1. Who was he writing to?
1.1. Theophilus
1.1.1. Means "One who loves God"
1.1.2. Since Theophilus is a Gentile name
1.1.3. Most Most likely a considerable rank in Roman society
1.2. Gentiles
1.2.1. He translate the Hebrew word Golgotha into the Greek Kranion meaning "Skull"
1.2.1.1. Luke 23:33 (NLT) 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.
1.2.1.2. Mark 15:22 (NLT) 22 And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).
1.2.2. Luke omits teaching of Jesus that involve details of Masaic law and customs
1.2.2.1. Divorce
1.2.2.1.1. Mark 10:1-12
1.2.2.2. Oaths
1.2.2.2.1. Matthew 5:33–37
1.2.2.3. Fasting
1.2.2.3.1. Matthew 6:16-18
1.2.2.4. Praying
1.2.2.4.1. Matthew 6:5-6
1.2.3. Luke shines a light on Jesus is mission to the Gentiles
1.2.3.1. Salvation to "nations"
1.2.3.1.1. Luke 2:32 (NLT) 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
1.2.3.1.2. Luke 24:47 (NLT) 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’
1.2.3.1.3. Ancestors traced back to Adam not just Abraham Luke 3:23
1.3. People everywhere
2. His message
2.1. How God entered human history
2.1.1. Sinless born of a virgin
2.1.2. Grew and matured as a human man 2:52
2.1.3. Resisted temptation 4:1-13
2.1.4. Pot and minister to people 4:14 -21:38
2.1.5. Betrayed by Judas and deserted by followers 22:1-62
2.1.6. Convicted and executed as a common criminal 22:63-23:56
2.1.7. Rose from the dead 24:1-49
2.1.8. Ascended into heaven 24:50-51
2.2. Luke was a historian
2.2.1. His writing style is more academic Then the other gospels
2.2.2. He puts more emphasis on dates
2.2.3. He wants believers to be confident in the facts about Jesus
2.3. People and women
2.3.1. Jesus is deeply interested in relationships
2.3.2. Enjoyed many friendships including friendships with women
2.3.3. Jesus reaches out to all types of people
2.3.3.1. Lepers
2.3.3.1.1. Luke 17
2.3.3.2. Samaritans
2.3.3.2.1. Luke 9
2.3.3.3. Tax collectors
2.3.3.3.1. Luke 5, 19
2.3.3.4. Women
2.3.3.4.1. Luke 8
2.3.3.4.2. Women have a higher Standing in Greek culture than they did in Jewish culture
2.3.3.5. Children
2.3.3.5.1. Luke 18
2.4. Social concerns
2.4.1. As the perfect human Jesus had sympathy for the poor despised hurt and sinful.
2.4.2. No one was left out or rejected by Jesus
2.4.3. Lupe special attention to Jesus his treatment of the poor
2.5. The Holy Spirit
2.5.1. It is important to Luke that he showed that the Holy Spirit was present at Jesus's birth baptism ministry and resurrection
2.5.1.1. Lukes emphasis on the Holy Spirit will come to a climax in the book of acts as the gospel becomes available to Gentiles
2.5.1.2. If it wasn't for the baptism of the Holy Spirit the new Jewish Christians Would not have preach to the Gentiles.
3. Who was Luke
3.1. Not one of the twelve
3.1.1. Relatively unknown
3.1.2. Luke 1:3 ... having carefully investigated...
3.2. Writer of Luke and Acts
3.3. Gentile Christian
3.3.1. He is not included in Paul's final greetings in Colossians
3.3.2. He is the only Gentile author of a New Testament book
3.3.3. In Acts 1:19 he translates the aromatic place name
3.3.3.1. Acts 1:19 (NLT) 19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)
3.4. Doctor
3.4.1. Luke gives more accurate descriptions of diseases than Mark or Matthew
3.4.1.1. Luke 4:38 compared to Mark 1:30
3.4.1.1.1. Luke says the fever it was high
3.4.1.2. Luke describes leprosy more exactly in Luke 5:12
3.5. Companion of Paul
3.5.1. Paul mentions him three times
3.5.1.1. Colossians 4:14 (NLT) 14 Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas.
3.5.1.2. 2 Timothy 4:11 (NLT) 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.
3.5.1.3. Philemon 24 (NLT) 24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
3.5.2. Had access to all Important figures
3.5.3. Traveled With Paul
3.5.3.1. Acts 16, 20, 21, 27
3.5.4. With Paul while imprisoned
3.5.4.1. Colossians 4:14 (NLT) 14 Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas.
3.5.4.2. 2 Timothy 4:11 (NLT) 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.
3.5.4.3. Philemon 24 (NLT) 24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
3.5.4.4. All while Paul was in prison
3.5.5. Around Chapter 16 Luke seems to have joined Paul as the word "We" begins to be used.
3.5.6. Loyal friend of Paul enduring hardships with him as he went to Rome
4. Date 60- 61 AD
4.1. Jesus born about 4 AD
4.2. Raised from the dead about 37 AD
4.3. About 22 years after Jesus Raised from Resurrection
4.4. Close in date to the other two synoptice Gospels
4.4.1. Mark 55-60 AD
4.4.1.1. Luke likely had access to Mark's Gospel
4.4.2. Matthew 60 AD
4.5. Not likely to be later as there is not destruction of Jerusalem
4.5.1. Though Luke records Jesus predicts it
4.5.1.1. Lk 19 and Lk 21
4.5.2. An event as big as the destruction of the temple would have been recorded.