Luke
Audience
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Key References
Explore the Structure
Explore the structure of each book.
| Section | Focus | Connection to the whole |
|---|---|---|
| The births and early years Luke 1:1–2:52 Interpretation | Promise, praise, and preparation | The birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses. |
| The ministry prepared Luke 3:1–4:13 Interpretation | John, baptism, and temptation | John's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry. |
| Ministry and discipleship Luke 4:14–9:50 Interpretation | Authority, mercy, and recognition | Teaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering. |
| The journey toward Jerusalem Luke 9:51–19:27 Interpretation | Following Jesus on the way | The extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death. |
| Jerusalem and the temple Luke 19:28–21:38 Interpretation | Visitation, conflict, and watchfulness | The entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch. |
| Passion, resurrection, and commission Luke 22:1–24:53 Interpretation | Scripture fulfilled and witness prepared | Jesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power. |
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.