Luke

Luke was written by Luke the physician, a Gentile companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14). He is the only non-Jewish author in the New Testament. Luke states he 'carefully investigated everything from the beginning' (1:3), interviewing eyewitnesses to compile an orderly account. The Gospel was likely written around 60-80 AD and is dedicated to 'Theophilus.'

Luke contains 24 chapters — the longest of the four Gospels. It includes the most extensive account of Jesus' birth (chapters 1-2), a large 'travel narrative' of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem (chapters 9-19), and unique parables not found in other Gospels.

The main theme of Luke is Jesus as the Savior of all people. Luke emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the marginalized — the poor, women, Samaritans, Gentiles, and sinners. The phrase 'Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost' (19:10) encapsulates Luke's portrait of Jesus as the universal Savior who breaks social barriers.

Key events include: the annunciation and the Magnificat (chapter 1), Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and the shepherds (chapter 2), Jesus' rejection at Nazareth (chapter 4), the calling of the disciples (chapter 5), the Sermon on the Plain (chapter 6), the parables of the Good Samaritan (chapter 10) and the Prodigal Son (chapter 15), the journey to Jerusalem (chapters 9-19), the crucifixion (chapter 23), and the road to Emmaus (chapter 24).

Luke, along with its sequel Acts, comprises over one-quarter of the New Testament. Luke's unique parables — the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus — are among the most beloved stories in literature. His careful historical methodology provides confidence in the reliability of the Gospel accounts. Luke's emphasis on the Holy Spirit anticipates Acts and the church's empowerment.