"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Luke 1: 1-4
Luke's gospel is unique in that he was a Gentile that converted to Christianity, and not one of the original 12 disciples. This gives us a a unique historical, investigative presentation of Christ from an outsider --a 3rd party verification of eyewitness accounts and events that transpired. Luke's gospel is written for Theophilus but also talks to every reader today to give further credibility on the authenticity and historical accuracy of the accounts. Never thought of the book of Luke in this way.
I am reminded again of the awesomeness of these four Gospels. How four separate accounts of Christ, at different times all tell the same story but each serves a unique purpose in revealing who Christ was and is to every person. Written by man but definitely orchestrated by God.
Happy New Year everyone!
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2 comments:
my.... I didn't even know he wasn't one of the twelve disciples. Today's bible study, more than anything, showed me how little knowledge I have of the Bible.
thanks for the blog, christine. i always think of luke's gospel as the one with the double-edged sword in it.
luke records many parables and passages that are exclusive only to his gospel.
several of them make clear that Jesus's compassion extended to one and all--women and children, the poor and needy, tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes, samaritans and gentiles--
but luke also records parables and incidents that make us wonder about our own salvation.
in other words, luke shows us that while the road to salvation is very, very wide--
the way is in fact so extremely narrow and the door to the kingdom is so low
that we must humble ourselves and crawl to enter it--
he shows us that while many, many are called
few are chosen and will enter in.
luke's perspective is indeed unique. he shows so eloquently the power of the gospel to save and to redeem the least of the least
but at the same time gives a foretaste of the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" that will occur on that day among those who thought they were in the kingdom all along.
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