Prologue

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[Grow~Deeper]

1. What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? (1:2) -  Luke use eyewitness and minister of the word (that is, of the teaching of Christ’s ministry) concerning salvation through faith in Christ.

 

 

What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) What does such a servant do? How does such a servant act? What is the "word" he serves?

Above all question :  The task of a ser­vant of the word is ba­sed on the mis­si­on com­mand gi­ven 

by Je­sus. Those who be­lie­ved in Je­sus were gi­ven the task of brin­ging the gos­pel to all parts of the world. The cong­re­ga­ti­on cal­ls ser­vants of the word from among its mem­bers. It is their task to pre­ach the word of God on the ba­sis of the Bib­le. It must truly expound and apply the text of Scripture, declaring the Word of God to the people of God with admonishment, then trusting the Holy Spirit to apply that Word. 

[AdventIlliniRx]

On 9/26/2020 at 5:06 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

the Book of Luke is especially relevant to those who are analyticals and are educated in the scientific method.  Luke provides eyewitness Testimony of the Life of Jesus Christ and provides proof of His Sovereignty as LORD.

[AdventIlliniRx]

On 9/26/2020 at 5:06 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

Disciples of the LORD Jesus Christ are certain about their Eternal Future and that the LORD sacrificed His Life to Forgive us for our sins and we have Eternal Life by our Faith in Him.

[Isaac L]

On 9/27/2020 at 6:06 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

1. What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? (1:2)

As a traveling companion of Paul, Luke likely had contact with the Apostles and many first-century companions of Jesus. He must have got his sources from them. At the same time, we are almost sure that the Gospel by Mark was available by then.

1. What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) What does such a servant do? How does such a servant act? What is the "word" he serves?

The word refers primarily to the good news of Jesus Christ, but secondarily to Jesus himself as the Word. Hence a servant of the word is one who has embraced the good news of Jesus Christ and lives his life to serve God's purposes. He would do what God told him to do. He would live in conformity to Jesus' example.

1. What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus' life? How has he prepared for this task? (1:3)

Not only does Luke have contact with the eyewitnesses of Jesus' life, but, being trained as a physician, Luke had an eye for details and a knack to dig for evidences. Of course, being well learned with a good grasp of excellent Greek, he was a competent communicator.

1. Is there any way to find "certainty" about the Christian faith? How certain is the Gospel of Luke? What is the certainty we seek? Why do we seek certainty? (1:4)

Although Christianity is a walk of faith and is beyond reason, it is not against reason. We cannot prove this faith in a test-tube as we prove a scientific theorem, but we can "prove" it much like how we ascertain the facts of history or how we argue for the probability or improbability of a notion in a court case. We get eyewitnesses to testify, we examine the credibility of their character, we look for loopholes (in any) in their testimony. We piece together the circumstances of time and location, and the kinds of motives in people, to arrive at a conclusion. We do that all the time in life - and in the various disciplines of law, forensic science, psychology, etc.

We seek some kind of certainty because we are far removed from the times of the Bible events, and because there are many voices in the world, and also particularly when we face disappointments, trials and the like. If we are not deeply assured of our faith, we will not stand in a day of trial.

 

[Isaac L]

On 11/29/2020 at 6:23 AM, AdventIlliniRx said:

the Book of Luke is especially relevant to those who are analyticals and are educated in the scientific method.  Luke provides eyewitness Testimony of the Life of Jesus Christ and provides proof of His Sovereignty as LORD.

Actually strictly speaking, Luke does not attempt to prove anything by the scientific method. The scientific method is only good for verifying repeatable things under our control, e.g. making a pendulum swing and timing it. We cannot control the repetition of the birth, works, death or resurrection of Jesus, like we control a pendulum. Rather Luke proves his case the lawyer's way by collecting evidence from eyewitnesses.

 

[Isaac L]

Does it mean that Luke's gospel is totally chronological, and not at all thematic like Matthew's gospel is?

 

[AdventIlliniRx]

thanks for Brother Luke who documents with certainty and precision the Birth, Life,  Ministry, Death and Resurrection of the LORD Jesus Christ.  

