The Theology of the Gospel of LukeThe Gospel of Luke, often mined for information about the life of Jesus, is also one of the earliest Christian examples of narrative theology. Unlike some writers of New Testament books, Luke has engaged in the theological task by shaping a narrative representation of the coming and mission of Jesus. In doing so, he goes to great lengths to ground the work of Jesus in the continuing story of God's redemptive plan, especially witnessed in the Scriptures, and he also emphasises the ongoing character of that story, with the result that Luke's audience is challenged to discern the purpose of God in order that they may embrace it and order their lives around it. This exploration of the way in which Luke accomplishes his theological task in the first century is both informative and illuminating for contemporary readers seeking approaches to cultural criticism and constructive theology today. |
Contents
In the days of King Herod of Judea the world of Lukes Gospel | 1 |
God my Savior the purpose of God in Lukes Gospel | 22 |
A Savior who is the Messiah the Lord Jesus John and the Jewish people | 50 |
To proclaim good news to the poor mission and salvation | 76 |
Let them take up the cross daily the way of discipleship | 102 |
That you may know the truth Lukes Gospel in the church | 122 |
Further reading | 153 |
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Common terms and phrases
activity Acts already audience Biblical birth narrative Christian concerned context cultural death of Jesus disciples discipleship discourse economic Eerdmans Elizabeth embrace emphasis eschatological especially faith Father followers fulfillment Gentiles God's aim God's purpose God's redemptive God's Son Gospel of Luke Grand Rapids Greco-Roman healing Herod Holy Spirit importance interpretation invitation Israel James D. G. Dunn Jerusalem Jesus movement Jewish Joel John and Jesus John's Joseph Judaism kingdom Lord Lukan message Lukan narrative Luke portrays Luke-Acts Luke's Gospel Luke's narrative Luke's presentation Luke's theology Luke's world Mary Messiah ministry of Jesus mission motif narrates narrative theology Nazareth one's parable parousia Paul perspective Pharisees poor prayer prophet public ministry question relationship repentance response role Roman salvation Scriptures serve Simeon sinners social status story of Jesus synagogue table fellowship temple Testament texts Third Gospel toll-collectors understanding University Press wealth women world of Luke Zacchaeus Zechariah