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Overview
Luke's carefully researched and orderly account of the life of Christ is one of the finest pieces of historical writing from the ancient world. More importantly, it boldly proclaims the story and significance of Jesus, emphasizing his "gospel" as good news for the whole world.
In this illuminating commentary, respected pastor R. Kent Hughes explores Luke's historical claims about the life of Christ and his overarching message, offering helpful insights into the biblical text and pastoral reflections on how it applies to everyday life.
Written to help preachers and Bible teachers communicate God's Word more effectively, this commentary explores how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus constitute the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and guarantee salvation to all who believe on his name.
Part of the Preaching the Word series.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781433538377 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Crossway |
| Publication date: | 09/30/2014 |
| Series: | Preaching the Word Series |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 992 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and former professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He serves as the series editor for the Preaching the Word commentary series and is the author or coauthor of many books. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Spokane, Washington, and have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.
R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and former professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hughes is also a founder of the Charles Simeon Trust, which conducts expository preaching conferences throughout North America and worldwide. He serves as the series editor for the Preaching the Word commentary series and is the author or coauthor of many books. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Spokane, Washington, and have four children and an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
An Orderly Account
LUKE 1:1–4
LOUIS MACNEICE WROTE regarding his reading of ancient literature:
And how one can imagine oneself among them I do not know;
It was all so unimaginably different And all so long ago.
His rhyme expressed a valid concern. We might feel the same about the ancient gospel, except for the blessed fact that there are four Gospel accounts. One of them was the painstaking work of Luke, a historian, theologian, and physician, who has given us one of the finest pieces of historical writing in all of ancient literature.
Interestingly, no one knows anything of Luke's origin. He was definitely nonapostolic, and he was a Gentile (cf. Colossians 4:11,14). By his own admission he was not an eyewitness to the story he records in his brilliant account (Luke 1:2). But Luke was well educated and cultured, and a physician to boot. Though we don't know the details of his conversion, he apparently reached Christian maturity before coming under Paul's influence. He became an intimate acquaintance of Paul, as the so-called "we sections" in Acts attest (16:10–17; 20:5; 21:18; 27:1 — 28:16). Very possibly he is the anonymous brother "who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel" in 2 Corinthians 8:18. This certainly accords with his humble, self-effacing manner in keeping himself in the background of both Luke and Acts.
Luke stayed with Paul during his second imprisonment, right to the end. Shortly before his martyrdom Paul wrote to Timothy, "Luke alone is with me" (2 Timothy 4:11). What happened to Luke after the Apostle's martyrdom is a secret of history. However, Luke seems to have written his Gospel during the early sixties.
It is by far the longest of the Gospels, and it contains many extras that are not included in the other three Gospels — to begin with, the entire content of the first two chapters, which detail the advent of Christ beginning with the histories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, then the annunciation to Mary, culminating in the nativity. We can thank Luke for the stories of Zacchaeus, the penitent thief, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the famous parables of the Pharisee and the publican, the rich man and Lazarus, and the prodigal son.
Luke has given us an invaluable gift — the most extensive and varied of the Gospels, as well as the most artistically constructed and the most beautifully reasoned and written. We will now consider this man of God as a historian, theologian, physician, and musician.
Luke the Historian (vv. 1–4)
Luke presented himself as historian in a long Greek sentence that is considered to be the best-styled sentence in the entire New Testament. He thus shouted to the ancient world that he was writing about history that must not be ignored.
Luke's Historical Precedents
Luke began by citing others' earlier work as laying a foundation for what he was about to do. "Many," he said, "have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us" (v. 1). His attempt at gospel history was not something totally new but bore similarity to previous works unknown to us today, except for the Gospel of Mark.
These earlier accounts were characterized by orderliness that was undoubtedly a considerable help to Luke. They were based on the testimony of people who were there, as Luke made clear in his next phrase (v. 2): "Just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us."
The earlier accounts had come from people who had seen with their own eyes the sacred events that began with the ministry of John the Baptist (cf. 1 John 1:1). These eyewitnesses ultimately became "ministers of the word" — that is, preachers of the gospel. They were not detached observers but men vitally involved with the Word they preached.
Luke wanted his readers to understand that his history of Jesus came from the best, most authentic written and oral sources. Luke's work was grounded in solid historiography and many reliable sources.