[sally607]

Well my first attempt didnt work so will try again.

I will answer question 1.

I believe Luke wrote his gospel from the many eyewitnesses that had been around Jesus when he was on earth. Luke would have been very much into giving detail about his writings. He also had Marks gospel to fall back on. 

[Maggz]

1.   What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel?

He uses both written sources (i.e. Mark's Gospel, which already exists, and other documents) and also eyewitness accounts.   He would have spoken to many apostles as he travelled around with Paul.  I often wonder whether he spoke to the Virgin Mary, since his description of the Incarnation and the childhood of Jesus is so much fuller in detail than the other Gospels.

2.   What does it mean to be a servant of the word?   What does such a servant do?  How does such a servant act?  What is the word he serves

A servant, one who serves, is one whose whole life should be dedicated to serving his master.   He acts according to his Master's will, does his Master's commands and fulfills His wishes.   The Word is the Gospel, the teaching of Christ about the Kingdom of Heaven

3.    What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus's life?   How has he prepared for this task?

He is an educated man, with a good flow of language.   His koine Greek is sound, and he is articulate.    He is also meticulous in his facts, and accurate in his writings.   He has prepared for this by sifting through the knowledge that is available, and putting it in careful order.

4.   Is there any way to find "certainty"  about the Christian faith?   How certain is the Gospel of Luke?   What is the certainty we seek?   Why do we seek certainty?

The Christian faith cannot be proved in a scientific laboratory, or by a mathematical theorem.   But we can be certain through the inpouring of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to cry "Abba, Father."  We believe that all scripture is God-inspired, therefore we may be certain of the accuracy of the Scriptures.   A lifetime of study will take us deeper and deeper into the truth, and give us a certain faith.   But we are human, and it is only natural to doubt.   This is why we often seek certainty - a proof.

[Irmela]

1. What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? 

Luke mentions that there are other writers who have already gathered material of what had taken place among them. These were gathered from eye-witness who were also ministers of the Word (not just spectators). Some of his material is similar to Matthew and Mark but there are also accounts which have no parallels in the Synoptic Gospels. 

2. What does it mean to be a 'servant of the Word'? 

What does such a servant do? 

How does such a servant act? 

What is the 'Word' he serves?

One who is a helper or an assistant in a sub-ordinate capacity is known to be a 'servant of the Word'. The word is the Gospel message. Examples are the Apostles who were termed officials or servants of Christ and also John Mark who went as an assistant to Paul and Barnabas. 

3. What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus'  life? 

How has he prepared for this task? (1:3)

Luke was an assistant to Paul and was no stranger to the eye-witnesses. [Above all, he was a physician, who in that capacity would have been used to 'fising-out' details so as to accurately prescribe the correct medication or treatment for the ailment in question.] In the capacity described above he was thus used to obtain more detail from the eye-witnesses than another who would write about the same account. He mentions that he searched out all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, so making sure his account was authentic. He also writes the account historically or orderly. 

4. Is there any way to find 'certainty' about the Christian faith? 

How certain is the Gospel of Luke? 

What is the certainty we seek? 

Why do we seek certainty? 

The Gospels were written when the eye-witnesses were still alive. Luke makes it clear that his account of the Teacher (Rabbi) Prophet and Lord, who lived in first century Palestine is historically accurate and has been researched and written in an orderly fashion. 

We seek certainty because we do not want to 'fall' and follow something false. 

[BoazNigel]

I have always found Luke's Gospel of real interest Luke - a travelling companion of Paul - tells us "Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke had access to the writings of Matthew & Mark (John came later) & also as a travelling companion of Paul he would have spoken to many eyewitnesses of the Gospel events collecting teir memories

So we have an extraordinary document in our hands a carefully researched documentary  drawing on the experiences & accounts of the original eyewitnesses 

Being 'published' with the lifetimes of those eyewitnesses we can be sure that this is an accurate account

[hanks]

