, unlike Matthew to the Jews, was primarily Gentile, even Roman. Thus, Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man whose saving mission reaches Jews and Gentiles; the narrative includes both rejection and faithful response among Israel. In this presentation, Jesus is seen as a universal Savior. This theme dovetails nicely with the purpose and theme of Acts, for in Acts Luke is especially concerned with Paul, the missionary to the Gentiles.

For those of you that would like to read a longer, more thorough introduction to Luke, here is one from a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary: http://bible.org/seriespage/luke-introduction-outline-and-argument

Further study: historical, literary, and theological context

A careful account with a stated purpose. Luke’s opening explains his use of earlier accounts and eyewitness testimony and his purpose of giving Theophilus confidence concerning what he has been taught (Luke 1:1–4). Constable discusses the traditional identification of the writer with Paul’s physician companion and the close relationship with Acts. The Greek kathexes concerns an orderly presentation; it does not require every episode to be arranged in strict chronology. Theophilus’s exact identity remains unknown. An apologetic purpose is evident in the assurance Luke seeks, while the proposal that the work served as a formal trial brief remains an interpretation.

Israel’s hope and salvation for the nations. The infancy narratives are deeply rooted in Israel’s worship and promises, yet announce a salvation extending to the nations (Luke 1–2). Constable’s presentation of Luke’s purpose helps retain both dimensions. Simeon speaks of light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel (Luke 2:29–32). Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth is then narrated alongside His continued ministry among Jews and His teaching about God’s mercy beyond Israel (Luke 4:16–30). The universal horizon does not require depicting Israel as uniformly rejecting Him; the Gospel includes faithful Jewish responses throughout.

People easily overlooked receive attention. Insight for Living emphasizes Jesus as the Savior who seeks the lost, a theme stated in the account of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10). Luke also gives notable attention to women, the poor, people labeled sinners, and those excluded by respectable society. Such attention joins compassion with calls to repentance, generosity, and changed conduct. The parables of Luke 15 expose both lostness and resentment at another person’s welcome. Read the inclusion theme without turning repentance into irrelevance or assuming that social status alone establishes a person’s faithful response to God.

Prayer, the Spirit, and the journey to Jerusalem. Jesus’ prayer and the Spirit’s activity recur at significant moments, from baptism through ministry and resurrection teaching (Luke 3:21–22; 4:1, 14; 6:12–16; 11:1–13). The lengthy travel section beginning at Luke 9:51 places discipleship under the shadow of the approaching cross. Insight for Living highlights the saving mission rather than a detached ideal of humanity. Warnings about possessions, hospitality, and readiness should therefore be read as responses to that mission. The accounts of prayer show dependence and communion, not a technique that enables human beings to control divine outcomes.

The Scriptures and the risen Christ. The final chapter presents resurrection encounters in which Jesus explains His suffering and glory through Israel’s Scriptures (Luke 24:25–27, 44–49). The message includes repentance and forgiveness proclaimed to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. This conclusion prepares directly for Acts, where the promised power and outward witness unfold. Read Luke as the first volume of that developing account: its concern for historical testimony, mercy, reversal, and universal proclamation continues in the second. The invitation is to recognize the risen Lord and receive the mission He gives, rather than merely admire a collection of memorable stories.

Additional perspectives from evangelical scholarship

Certainty serves present purpose and future hope. Peter G. Bolt relates Luke’s stated aim of assurance to the proclamation of Christ and life in the coming age. The final scene explains the suffering and resurrection through Scripture and directs the witnesses toward the nations (Luke 24:44–49). This provides a theological conclusion to the orderly account promised in Luke 1:1–4. The narrative’s order is therefore more than a claim to list events by date: selection and arrangement explain who Jesus is and why His story must be proclaimed. (TGC commentary)

The scope of salvation does not erase Israel’s story. The ESV Global Study Bible joins the inclusion of Gentiles with fulfillment of God’s earlier promises. The salvation announced for all peoples in Luke 2:30–32 carries Israel’s scriptural hope outward. Read the attention to outsiders, the poor, women, and sinners within that continuity, rather than as unrelated examples of social inclusion. The ending’s requirement of repentance and forgiveness also guards against turning broad invitation into a claim that response to Christ is unnecessary. (ESV introduction)

Sources consulted and further study: Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Luke (2026) | Insight for Living, Luke overview | Peter G. Bolt, Luke commentary (The Gospel Coalition) | ESV Global Study Bible, Introduction to Luke. The study notes synthesize these resources and the biblical passages cited in original prose. Named interpretations are distinguished where the sources differ.