Luke's Qualification as Historian
Not only was his historiography extensive, but he met the basic qualification of a historian — thorough research — as the opening phrase of verse 3 indicates: "It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past. ..." Luke had spent time tracking down each detail, tracing everything thoroughly. The result was a spectacularly accurate history.
One of the famous stories of New Testament scholarship recounts the early skepticism of the famous Sir William Ramsay regarding Luke's history, and how the facts completely changed his mind so that he eventually wrote: "Luke's history is unsurpassed in regard to its trust-worthiness."
Dr. Luke had crossed all his t's and dotted his i's, down to the smallest details, such as the tricky nomenclature of the officials mentioned in Acts.
Luke's Task as Historian
Because Luke saw his task as historian as far more than a chronological listing of the facts, he added, "It seemed good to me also ... to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus" (v. 3). What he meant by "orderly account" was a systematic arrangement grouped around themes he wished to emphasize. The facts were never altered, but the way he grouped and juxtaposed them, his artistic and logical arrangement, was meant to pierce the reader's heart. Luke took great pains to present the gospel with maximum power. This, of course, was done under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The result was a compelling story — especially when it is read and studied in sequence.
Luke's Purpose as Historian
Finally, Luke's forthright purpose in writing the history was moral, because he told Theophilus, "That you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught" (v. 4). The word "certainty" appears last (for emphasis) in the long Greek sentence that comprises verses 1– 4. Luke believed that the proper telling of the story of Jesus would certainly produce belief in its truth. In a word, Luke believed in the power of the gospel!
What a motivation to read and study the Gospel of Luke! The solid historiography from which Luke had drawn his painstaking research, his subtly arranged account, and his moral purpose of bringing certain faith will change lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. The power of Jesus' story is inexhaustible!
Luke the Theologian
Luke was not only an accomplished historian, he was also a skilled theologian. We have already touched on this by noting his careful arrangement of his materials to emphasize his theology. For example, Luke selected exactly ten stories for the birth and infancy narratives in chapters 1, 2. Five deal with events before Christ's birth, and five are postbirth. Further, there are special pairings of the events within each quintet — all for a purpose.
Prominent among the great theological emphases in Luke is love. Matthew's keynote is royalty, Mark's is power, and in Luke it is love. Love uniquely shines through in saying after saying and parable after parable in this Gospel.
The offer of salvation for all is far more prominent in Luke than in the other Gospels. The word is not even used in Matthew and Mark and appears only once in John. But Luke employs it five times, as well as using "to save" more than any other Gospel. The angel announcing the birth of "a Savior" said the good news was for "all the people" (2:10, 11). Samaritans find grace and give it. Simeon sings about "light ... to the Gentiles" (2:32). Jesus heals non-Israelites. The mission of the seventy has reference to the Gentiles.
Luke records Jesus' repeated references to his coming death and gives profound detail concerning both the passion and the cross. Simeon's prophecy (2:34, 35) refers to the coming passion. The ox is a traditional symbol for the Gospel of Luke because it is a sacrificial animal. Luke lifts high the cross.
The Gospel opens with repeated references to the Holy Spirit: the baby John filled with the Spirit in his mother's womb (1:15), Elizabeth and Zechariah filled with the Spirit (1:41, 67), the Holy Spirit coming upon Simeon (2:25–27), Jesus' conception by the Spirit (1:35), the Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus when he was baptized (3:22), the Spirit leading him into the wilderness (4:1). Thus the Holy Spirit was emphasized, culminating in his descent at Pentecost in Acts 2.
So Luke the theologian teaches us great truths through story. Those who study Luke cannot remain the same.
Luke the Physician
Luke was a medical doctor. In fact, Paul called him "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14). But this was not because he excelled in the healing arts. It is rather because he was a lover of people, a man who could submit his ego and desires to the service of others. As already mentioned, some believe he was "the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel" in 2 Corinthians 8:18. Luke was a doctor of souls!
He delighted in mentioning individuals: Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Martha, Zacchaeus, Cleopas, the woman who anointed Jesus' feet. Jesus' parables in the Gospel of Matthew center on the kingdom, but those in Luke stress people.
