Passage Explorer
Before you read

Luke

The most orderly Gospel: Jesus as Savior for everyone, with a special eye on the poor, outsiders, women, and the lost.

See the map and timelineJump to Chapter 1

Who wrote it

Traditionally Luke, a doctor and companion of PaulDebated

The book doesn't name its author. Early church tradition says Luke, the doctor Paul mentions (Colossians 4:14), wrote it and Acts as a two-part work addressed to Theophilus. Many scholars accept that; some doubt that the author knew Paul personally.

Who it was for

Theophilus, and through him Gentile and Jewish followers of Jesus

The opening names "most excellent Theophilus," a title of a person of rank. Whether he was a real patron, a new believer, or a symbolic reader ("lover of God") is debated. The Gospel explains Jewish customs and places and stresses that salvation reaches all nations, which suggests a largely Gentile readership.

When it happens

Under Roman rule, told with careful dates

Luke ties the story to Roman and local rulers: Augustus, Quirinius, Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod, and the high priests Annas and Caiaphas. Most scholars date the book to the 70s or 80s AD, after the fall of Jerusalem; some argue for the early 60s. The date is debated.

How to read it

Gospel

The first half of a two-volume work (Luke and Acts). It opens with a careful preface like an ancient history, and it includes stories found only in Luke, such as the good Samaritan, the prodigal son, and the road to Emmaus.

Map: from Bethlehem to Jerusalem

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Dead SeaGALILEEJUDEASAMARIA

Jesus is born in Bethlehem, grows up in Nazareth, teaches in Galilee, journeys toward Jerusalem, and after his resurrection meets two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Timeline

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  1. Jesus' birth and ministryBirth usually placed around 6-4 BC, ministry around AD 27-30.
  2. Luke is writtenMost scholars say the 70s or 80s AD. The date is debated.
  3. The temple fallsRome destroys Jerusalem's temple in AD 70.

In order, not to scale.

Big idea

God has visited his people in Jesus, and the good news of salvation is for everyone, beginning with the lowly and the lost.

Key themes
  • Salvation for all
  • The poor and the outsider
  • Women and the overlooked
  • Prayer and the Holy Spirit
  • Joy and a journey to Jerusalem

Who’s who

Jesus

Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, announced as Savior, Christ, and Son of God.

Mary

A young woman of Nazareth, mother of Jesus.

  • Parents: Heli
  • Married to: Joseph
  • Children: Jude, Jesus, Simon, Joses, James
  • Chapters: 1, 2

John the Baptist

Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who prepares the way.

  • Parents: Zacharias, Elisabeth
  • Chapters: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 16, 20

Simon Peter

A fisherman of Capernaum; first appears here by his earlier name, Simon.

  • Parents: Jonas
  • Siblings: Andrew
  • Chapters: 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 22, 24

Zacchaeus

A chief tax collector of Jericho, rich and short.

Pontius Pilate

Roman prefect of Judea from about AD 26 to 36.

  • Chapters: 3, 13, 23

Family links and chapters: Theographic Bible Metadata, CC BY-SA 4.0. About our sources