Monday, February 15, 2016

The Summary and Outline of the book of LUKE and Chapters 1 and 2

Summary of the Gospel of Luke
This summary of the Gospel of Luke provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Gospel of Luke.
Author
The author's name does not appear in the book, but much unmistakable evidence points to Luke. This Gospel is a companion volume to the book of Acts, and the language and structure of these two books indicate that both were written by the same person. They are addressed to the same individual, Theophilus, and the second volume refers to the first (Ac 1:1). Certain sections in Acts use the pronoun "we" (Ac 16:10-1720:5-1521:1-1827:1 -- 28:16), indicating that the author was with Paul when the events described in these passages took place. By process of elimination, Paul's "dear friend Luke, the doctor" (Col 4:14) and "fellow worker" (Phm 24), becomes the most likely candidate. His authorship is supported by the uniform testimony of early Christian writings (e.g., the Muratorian Canon, a.d. 170, and the works of Irenaeus, c. 180).
Luke was probably a Gentile by birth, well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, a companion of Paul at various times from his second missionary journey to his final imprisonment in Rome, and a loyal friend who remained with the apostle after others had deserted him (2Ti 4:11).
Antioch (of Syria) and Philippi are among the places suggested as his hometown.
Recipient and Purpose
The Gospel is specifically directed to Theophilus (1:3), whose name means "one who loves God" and almost certainly refers to a particular person rather than to lovers of God in general. The use of "most excellent" with the name further indicates an individual, and supports the idea that he was a Roman official or at least of high position and wealth. He was possibly Luke's patron, responsible for seeing that the writings were copied and distributed. Such a dedication to the publisher was common at that time.
Theophilus, however, was more than a publisher. The message of this Gospel was intended for his own instruction (1:4) as well as the instruction of those among whom the book would be circulated. The fact that the Gospel was initially directed to Theophilus does not narrow or limit its purpose. It was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. It was presented to displace some disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus (see 1:1-4 and note). Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile Christian in God's kingdom is based on the teaching of Jesus. He wanted to commend the preaching of the gospel to the whole world.
Date and Place of Writing
The two most commonly suggested periods for dating the Gospel of Luke are: (1) a.d. 59-63, and (2) the 70s or the 80s (see essay and chart, p. 1943).
The place of writing was probably Rome, though Achaia, Ephesus and Caesarea have also been suggested. The place to which it was sent would, of course, depend on the residence of Theophilus. By its detailed designations of places in the Holy Land, the Gospel seems to be intended for readers who were unfamiliar with that land. Antioch, Achaia and Ephesus are possible destinations.
Style
Luke had outstanding command of the Greek language. His vocabulary is extensive and rich, and his style at times approaches that of classical Greek (as in the preface, 1:1-4), while at other times it is quite Semitic (1:5 -- 2:52) -- often like the Septuagint (the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT).
Characteristics
The third Gospel presents the works and teachings of Jesus that are especially important for understanding the way of salvation. Its scope is complete from the birth of Christ to his ascension, its arrangement is orderly, and it appeals to both Jews and Gentiles. The writing is characterized by literary excellence, historical detail and warm, sensitive understanding of Jesus and those around him.
Since the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) report many of the same episodes in Jesus' life, one would expect much similarity in their accounts. The dissimilarities reveal the distinctive emphases of the separate writers. Luke's characteristic themes include: (1) universality, recognition of Gentiles as well as Jews in God's plan (see, e.g., 2:30-32 and notes on 2:313:6); (2) emphasis on prayer, especially Jesus' praying before important occasions (see note on 3:21); (3) joy at the announcement of the gospel or "good news" (see note on 1:14); (4) special concern for the role of women (see, e.g., 8:1-3 and notes); (5) special interest in the poor (some of the rich were included among Jesus' followers, but he seemed closest to the poor; see note on 12:33); (6) concern for sinners (Jesus was a friend to those deep in sin); (7) stress on the family circle (Jesus' activity included men, women and children, with the setting frequently in the home); (8) repeated use of the Messianic title "Son of Man" (used 25 times; see 19:10Da 7:13 and notes); (9) emphasis on the Holy Spirit (see note on 4:1); (10) inclusion of more parables than any other Gospel; (11) emphasis on praising God (see 1:6424:53 and notes).
Sources
Although Luke acknowledges that many others had written of Jesus' life (1:1), he does not indicate that he relied solely on these reports for his own writing. He used personal investigation and arrangement, based on testimony from "eyewitnesses and servants of the word" (1:2) -- including the preaching and oral accounts of the apostles. His language differences from the other Synoptics and his blocks of distinctive material (e.g., 10:1 -- 18:14; 19:1 -- 28) indicate independent work, though he obviously used some of the same sources (see essay, p. 1943).
Plan
Luke's account of Jesus' ministry can be divided into three major parts: (1) the events that occurred in and around Galilee (4:14 -- 9:50), (2) those that took place in Judea and Perea (9:51 -- 19:27), and (3) those of the final week in Jerusalem (19:28 -- 24:53). Luke's uniqueness is especially seen in the amount of material devoted to Jesus' closing ministry in Judea and Perea. This material is predominantly made up of accounts of Jesus' discourses. Twenty-one of the 28 parables that occur in Luke are found in 10:30 --19:27. Of the 20 miracles recorded in Luke, only 5 appear in 9:51 -- 19:27. Already in the ninth chapter (see note on 9:51), Jesus is seen anticipating his final appearance in Jerusalem and his crucifixion (see note on13:22).
The main theme of the Gospel is the nature of Jesus' Messiahship and mission, and a key verse is 19:10.

