EYE WITNESS OF THE WORD
#500 EYE WITNESS OF THE WORD
Scripture Luke 1:1-4 Orig. Date 1/2/1985
Rewr. Dates 9/6/1990
Passage: Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled[a] among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Purpose: Sharing a series on New Testament characters, here concentrating on Luke as author, missionary, servant of grace and joy
Keywords: Biography of Luke Grace New Testament Characters History
Timeline/Series: New Testament Characters
Introduction
The teaching of Jesus doubtless was universal in scope. The twelve (eleven), and many others know the heart of Jesus in relation to others. But the laborious story of the early church as contained in Acts will struggle through twelve chapters before these born-again strugglers are ready to take the gospel “to all the world.”
Luke occupies a significant place. It is clear enough for most that he is Greek. Paul concludes his Colossian letter naming helpers. In the 11th verse (Colossians 2), having named several helpers, he delineates “who are of the circumcision.” Immediately therefrom, (4:12) he names Epaphras, who was “one of them,” and Luke.
So, a Greek, who would have been totally unacceptable to the Jews, and who was an annoyance with which the early church had to deal: became the author of a significant story of Jesus’ life, and the main treatise on early church history.
Some scholars say he wasn’t a Greek. Others say it doesn’t matter because he didn’t write the two books. Someone else points out that he was so obscure that had he not written the gospel, it would surely never have been attached to his name. In fact, we would never have heard his name, otherwise.
We’ve looked at two of the gospel writers, Matthew and Mark. Symbols are attached to their names. In great churches and cathedrals, these symbols can be seen adorning stained-glass windows. The symbol of Mark is a man. He wrote that the word might penetrate to the masses. Matthew’s symbol is a lion. The outcast from the “tribe of Judah” who was never far from it emotionally, was set straight by Jesus, and he wanted to do as much for other Jews. John’s symbol is the eagle, the creature able to fly higher and farther, and to dwell closer to the sun. Luke is symbolized by a calf, the animal of sacrifice. Luke saw barriers tumble through the blood of Jesus. This is the word that he will spread far and wide.
I. Little is Known, Really, About the Man Himself. V3 “It seemed good to me also, . . . to write unto thee in order.”
We have established that he was Greek. Paul also informs us that he was a physician. Colossians 4:14 “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.” The noun form of the word “to heal, cure.” Someone (Barclay G30) makes the point: “The minister sees people at the best; the lawyer sees them at their worst. A doctor sees them as they are.” An interesting sidelight is comparison of Mark relative to the woman with the issue of blood. Mark says physicians at fault (Mark 5:26), Luke sees them as ineffectual (Luke 8:43).
He was a capable historian and writer. V1-4 are said to be the purest Greek in the New Testament. Long debate over 2:2 “Cyrenius (Quirinius) was governor of Syria.” He supposedly reigned about 6 A.D. Then, in early 20th Century, Sir William Ramsay found inscriptions that showed this to be Cyrenius’ second term.
Though he only mentions the census, over time, it has become a foregone conclusion.
He brings to bear the emergence of John the Baptist with six certifiable events.
- The fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar
- Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea
- Herod, tetrarch of Galilee
- Phillip, tetrarch of Ituraea
- Lysanius, tetrarch of Abilene
- Annas and Caiaphas, high priests
II. Luke’s Concern is Expressed Through Theophilus. V3 “To write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus.” An individual of note—Theophilus—“God lover”; “most excellent”—expresses one who is high in Roman governmental service. He stands as the eternal link between Luke and Acts.
Perhaps Luke wanted to show that Christianity was not a threat to the empire. Luke 3:12f, John admonishes publicans who come to him (John the Baptist) to be fair. Luke 19:1 Zacchaeus does not repudiate his profession but will use it. Luke 20:19, the tribute issues where Jesus sanctions fair taxes. Jesus is presented in a non-threatening posture in relation to Rome.
Luke clearly saw beyond Theophilus to a waiting world. He only takes Jesus’ genealogy beyond its Hebrew roots. Matthew 1:1 “the son of David, the son of Abraham,” from which point he began. Luke 3:38 There are twenty named progenitors following Abraham concluding “The son of Enos, . . . Seth, . . . Adam, the son of God.”
Through his studies about Jesus and consorting with Paul, he is a world-lover. The gospel is for gentiles. Luke 4:25f Jesus’ example of Elias going to the widow of Sarepta and Naaman the Syrian The kingdom is open to Samaritans 10:25 “the Good Samaritan,” and 17:11 “the grateful leper.”
Jesus is friend of outcasts and sinners: 7:36 the sinful woman at Simon the Pharisee’s home; 15:11 the prodigal; 23:43 the penitent thief. Luke captures the heart of Jesus in relation to poor people: 2:24 Mary’s offspring is the offspring of the poor; 6:20 Beatitudes: “Blessed are ye poor”-- Matthew’s “in spirit” omitted; 16:19 parable of the rich man and the poor man.
III. A Final Word May Be Said Relative to Source. V2 “Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word.”
Little doubt that he used Mark’s gospel. It was earlier written. Interpreter’s Bible says that Luke uses 60% of Mark, or about 1/3 of his own material. Interestingly, of first two chapters, (80/52vvs), only 2:39 and 40 appear elsewhere.
He gives us a summary statement relative to sources. Events: v1 “Those things which are most surely believed among us.” Traditions: v2 “just as they were handed down to us from eyewitnesses.” Written records: v1 “many took in hand; v2 “ministers of the word.” His motivation: v3 “It seemed good to me also.”
Don’t lose sight of what Luke attempts to do: to clarify a specific message to a specific need; to encourage any who want to know more about Jesus to seek it; to clearly declare the role of the Holy Spirit in ascertaining truth—17 references in Luke, 57 in Acts, 6 in Mark, 12 in Matthew. Especial significance in first two chapters: shows Jesus’ works through the Holy Spirit. 11:13, “gives good gifts to his children.” A case could be made as well in relation to prayer, social concern, and women.
Conclusion
Barclay (G30p2) “There is no passage of the Bible which sheds such a floodlight on the doctrine of the inspiration of scripture. No one will deny that the Gospel of Luke is an inspired document; and yet Luke begins by affirming that it is the product of the most careful research. God’s inspiration does not come to the man who sits with folded hands and lazy mind and only waits, but to the mind which thinks and seeks and searches. True inspiration comes when the seeking mind of man meets the revealing Spirit of God.”
Mentioned in recall, meaning not clear (written by hand and inserted after 1990):
Emmanuel AME—God with us “to protect,” “magnify”
Winn pond on a dark night
Evening in Oakdale—death of Martin Luke King