1. AUTHOR. — Luke, a native of Antioch, in Syria. Not a Jew in nationality. By profession he was a physician. He was with Paul in much of his missionary work, and no doubt learned from him much that he has recorded of the life of Christ.

2. DATE. — Probably about 63 A. D.

3. FOR WHOM WRITTEN. — It is addressed to Theophilus, but it is not known who this person was, and it is evident that Luke expected his Gospel to be read by Christians generally. It is thought by some that this Gospel was intended especially for Gentile Christians.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — At the time that there was needed a precise and satisfactory statement concerning the person and work of Christ as the Saviour of men, in order that Theophilus as well as other converts to Christianity might be assured of the ground of their hope.

5. LEADING TOPIC. — Those facts in the life of Christ which show that he is a Saviour who had come from God, able and willing to save all who would accept him.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that Jesus Christ had come to save men from sin, and that in doing this he must suffer death. His miracles recorded here are especially those of healing; the healing of diseases being symbolical of the healing of the soul from sin.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Part I. The Divine origin of Christ and the events preparatory to his ministry, Ch. 1-4:13.

Part II. His ministry in Galilee, Ch. 4:14 9:50.

Part III. Departure from Galilee and journey to Jerusalem, Ch. 9:51-19: 10.

Part IV. Events connected with his death, Ch. 19:11-24:23.

Part V. Appearances and Ascension, Ch. 24:24–53.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. — Jesus was the Son of God; he came to save men from sin; all who would follow him must be willing to suffer; the power of the world cannot overcome the kingdom of Christ.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — See §9 under Mark.)

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The career of Luke with Paul; the prevalence of the Greek language at the time of the apostles; the phrase “Son of Man ” so often used in this Gospel.