Outline
I.                  The Preface (1:1-4)
  1. The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:5;2:52)
A.    The Annunciations (1:5-56)
    • The Birth of John the Baptist (1:57-80)
    • The Birth and Childhood of Jesus (ch. 2)
                     III.         The Preparation of Jesus for His Public Ministry (3:1;4:13)
                     IV.         His Ministry in Galilee (4:14;9:9)
    • The Beginning of the Ministry in Galilee (4:14-41)
    • The First Tour of Galilee (4:42;5:39)
    • A Sabbath Controversy (6:1-11)
    • The Choice of the 12 Apostles (6:12-16)
    • The Sermon on the Plain (6:17-49)
    • Miracles in Capernaum and Nain (7:1-18)
    • The Inquiry of John the Baptist (7:19-29)
    • Jesus and the Pharisees (7:30-50)
    • The Second Tour of Galilee (8:1-3)
    • The Parables of the Kingdom (8:4-21)
    • The Trip across the Sea of Galilee (8:22-39)
    • The Third Tour of Galilee (8:40;9:9)
                      V.         His Withdrawal to Regions around Galilee (9:10-50)
    • To the Eastern Shore of the Sea of Galilee (9:10-17)
    • To Caesarea Philippi (9:18-50)
VI.         His Ministry in Judea (9:51;13:21)
    • Journey through Samaria to Judea (9:51-62)
    • The Mission of the 72 (10:1-24)
    • The Lawyer and the Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25-37)
    • Jesus at Bethany with Mary and Martha (10:38-42)
    • Teachings in Judea (11:1;13:21)
VII.         His Ministry in and around Perea (13:22;19:27)
    • The Narrow Door (13:22-30)
    • Warning concerning Herod (13:31-35)
    • At a Pharisee's House (14:1-23)
    • The Cost of Discipleship (14:24-35)
    • The Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son (ch. 15)
    • The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (16:1-18)
    • The Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31)
    • Miscellaneous Teachings (17:1-10)
    • Ten Healed of Leprosy (17:11-19)
    • The Coming of the Kingdom (17:20-37)
    • The Persistent Widow (18:1-8)
    • The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (18:9-14)
    • Jesus and the Children (18:15-17)
    • The Rich Young Ruler (18:18-30)
    • Christ Foretells His Death (18:31-34)
    • A Blind Beggar Given His Sight (18:35-43)
    • Jesus and Zacchaeus (19:1-10)
    • The Parable of the Ten Minas (19:11-27)
VIII.         His Last Days: Sacrifice and Triumph (19:28;24:53)

From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Luke
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Audio Bible - NLT
Click on the Link to hear the Chapter of Luke


Luke 1
1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 
2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 
3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 
4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. 
5 When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. 
6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 
7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old. 
8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. 
9 As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 
10 While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. 
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar.
12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 
13But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. 
14You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 
15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. 
16And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. 
17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” 
18Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” 
19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 
20 But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” 
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. 
22 When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary. 
23 When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. 
24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. 
25 “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” 
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 
27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 
28Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! ” 
29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 
30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 
31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 
32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.
33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” 
34Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 
35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 
36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. 
37 For the word of God will never fail. ” 
38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. 
39 A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town 
40 where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. 
41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 
42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 
43Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 
44 When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 
45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” 
46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 
47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 
48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 
49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 
50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 
51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 
52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 
53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 
54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 
55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.” 
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home. 
57 When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. 
58 And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her. 
59 When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. 
60 But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!” 
61 “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” 
62 So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. 
63 He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” 
64 Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God. 
65 Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. 
66 Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. 
67Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: 
68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 
69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, 
70 just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 
71 Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.
72 He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— 
73 the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham.
74 We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, 
75 in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. 
76 “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. 
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. 
78 Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, 
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” 
80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.



Luke 2
1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 
2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 
3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 
4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 
5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. 
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 
7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. 
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 
9Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 
10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 
11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 
12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 
17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 
18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 
19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 
20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. 
21 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. 
22Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 
23 The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the LORD .” 
24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 
25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 
26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 
27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 
28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people. 
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” 
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 
34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 
35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” 
36Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 
37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 
38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. 
39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 
40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. 
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 
42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. 
43 After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, 
44 because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 
45 When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. 
46 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 
47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 
48 His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” 
49 “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 
50 But they didn’t understand what he meant. 
51 Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. 

52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

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