That Thou Mightest Know

The Gospels are full of surprises. They are old but ever new. The God of heaven wants us to know clearly the facts of the earthly life of Christ. We must never grow weary in being reminded of these truths. The Word of God tells us that you must know Christ, believe on Christ and turn from your sins to be saved. Knowing Christ is vital for souls of the lost and the saved. Here we make some introductory remarks about the gospel of Luke.

1. reason for the gospel: to believe the truth about Christ

Luke seeks to convince people of the truth of Christ as others have done.

1a. author: Luke
The author of Luke is not named but it is accepted that Luke wrote the gospel of Luke
Col 4:14 - Luke is the beloved physician. He is loved of Paul and the Lord
2 Timothy 4:11 - Luke remained loyal to Paul when Demas departed Paul
Philemon 24 - Luke is a fellow-laborer

1b. recipient: Theophilus
Little is known about him. It seems like he was a nobleman, probably a Gentile. He was somebody that needed to know the things of Christ better

1c. method: investigation
"understanding" is knowledge gained by careful investigation. Facts are important for faith to begin and grow. Don't treat facts carelessly. We get insight on inspiration. The word of God was at times dictated but here we see Luke investigating to put forth facts. Luke is giving history. The doctrine of inspiration does not remove the agency of men. Luke wrote with care and persuasion. He is not a disinterested historian. He is seeking to convince his readers that the gospel is true.

2. themes in the gospel
   Christ was promised of old (2:25)
   Christ is for people (the prodigal son)
   Christ had a passion (22:44)