1.    What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? (1:2)
In these first two verses, Luke reveals himself as a historian. He describes the source materials to which he had access and the method he followed. From the human standpoint he had two types of source materials - written accounts of the life of Christ and oral reports by those who were eye-witnesses of the events in His life. The written accounts that he most probably used were Mark’s Gospel and perhaps Matthew’s Gospel as well. Luke was not an eyewitness of any of the events of the earthly life of Jesus, but he received accurate information from those who were. No doubt Luke spoke with as many of those who were directly involved in the events of Jesus' life as possible - all who were still living at the time in which he undertook his writing. For example, it is very likely that Luke conferred with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Of all the Gospel writers, he alone mentions the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary before the birth of Jesus, the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, and other details connected with the birth and infancy of Jesus. Luke could also have spoken to some of the women who supported Jesus' ministry, as well to Jesus' brothers.
2.    What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) What does such a servant do? How does such a servant act? What is the "word" he serves? 
To be a servant of the Word is to be subservient and obedient to the Word at all times; with Jesus as our Master. As a servant, we are to serve our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Our actions are to try and imitate Jesus in all things, and at all times. The Word is the Gospel message. 
3.    What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus' life? How has he prepared for this task? (1:3)  
Luke was well prepared to write his Gospel. There were several factors that contributed to him being equipped for the task. He was a believer, and a well-educated man; accustomed to dealing with facts. As a physician (Paul calls him "our dear friend Luke, the doctor" in Colossians 4:14), Luke recognized the importance of getting all relevant information and getting it accurately. We see that his research was intensive; investigating everything related to the life story of Jesus. He wrote from the direct testimony of eyewitnesses rather than rely on hearsay. We also notice that Luke's testimony sprang from the totally unselfish motive of a man who was sure of his convictions and stood by them, not for personal gain, but because he had a vital message to share. We must also remember the brief period between Jesus’ death and the writing of this gospel – within 30 years – so a lot of eyewitnesses were still alive and would substantiate the facts. 
4.    Is there any way to find "certainty" about the Christian faith? How certain is the Gospel of Luke? What is the certainty we seek? Why do we seek certainty? (1:4) 
Recently it has been fashionable to question the historical reliability of the four biographers of Jesus; namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The assumptions are that ancient historians lacked the objectivity that is essential to accurate reporting. It is also felt that they were moved by emotional, doctrinal, or legendary motives and sources than by an impartial, investigative technique. How certain is the Gospel of Luke? Those who view the stories of Jesus as legends or myths have to reckon with the fact that there was but a brief period of time between when the events took place and when the written works began to appear. There were people alive who could verify the truthfulness of the Gospel accounts. Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written within about thirty years of Jesus' death. It takes much longer than thirty years to create a legend. The Gospel accounts are not accumulations or collections of such legends. They are records written by men inspired of God, two of whom (Matthew and John) were themselves with Jesus and two (Mark and Luke) who most surely conferred with eyewitnesses. So, we know for sure that Luke has recorded historical facts (100% certainty), based on eyewitness accounts. Eyewitnesses who have seen Jesus, spoken to Him, witnessed the Crucifixion, met and spoke to the resurrected Jesus. 
 

[Isaac L]

On 1/9/2021 at 2:45 PM, Maggz said:

I often wonder whether he spoke to the Virgin Mary, since his description of the Incarnation and the childhood of Jesus is so much fuller in detail than the other Gospels.

That's an interesting thought. Yes, I think he must have spoken to Mary too.

[Isaac L]

On 1/15/2021 at 9:11 AM, hanks said:

