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Friday, April 1, 2011

(45) The Book of Luke

Theanthropos, the God Man.

Luke actually wrote two books but they could be considered the same book.  He also wrote Acts.  Both of these are to the same person, Theophilus.  Both are a collection of facts either gathered by Luke or witnessed by Luke.  You can tell which one by the viewpoint (1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd).  He switches back and forth to show the reader which ones he was told and which ones he saw.  Luke was not an eye witness of the resurrection but he was a close companion to Paul and witnessed many miracles and hardships that we know about Paul.  The book was written a little before 65 AD, probably in Caesarea.  Some resources feel he talked to Mary and John as well to get much of the story.

Here are some interesting facts about the book:
  • It is the longest of the gospels
  • It is more of a historical account rather than a preachable letter
  • 500 verses are unique to this book alone
  • There are more women documented in this book than the rest
  • More parables are mentioned here than the rest
  • Only book written in the Bible by a non-Hebrew
  • Has many verses dedicated to Jesus' childhood
Who was Luke?  He was a doctor (Colossians 4:14).  Being a doctor he must have been a trusted record keeper.  Notice the geneology he writes goes all the way back to Adam.  He also carefully documented and investigated all he heard and saw (1:3-4).  He was not Hebrew.  He was Greek nut that doesn't mean he wasn't Jewish.  But for the most part we can assume he was not Jewish.  he was a faithful friend because he stuck it out with Paul until the end; even when Paul was locked up on his last breath, Luke was there (2 Timothy 4:11).  Tradition says that Luke died in his sleep at the age of 84.

What was his gospel book about?   Almost every major part of each story you read from this book (besides the the things that are repeated in the other book) has some indication or notion that Christ came to save people, all people, even the ones we consider "outcasts" of society.  He came to give the hopelesss, hope.  He came to give the homeless, a home.  He came to give those who unloved, love.

Why was it written?  For those who feel lost can feel found again.  The problem is we live in a society where people do not know they are lost.  Pride gets in their eyes.  They think they have all of their bases covered and that they do not need God.  It is like the movie Sixth Sense:  "I see dead people.  They don't know they're dead.".  People laugh it off and make jokes about it because they do not realize they are lost.  But deep down inside there is something calling to them, perhaps screaming at them, to wake up to the truth.  Otherwise, they would not be reading things like this to get answers.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I guess you are perfect and those that are lost are people like me?! This is just self righteous crap that all you Christians say.

Tim said...

On the contrary, all people are lost. All needed a savior. Christ came to save everyone.

No one is perfect. I am not even in fair condition. I am sorry you feel that way. For the most part I can openly and honestly say that I am no different than you.

Everyone is lost. The only difference is Christians are found. And the only reason why they are found is because they can admit they were lost. In this life we have too many people who think they are fine. As long as they do not murder or cheat or steal then what is wrong with them. Well look at the lessons (36-41) on the Ten Commandments and you will see that there is more to it than just the traditional definitions of what these sins are.

Too many in this life think as long as things they do in life makes them happy then life is good. But I think Cheryl Crow has a great line in a song, if it makes you happy, then it can't be that bad. if it makes you happy then why the hell are you so sad?" If she only knew what she sang and how true it is for humans. Just because it feels good, looks good, smells, good, tatses good, and/or sounds good does not mean it is neccessarily good for you. People need a sixth sense; esp...eternal spiritual perception. And I just made that up too.

Above all I hope you leave this site knowing that I am not perfect. I preach these things and sometimes have a hard time listening to my own words. All I am trying to do is help people understand why they are the way they are. I am not trying to be pompous. I AM trying to be right though. I am not being judgemental. I tell it the way it is. Telling the truth is not judging. Those who feel they are being judged probably have something that is worthy of judging in their lives, i.e., they feel guilty.

Stick around and comment anytime.