Luke's Gospel transcends the first century's neglect of women. We hear their names more there than in any other Gospel: Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, Martha, her sister Mary, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, the widow of Nain, the widow who gave all she had, the daughters of Jerusalem, the women in Jesus' parables.
We see Luke's heart for babies and children in the stories of the infancy of John and Jesus. Luke gives us the only information about Jesus' boyhood. He also speaks of various individuals' only sons or only daughters.
Luke also shows himself powerfully disposed to the poor. He portrays Jesus as coming to preach the gospel to the poor and blessing the poor. The shepherds were poor. Joseph and Mary made an offering of the poor at Jesus' birth. Luke cared about the poor. He also repeatedly warned about the dangers of riches. The parables he recorded repeatedly return to these themes: the rich fool, the unjust steward, the rich man who ignored the beggar Lazarus, the rich young ruler, the widow's mite.
Luke was a tender doctor of souls. His ethos will touch and penetrate ours, and we will be sweeter and more tender as we give our souls to the study of his Gospel.
Luke the Musician
Luke's Gospel is a singing Gospel. It resounds with the music of praise to God. Early on we find the Magnificat (1:46–55), the Benedictus (1:68–79), the Nunc Dimittis (2:29–32), and the Gloria (2:14). The verb rejoice is found in Luke more than in any other book in the New Testament. Likewise joy occurs regularly. There is joy in Zacchaeus' receiving Jesus. There is joy on earth in the finding of the lost sheep and the lost coin, and there is joy in Heaven when lost sinners are found. The Gospel ends just as it began — with rejoicing.
Luke the historian will make you certain about the Gospel. Luke the theologian will touch you with God's love and grace. Luke the physician will help you to love people. Luke the musician will set your heart to singing.
May God guide and enlighten our hearts as we study this magnificent portion of his holy Word!
CHAPTER 2The Annunciation of John
LUKE 1:5–25
THE CLOSING LINES of Luke's first chapter describe the birth of Jesus with a haunting metaphor — "The Sunrise from on high" (1:78 NASB). The night before that sunrise had been long and dark. But the faithful, bright flashes of hope from God's Word assured them that one day the night would end. Malachi had assured those who loved God that "the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall" (Malachi 4:2). Isaiah had promised that before "the glory of the LORD shall be revealed," there would come "a voice [crying]: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God'" (Isaiah 40:5, 3). Malachi spoke similarly as he penned the final words of the Old Testament: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes" (Malachi 4:5).
When Luke wrote his Gospel, more than four hundred years had passed since Malachi's time without a word of prophecy or any sign of a prophet of God. But the long darkness was about to experience sunrise. Great plans, laid in eternal ages past, now began to activate. Angels scurried around busily preparing for the dawn. The focus of the activity would be Herod's great temple, which Josephus dramatically described as a building that
wanted nothing that could astound either mind or eye. For, being covered on all sides with massive plates of gold, the sun was no sooner up than it radiated so fiery a flash that persons straining to look at it were compelled to avert their eyes, as from the solar rays. To approaching strangers it appeared from a distance like a snow-clad mountain; for all that was not overlaid with gold was of purest white.
This shimmering grandeur housed the heartbeat of Jewish piety, and some who had attached themselves to the temple were anxiously awaiting the sunrise (cf. Luke 2:25–29).
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Luke"
by .
Copyright © 2015 R. Kent Hughes.
