8.8

Distinctive Characteristics of Luke’s Gospel

A. Luke’s Gospel begins with an extensive prologue.

B. Luke’s Gospel also has a sequel, the Book of Acts.

C. Events reported in Luke’s Gospel are tied to their historical context.

D. Jerusalem receives special emphasis in Luke’s Gospel.

E. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes worship and prayer.

Luke’s Gospel begins (1:8) and ends (24:53) with scenes of worship.

Liturgical material:

1:46–55

Magnificat

 

1:68–79

Benedictus

 

2:14

Gloria in Excelsis

 

2:29–32

Nunc Dimittis

Jesus at prayer:

3:21

at his baptism

 

5:16

in deserted places

 

6:12

on choosing his disciples

 

9:18

alone, with disciples nearby

 

9:28–29

at his transfiguration

 

11:1

in presence of his disciples

 

22:41, 44–45

in the garden

Also:

instruction in prayer (11:2–4)

 

three parables on prayer (11:5–8; 18:1–8, 9–14)

 

encouragement to pray (6:28; 18:1; 21:36; 22:40, 46)

Even Jesus’s death is an occasion for glorifying God (23:47).

 

F. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit.

G. Luke’s Gospel seems to have an unusual interest in food.

H. Salvation is an important theme in Luke’s Gospel.

I. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes concern for the excluded.