|
Topic:
The Book Of Luke - A Brief Overview, Part 2 Of 2
Purpose for which the Gospel of Luke was written.--The evangelist
professes to write that Theophilus "might know the certainty of those
things wherein he had been instructed." ch, (Luke 1:4) This
Theophilus was probably a native of Italy and perhaps an inhabitant of
Rome, in tracing St. Paul's journey to Rome, places which an Italian might
be supposed not to know are described minutely, (Acts 27:8,12,16) but when
he comes to Sicily and Italy this is neglected. Hence it would appear that
the person for whom Luke wrote in the first instance was a Gentile reader;
and accordingly we find traces in the Gospel of a leaning toward Gentile
rather than Jewish converts.
Language and style of the Gospel.--It has never been doubted that the
Gospel was written in Greek, whilst Hebraisms are frequent, classical
idioms and Greek compound words abound, for which there is classical
authority. (Prof. Gregory, in "Why Four Gospels" says that Luke
wrote for Greek readers, and therefore the character and needs of the
Greeks furnish the key to this Gospel. The Greek was the representation of
reason and humanity. He looked upon himself as having the mission of
perfecting man. He was intellectual, cultured, not without hope of a
higher world. Luke's Gospel therefore represented the character and career
of Christ as answering the conception of a perfect and divine humanity.
Reason, beauty righteousness and truth are exhibited as they meet in Jesus
in their full splendor. Jesus was the Saviour of all men, redeeming them
to a perfect and cultured manhood.--ED.)
From: Smith's Bible Dictionary. Fair Use. Presented for educational
purposes only.
If these words have been a blessing, please forward them
to a friend.
These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites
called Wisdom Minute. This site is located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/wisdomminute
Shepherd's Care Ministries Main Site located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/ |