1.    What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? (1:2)
In these first two verses, Luke reveals himself as a historian. He describes the source materials to which he had access and the method he followed. From the human standpoint he had two types of source materials - written accounts of the life of Christ and oral reports by those who were eye-witnesses of the events in His life. The written accounts that he most probably used were Mark’s Gospel and perhaps Matthew’s Gospel as well. Luke was not an eyewitness of any of the events of the earthly life of Jesus, but he received accurate information from those who were. No doubt Luke spoke with as many of those who were directly involved in the events of Jesus' life as possible - all who were still living at the time in which he undertook his writing. For example, it is very likely that Luke conferred with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Of all the Gospel writers, he alone mentions the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary before the birth of Jesus, the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, and other details connected with the birth and infancy of Jesus. Luke could also have spoken to some of the women who supported Jesus' ministry, as well to Jesus' brothers.
2.    What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) What does such a servant do? How does such a servant act? What is the "word" he serves? 
To be a servant of the Word is to be subservient and obedient to the Word at all times; with Jesus as our Master. As a servant, we are to serve our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Our actions are to try and imitate Jesus in all things, and at all times. The Word is the Gospel message. 
3.    What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus' life? How has he prepared for this task? (1:3)  
Luke was well prepared to write his Gospel. There were several factors that contributed to him being equipped for the task. He was a believer, and a well-educated man; accustomed to dealing with facts. As a physician (Paul calls him "our dear friend Luke, the doctor" in Colossians 4:14), Luke recognized the importance of getting all relevant information and getting it accurately. We see that his research was intensive; investigating everything related to the life story of Jesus. He wrote from the direct testimony of eyewitnesses rather than rely on hearsay. We also notice that Luke's testimony sprang from the totally unselfish motive of a man who was sure of his convictions and stood by them, not for personal gain, but because he had a vital message to share. We must also remember the brief period between Jesus’ death and the writing of this gospel – within 30 years – so a lot of eyewitnesses were still alive and would substantiate the facts. 
4.    Is there any way to find "certainty" about the Christian faith? How certain is the Gospel of Luke? What is the certainty we seek? Why do we seek certainty? (1:4) 
Recently it has been fashionable to question the historical reliability of the four biographers of Jesus; namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The assumptions are that ancient historians lacked the objectivity that is essential to accurate reporting. It is also felt that they were moved by emotional, doctrinal, or legendary motives and sources than by an impartial, investigative technique. How certain is the Gospel of Luke? Those who view the stories of Jesus as legends or myths have to reckon with the fact that there was but a brief period of time between when the events took place and when the written works began to appear. There were people alive who could verify the truthfulness of the Gospel accounts. Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written within about thirty years of Jesus' death. It takes much longer than thirty years to create a legend. The Gospel accounts are not accumulations or collections of such legends. They are records written by men inspired of God, two of whom (Matthew and John) were themselves with Jesus and two (Mark and Luke) who most surely conferred with eyewitnesses. So, we know for sure that Luke has recorded historical facts (100% certainty), based on eyewitness accounts. Eyewitnesses who have seen Jesus, spoken to Him, witnessed the Crucifixion, met and spoke to the resurrected Jesus. 
 

Very deep, thoughtful reflections indeed. 

[StSw]

WHAT SOURCE DOES LUKE USE AS HE PREPARE HIS GOSPEL

As a doctor Luke was a man of science and for a man of science he was detailed in his findings. His source of finding for his gospel was one of the most reliable. Luke was a good friend of Paul and used to travel with him on his missionary journeys.And so through Paul,Luke was able to interview the disciples, gained access to written documents and personally spoke to many eyewitnesses who were around during Jesus' time.

[StSw]

What Sources Does Luke Use As He Prepare His Gospel

As a doctor,Luke was a man of science and for a man of science he was detailed in his findings. His sources of information for his gospel was one of the most reliable. Luke was a good friend of Paul and used to travel together on Paul's missionary journeys. And so through Paul, Luke was able to interview the disciples and gain access to documents. He also personally spoke to many eyewitnesses.

[Lottie]

1. Luke uses the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John and other witnesses who were there at the time Jesus was living.\

2, Servants are ministers, ones who function as helpers, assistants or officials. 

3. Luke has spoken to the eyewitnesses himself. he has written down everything in an orderly manner and pays attention to detail. 

4. Yes, reading the Gospels tells us all we need to know. We can be very certain since he spoke to the Apostles himself. We want to be certain that what we believe is really true. Because we want to be sure that what we believe is true.