Excerpted by permission of Good News Publishers.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments,
A Word to Those Who Preach the Word,
1 An Orderly Account (1:1–4),
2 The Annunciation of John (1:5–25),
3 The Annunciation of Christ (1:26–38),
4 The Visitation (1:39–55),
5 The Magnificat, Part 1 (1:46–50),
6 The Magnificat, Part 2 (1:51–55),
7 The Birth of John (1:56–66),
8 The Benedictus (1:67–79),
9 The Birth of Christ (2:1–20),
10 The Nunc Dimittis (2:21–40),
11 "Favor with God and Man" (2:41–52),
12 John's Baptism (3:1–14),
13 Messiah's Baptism (3:15–20),
14 The Sonship of Christ (3:21–38),
15 The Temptation (4:1–13),
16 Jesus' Rejection (4:14–30),
17 The Authority of Jesus (4:31–37),
18 Kingdom Authority (4:38–44),
19 Calling Fishermen (5:1–11),
20 Healed Indeed (5:12–16),
21 Healing and Faith (5:17–26),
22 Calling Sinners (5:27–32),
23 The New and the Old (5:33–39),
24 The Lord of the Sabbath (6:1–11),
25 Authority to Call (6:12–16),
26 The Sermon on the Level (6:17–26),
27 Supernatural Love (6:27–36),
28 The Spirit of the Disciple (6:37–42),
29 Checking the Fruit (6:43–45),
30 Doing His Word (6:46–49),
31 Viewing Faith (7:1–10),
32 Jesus Raises a Widow's Son (7:11–17),
33 The Mystery of Unbelief (7:18–35),
34 Forgiven Much (7:36–50),
35 Listen to the Word (8:1–21),
36 Lord of Creation (8:22–25),
37 Lord of All (8:26–39),
38 Providential Arrangement (8:40–56),
39 Earliest Apostolic Ministry (9:1–9),
40 The Sufficiency of Christ (9:10–17),
41 "Who Do You Say That I Am?" (9:18–27),
42 Christ Transfigured (9:28–36),
43 Christ's Majesty Below (9:37–45),
44 True Greatness (9:46–50),
45 Demands of the Road (9:51–62),
46 Proper Joy (10:1–20),
47 The Praise and Blessing of Revelation (10:21–24),
48 "But a Samaritan . . ." (10:25–37),
49 Choosing the Better (10:38–42),
50 Teach Us to Pray, Part 1 (11:1–4),
51 Teach Us to Pray, Part 2 (11:3, 4),
52 Teach Us to Pray, Part 3 (11:5–13),
53 Merciful Reasonings (11:14–28),
54 Light for Hard Hearts (11:29–36),
55 "Woe to You Pharisees" (11:37–44),
56 "Woe to You Lawyers" (11:45–52),
57 Confessing Christ (11:53-12:12),
58 The Rich Fool (12:13–21),
59 Not to Worry (12:22–34),
60 Be Ready (12:35–48),
61 Reality Check (12:49–53),
62 Settle Up! (12:54–59),
63 Repentance Time! (13:1–9),
64 Straightened on the Sabbath (13:10–21),
65 The Narrow Door (13:22–30),
66 Mourning for the City (13:31–35),
67 The Dinner Party, Part 1 (14:1–14),
68 The Dinner Party, Part 2 (14:15–24),
69 Being a Disciple (14:25–35),
70 "Rejoice with Me" (15:1–10),
71 The Prodigal God (15:11–32),
72 The Dishonest Manager (16:1–15),
73 Rich Man, Poor Man (16:19–31),
74 Discipleship's Duties (17:1–10),
75 The Tenth Leper (17:11–19),
76 The Kingdom-Now and Not Yet (17:20–37),
77 Living in the Not Yet (18:1–8),
78 Two Ways to Pray (18:9–14),
79 Kingdom Entrance (18:15–17),
80 How Hard It Is for a Rich Man! (18:18–30),
81 Blind Sight (18:31–43),
82 The Little Big Man (19:1–10),
83 The Parable of the Investment (19:11–27),
84 A New Kind of King (19:28–44),
85 Sovereign in His Temple (19:45–48),
86 The Authority of Jesus (20:1–19),
87 Caesar and God (20:20–26),
88 Resurrection's Realities (20:27–40),
89 Son of David, David's Lord (20:41–47),
90 Money's Eloquence (21:1–4),
91 The Olivet Discourse (21:5–38),
92 The Night without a Morning (22:1–6),
93 The Last Supper, Part 1 (22:7–20),
94 The Last Supper, Part 2 (22:21–38),
95 Divine Dread (22:39–46),
96 "The Power of Darkness" (22:47–53),
97 Peter's Plunge (22:54–62),
98 Jesus' Religious Trial (22:63–71),
99 Herod before Jesus (23:1–12),
100 Pilate before Jesus (23:13–25),
101 The Cross of Christ (23:26–34),
102 Jesus Saves (23:35–43),
103 Jesus Dies (23:44–49),
104 Jesus' Burial and Resurrection (23:50-24:12),
105 Easter Fire (24:13–35),
106 Easter Gospel and Mission (24:36–49),
107 Christ's Ascension (24:50–53),
Notes,
Scripture Index,
General Index,
Index of Sermon Illustrations,