Closer: An Overview of the Book of Luke
Book of Luke
Mike Maglish
Part of Closer - A Study in Luke
January 7, 2024
Synoptic Gospels (Sun = Together and Opsis = Seeing)
Matthew - King
Mark - Servant
Luke - Man
John - God
Luke focuses on the God - man
Paul’s Doctor and Travel Companion (II Tim 4:11 & Phil 1:23-24)
An Historian
Author of Luke/Acts (27.5% of the New Testament)
A Gentile
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. —Colossians 4:10-1114 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. —Colossians 4:14
Luke is the only New Testament writer who was a gentile
To Whom Was The Book Written?
most excellent Theophilus —Luke 1:3
Theophilus was a gentile
Why was this letter written?
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. —Luke 1:1-5
Purpose: One outsider giving another outsider certainty
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, —Acts 1:1
Why is the sermonseries titled CLOSER?
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” —Luke 4:18-19
Liberty is the same word for Jubilee (Freedom for the Poor)
Chapter 1-2 - Miraculous Birth Story of Jesus
Chapter 3 - Baptism & Genealogy to Adam (Jesus is for ALL man)
Chapter 4-9 - Jesus’ ministry to the poor (Calls disciples, Healings, Teachings)
Chapter 9-19 - Journey to Jerusalem (2 by 2, parables, healings, Zacchaeus)
Chapter 19-24 - Passion Week (Love Personified, Upside Down Kingdom)
Takeaway: Jesus is closer than you think
