INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE
CHRIST THE MERCIFUL SAVIOR AND LORD OF UNIVERSAL SALVATION
Relevance of the Introduction
Though the four Gospels proclaim the same Jesus Christ, each evangelist presents Him through a distinctive theological lens shaped by audience, purpose, and historical context. Studying the Gospel of Luke through its authorship, intention, background, and special emphases helps us appreciate how the Good News speaks to diverse human situations.
Luke’s Gospel is especially significant for communities that experience marginalization, suffering, or cultural transition. It presents Jesus as the compassionate Savior who reaches out to the poor, sinners, women, foreigners, and the forgotten. Luke assures believers that God’s salvation is universal, orderly, historically grounded, and guided by the Holy Spirit. His Gospel invites readers to see history, human dignity, prayer, and mercy as places where God actively works.
Luke, the Author
The third Gospel is traditionally attributed to Luke, a Gentile Christian and companion of Saint Paul. Unlike Matthew and John, Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Instead, he carefully investigated traditions handed down by those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. His self-description as a careful historian and compiler reflects a methodical and reflective mind.
Early Christian tradition identifies Luke as a physician, a detail supported by Paul’s reference to him as “the beloved physician.” His medical background may explain his sensitivity to human suffering, illness, and compassion throughout the Gospel. Luke was well educated, fluent in Greek, and deeply familiar with the Greco-Roman world, making him uniquely suited to communicate the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries.
Luke was a close coworker of Paul on missionary journeys and remained loyal even during Paul’s imprisonment. He also authored the Acts of the Apostles, forming a two-volume work that traces God’s saving plan from the birth of Jesus to the spread of the Church to Rome. Luke’s Gospel, therefore, is not an isolated narrative but the first part of a broader salvation history.
Purpose of Luke
Luke explicitly states his purpose: to provide an orderly, reliable account so that believers may know the certainty of the teachings they have received. His Gospel reassures Christians that their faith is rooted in real events guided by God’s providence.
Another major purpose is to show that salvation in Christ is universal. Luke emphasizes that Jesus is Savior not only of Israel but of all humanity, especially the poor, sinners, and outsiders. He presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and simultaneously as the light to the Gentiles.
Luke also aims to shape Christian life. He highlights prayer, the Holy Spirit, joy, repentance, generosity, and mercy, forming disciples who live out the Gospel in daily life. His Gospel addresses how believers should live faithfully while awaiting the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
The Audience of Luke
Luke addresses his Gospel primarily to Gentile Christians, symbolized by his dedication to “Theophilus,” whose name means “lover of God.” This likely represents educated Gentile believers seeking assurance in their faith.
Because his audience was unfamiliar with Jewish customs, Luke explains traditions, avoids excessive use of Hebrew terms, and situates events within the wider Greco-Roman historical framework. His readers lived in a pluralistic world marked by social inequality, political power, and religious diversity. Luke presents Christianity as a faith that respects history, promotes social responsibility, and offers hope to all.
Religious and Political Background
Luke’s Gospel was likely written between AD 70 and 85, after the destruction of Jerusalem and during the expansion of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The Church was increasingly Gentile, facing questions about identity, continuity with Israel, and its place within Roman society.
Religiously, tensions existed between Jewish Christians and Gentile converts. Luke addresses this by showing that God’s plan always intended salvation for all nations. Politically, Rome dominated the Mediterranean world, and Christians were a small, often misunderstood minority. Luke presents Christianity as a faith that is not politically subversive but morally transformative, centered on justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable.
Specialties of Luke’s Gospel
A Gospel of Mercy and Compassion
Luke powerfully emphasizes God’s mercy. Jesus is portrayed as the friend of sinners and the healer of broken lives. Parables unique to Luke, such as the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, and the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, reveal a God who seeks the lost and rejoices in repentance.
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
Luke consistently highlights the poor, the hungry, and the marginalized. From Mary’s Magnificat to Jesus’ inaugural sermon in Nazareth, Luke presents a Gospel that challenges unjust structures and calls for generosity, sharing, and concern for the needy.
Role of Women
Luke gives special attention to women as recipients and witnesses of God’s saving work. Women appear prominently in the infancy narratives, Jesus’ ministry, and the resurrection accounts. Luke affirms their dignity and discipleship in a way unparalleled in other Gospels.
Prayer and the Holy Spirit
Prayer is central in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus prays at key moments: His baptism, choosing the Twelve, transfiguration, and crucifixion. Luke also emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the guiding force of Jesus’ mission and the life of the Church, a theme that continues in Acts.
Joy and Praise
Joy is a hallmark of Luke’s narrative. From angelic hymns to the joy of the disciples after the resurrection, Luke presents salvation as a cause for deep, enduring joy rooted in God’s faithfulness.
Historical and Literary Precision
Luke situates Jesus within world history by naming rulers, regions, and dates. His polished Greek style and orderly structure reflect a concern for clarity, credibility, and accessibility.
Traditional Symbol of Luke: The Ox
From early Christian tradition, Luke is symbolized by the ox. The ox represents sacrifice, service, and patience. This symbol reflects Luke’s emphasis on Jesus as the one who offers Himself for humanity and calls His followers to lives of humble service.
The ox also evokes the Temple sacrifice, resonating with Luke’s Gospel, which begins and ends in the Temple. It underscores Jesus’ priestly compassion and the cost of redemption. For Luke, salvation unfolds through faithful obedience and self-giving love.
Overview of the Gospel of Luke
Prologue and Infancy Narratives (1–2)
Annunciations, births of John the Baptist and Jesus, songs of praise, and early signs of Jesus’ mission.
Preparation for Ministry (3–4)
John’s preaching, baptism of Jesus, genealogy tracing Jesus to Adam, temptation, and inaugural sermon.
Ministry in Galilee (4–9)
Teaching, miracles, compassion for the poor and sinners, and formation of disciples.
Journey to Jerusalem (9–19)
Unique to Luke, this section contains parables and teachings on mercy, prayer, discipleship, and conversion.
Ministry in Jerusalem (19–21)
Conflict, teaching in the Temple, and preparation for the Passion.
Passion, Death, and Resurrection (22–24)
Last Supper, crucifixion marked by forgiveness, resurrection appearances, and ascension.
Through this Gospel, Luke presents Jesus as the universal Savior whose mercy embraces all humanity, whose Spirit guides history, and whose Church is called to embody compassion, justice, prayer, and joy until God’s saving plan reaches its fulfillment.
