The Gospel of Luke

1. The Gospel of Luke The Savior of the World/The Christ of the Marginalized

2. Ehrman’s Approach to the Gospel of Luke • Ehrman uses what he calls a “comparative method” • Similar to redaction criticism, but does not attempt to determine sources • Major foci that Ehrman finds in Luke • Centrality of the Temple – heart of Judaism • Jesus as a prophet whose message starts with Judaism, but is intended to include Gentiles • We’ll approach the gospel both comparatively and thematically

3. Historical World of Luke • Written around 85 CE • First part of a two volume work concluding with Acts (see Acts 1) • “Luke” a companion of Paul? — Gentile Christian, possibly from Ephesus, writing for Gentile Christian Audience (1:1 ff.) • Unfamiliar with Palestinian geography • Wrote in Greek style of historical writing • Indebted to witness of others • Historical inaccuracies (see 127)

4. Literary World • “Apology” or defense of Christianity? (125) • “Salvation History” -- Age of Father; Age of Son; Age of Holy Spirit • Gospel organized around Jesus’ journeys • Journey through Galilee • Journey from Galilee to Jerusalem • Good Samaritan • Road to Emmaus • Acts of the Apostles — from Jerusalem to Rome

5. focus on Joseph Virgin birth fulfills Isaiah Herod the Great Action around a house in Bethlehem visit of magi flight to Egypt move to Nazareth because of fear of Herod's son in Judea focus on Mary Virgin birth parallels that of great Gentiles Caesar Augustus Census takes Mary & Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem born in stable? in Bethlehem visit of shepherds visit to Temple Jerusalem before returning to Nazareth Scene in Temple when 12 Jesus’ BirthMatthew vs. Luke

6. Matthew Why Jesus became known as Nazarene Jesus new Moses and Wisdom Teacher Jewishness of Jesus – son of David John Jesus the eternal Logos/Wisdom of God Luke How Jesus was born in Bethlehem Jesus for poor and outcast Universality of Jesus-for Jews and Gentiles– son of God Mark Jesus adopted by God as son Theological Meaning

7. Universalism • Context of Augustus Caesar 2:1 rather than Herod • Genealogy (3:23-38) - son of Adam, son of God • First Sermon in 4:24-27 — Gentile mission prefigured in Elijah and Elisha • Acts of Apostles

8. Social Justice for the Oppressed • Mary’s Song (1:46-55) • Jesus’ First Sermon (4:16-30) • Jubilee in Isaiah 61 • Beatitudes – Luke 6:20-26 compare parallel in Matt. 5:1-12 (work in groups of 2-3)

9. Luke 6:20-26 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; . . . . . 6.20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 6.21 " Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 6.22 " Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 6.23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 6.24 " But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 6.25 " Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 6.26 " Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Matt. 5:1-12 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him 5.2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 5.3."Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 5.4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5.5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 5.6 " Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 5.7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 5.8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 5.9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 5.10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 5.11 "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 5.12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. Beatitudes Comparisons

10. Luke 6:20-26 Crowds on plain Physical poverty Mad at happy people Woes—referring to others Jesus comes down from mountain to teach “Sermon on the Plain” Talking to people in 2nd person – addressing crowd Matt. 5:1-12 Took disciples to side Spiritual poverty Hopeful? No condemnation Jesus goes up mountain Sermon on the Mount Talking about people in 3rd person Telling disciples about others Beatitudes Comparisons

11. Compassion for Outcasts • Role of shepherds in Jesus’ birth • Parable of Good Samaritan (10:25-37) • Parable of Father and Two Sons (15:11-32) • Acceptance of crucified criminal into paradise (23:39-43)

12. Central Role of Women • Focus of action on Elizabeth and Mary at beginning • Women are listed as followers with the disciples and provide for Jesus and disciples out of their own resources (8:1-3) • Women travel with Jesus and disciples, even encouraged to study like men (10:38-42)

13. Theological Concerns • Role of Holy Spirit in Jesus’ birth, baptism and ministry • Beginning of Jesus’ ministry parallels beginning of church in Acts • Role of Holy Spirit associated with prayer, e.g., baptism of Jesus and Pentecost