I am curious about Luke.

[TheWall]

Why is it that Luke talks about Simeon Anna Elizabeth and Zechariah? I do not mean to say that those stories are not useful or good. Far from that. Why Luke however? Mathew and Mark spoke to a primarily Hebrew audience. Why did Luke choose to tell of these things to theophilus?

I am most curious.

[mikewhitney]

We can't exactly know what Luke was intending. But we can try to build a broader context based on what Luke talked about.

Much information about the Messiah (and the hope of Israel) had been expressed by Zechariah. There appears to be an interest in showing the Jewish context from which (and for which) the Messiah appeared. This would be important for non-Jewish people to understand. There likely would be an apologetic aspect -- to explain the Messianic message, now more popular among Gentiles, to the rest of the world. Without such context, Paul (or others) would have to confront more situations like Rom 11 where the Gentiles weren't thinking so highly of Jews.

Also, many miraculous and prophetic events were described. We see then that certain stirrings among the people had been created -- even before Jesus had begun public ministry. So the gospel message had basis for acceptance among Jews and among Gentiles.

[Cow Poke]

One of the first questions we ask when examining context: To whom was Luke writing?

Luke was writing to Theophilus about Jesus. Luke also wrote the book of Acts, also to Theophilus. I think that might be a key.

I think Luke was wanting Theophilus (most likely a Roman official) to understand that that this "new thing" (the Gospel of Jesus - which would become very disruptive as he records in Acts) was a fulfillment of OT prophecy, not a distortion of the Jewish faith. (All of those people are old, perhaps suggesting "the old way", and the birth of Jesus represented "the new way")

By the way, I heard somebody say of the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts that it's "the same guy telling the same guy about the same guy". (Luke telling Theophilus about Jesus)

[TheWall]

Much information about the Messiah (and the hope of Israel) had been expressed by Zechariah. There appears to be an interest in showing the Jewish context from which (and for which) the Messiah appeared. This would be important for non-Jewish people to understand.

Also, many miraculous and prophetic events were described. We see then that certain stirrings among the people had been created -- even before Jesus had begun public ministry.

Makes sense. If you are talking to people who did not know the Torah you have to give a background.

[TheWall]

One of the first questions we ask when examining context: To whom was Luke writing?

Luke was writing to Theophilus about Jesus. Luke also wrote the book of Acts, also to Theophilus. I think that might be a key.

I think Luke was wanting Theophilus (most likely a Roman official) to understand that that this "new thing" (the Gospel of Jesus - which would become very disruptive as he records in Acts) was a fulfillment of OT prophecy, not a distortion of the Jewish faith. (All of those people are old, perhaps suggesting "the old way", and the birth of Jesus represented "the new way")

By the way, I heard somebody say of the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts that it's "the same guy telling the same guy about the same guy". (Luke telling Theophilus about Jesus)

Thank you.

[mikewhitney]

Cow Poke may be a bit more accurate in narrowing the discussion to the addressee of Luke's gospel. I have assumed a broader audience. It is hard to know why the gospel is written for Theophilus. And was Theophilus one who would purposely share this gospel with a broader crowd?

[TheWall]

What got me thinking about this was I was reading Luke tonight. I know that prophecy is prevalent in all of the gospels John makes a lot of it. I know that each book in the bible was written to specific folks across several years.

I remember learning about jesus using the title son of man came from Daniel 7.

I must admit some books of the bible are far more familiar to me than others.

[TheWall]

It is interesting that we dont really know who theophilus is.

[Faber]

I think there's a clue in Luke 2:19-20, "But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." How would Luke have known that? Apparently Luke had some kind of connection with Mary, which would have helped to give him insight to events surrounding the birth of Jesus that the other authors didn't have.

[Cow Poke]

It is interesting that we dont really know who theophilus is.

I've heard everything from he was a Roman Official, a Jew from Alexandria, and even Paul's lawyer in Rome. There's even a school of thought that he was a Jewish High Priest, Theophilus ben Ananus.

I think the one thing we can agree on... Luke highly revered and respected him.

[TheWall]

I think there's a clue in Luke 2:19-20, "But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." How would Luke have known that? Apparently Luke had some kind of connection with Mary, which would have helped to give him insight to events surrounding the birth of Jesus that the other authors didn't have.

It certainly is possible. I know that in John I believe that they talk about how you could never have a big enough book to record the life of jesus. Still it is intriguing to imagine. Imagine the gospel writers with an industrial printer

[Cow Poke]

I think there's a clue in Luke 2:19-20, "But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." How would Luke have known that? Apparently Luke had some kind of connection with Mary, which would have helped to give him insight to events surrounding the birth of Jesus that the other authors didn't have.

It just occurred to me the other night.... think about the fact that Simeon did the blessing, then I can imagine him saying, "oh, Mary - by the way, this baby is destined for big trouble, and so are you".

As for how Simeon got the information about what Mary was thinking - the Bible says that the Holy Spirit was upon him, has visited him and told him he wouldn't die before seeing the Christ, and led him to the Temple for this event. It's entirely possible that the Holy Spirit told Simeon what was in Mary's heart.

[Cow Poke]

It certainly is possible. I know that in John I believe that they talk about how you could never have a big enough book to record the life of jesus. Still it is intriguing to imagine. Imagine the gospel writers with an industrial printer

Scripture Verse: John 21:25

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

© Copyright Original Source

[Terraceth]

Maybe it's just me, but I always just assumed that when Luke says Theophilus (god lover), he is not writing it to one specific individual but is simply speaking to the reader. As in, the "theophilus" is anyone who read the gospel wanting to learn about Jesus.

[Cow Poke]

Maybe it's just me, but I always just assumed that when Luke says Theophilus (god lover), he is not writing it to one specific individual but is simply speaking to the reader. As in, the "theophilus" is anyone who read the gospel wanting to learn about Jesus.

Nope - not just you. That's certainly another possibility. Just kinda odd that he wouldn't just say that.