writer

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

readers

Predominantly Jewish

Probably persecuted Christians in Rome .

“Most excellent Theophilus” (1:3) – a Gentile.

First of two volumes (Luke - Acts)

Gentiles

Non-Christians

purpose

To prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the eternal King.

To portray Jesus as a servant and redeemer. “’For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

So that Theophilus might know the truth about Jesus and the early church (1:1-4)

That readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing they may have life in His name. (20:31)

themes

Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

Jesus has authority.

Miracles demonstrate the power and compassion of Jesus.

Glory comes only through suffering and service.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (19:10)

God’s special concern for outcasts: gentiles, Samaritans, tax collectors and sinners, and women.

Jesus is a source of life

Importance of belief

structure

Narrative mixed with 5 main sections of teaching (ch. 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 23-25) that close with variations on: “when Jesus had finished these words.”

Ch 1-8: Works of power

Ch 9-16: Rejection & suffering

Loosely organized around geography:

Ch 1-2: Infancy

Ch 3-9:50: In Galilee

Ch 9:51-18:34: Journey to Jerusalem

Ch 18:35-24: Death and resurrection

Ch 1: Jesus is God among us

Ch 2 – 12:50: Jesus reveals himself in signs and teachings

Ch 13-20:31 The final Passover – Jesus dies for the sins of the world

Ch 21: Epilogue