[Godswriter]

What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? (1:2)
What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) What does such a servant do? How does such a servant act? What is the "word" he serves?
What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus' life? How has he prepared for this task? (1:3)
Is there any way to find "certainty" about the Christian faith? How certain is the Gospel of Luke? What is the certainty we seek? Why do we seek certainty? (1:4)

When it comes to the account of the Gospel He uses both of the other Gospels and the witnesses from them to establish his Gospel as well. Servants are people who willing give themselves to the cause of Christ for the Gospel to spread the message of hope to the world. They act merciful and respectful of all authority and learn to be obey all that word says no matter what. It is the Gospel. He has chosen to speak the witnesses personally and learn what they saw when Jesus alive on Earth. By writing down everything from the witnesses for future generations. Yes by reading the Gospels and realizing that some of the things in the Gospels have been proven true by archaeologists already. 

[Irmela]

On 1/9/2021 at 8:45 AM, Maggz said:

1.   What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel?

He uses both written sources (i.e. Mark's Gospel, which already exists, and other documents) and also eyewitness accounts.   He would have spoken to many apostles as he travelled around with Paul.  I often wonder whether he spoke to the Virgin Mary, since his description of the Incarnation and the childhood of Jesus is so much fuller in detail than the other Gospels.

2.   What does it mean to be a servant of the word?   What does such a servant do?  How does such a servant act?  What is the word he serves

A servant, one who serves, is one whose whole life should be dedicated to serving his master.   He acts according to his Master's will, does his Master's commands and fulfills His wishes.   The Word is the Gospel, the teaching of Christ about the Kingdom of Heaven

3.    What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus's life?   How has he prepared for this task?

He is an educated man, with a good flow of language.   His koine Greek is sound, and he is articulate.    He is also meticulous in his facts, and accurate in his writings.   He has prepared for this by sifting through the knowledge that is available, and putting it in careful order.

4.   Is there any way to find "certainty"  about the Christian faith?   How certain is the Gospel of Luke?   What is the certainty we seek?   Why do we seek certainty?

The Christian faith cannot be proved in a scientific laboratory, or by a mathematical theorem.   But we can be certain through the inpouring of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to cry "Abba, Father."  We believe that all scripture is God-inspired, therefore we may be certain of the accuracy of the Scriptures.   A lifetime of study will take us deeper and deeper into the truth, and give us a certain faith.   But we are human, and it is only natural to doubt.   This is why we often seek certainty - a proof.

 

[George L]

Servant, by many in this day and age considered menial when in fact the position is one trusted to serve representing authority and to provide the exact help, care, teaching, as needed as though the one trusting you to serve in their place as they would do.

[crissy464]

1 )  What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospe.? (1-2) 

              Luke used written sources like the Gospel of Mark ,the Q source or The Sayings of Jesus and the L source. The Gospel of Mark provided a foundational framework for Luke, especially in describing Jesus’ ministry and events. The Q source was a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus. And the L source was from material not found in other gospels

2) What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) What does such a servant do? How does such a servant act? What is the "word" he serves?

                A servant, one who serves, is one whose whole life should be dedicated to serving his master.   He acts according to his Master's will, does his Master's commands and fulfills His wishes.   The Word is the Gospel, the teaching of Christ about the Kingdom of Heaven
3) What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus' life? How has he prepared for this task? (1:3)
Is there any way to find "certainty" about the Christian faith? How certain is the Gospel of Luke? What is the certainty we seek? Why do we seek certainty? (1:4)

            Luke decided to create his own account of Jesus’ life and teachings to offer a well-researched, orderly, and culturally relevant narrative for his intended Gentile audience, emphasizing Jesus’ compassion and salvation for all, including marginalized individuals. He followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account. He paid special attention to details.

4) is there any way to find 'certainty about the Christian faith? how certain is the Gospel of Luke? What is the certainty we seek? why do we seek certainty?
           Reading the Gospel will help of find proof of things that have happened. Faith is a belief that can’t be proven. we want to be sure that what we believe is true.

[George L]

1. What sources does Luke use as he prepares his Gospel? (1:2). Eye witnesses.
2. What does it mean to be a "servant of the word"? (1:2) Inexwhobis committed to serving the Lords good news and the kingdom of God. What does such a servant do? Perform tasks as needed for his Lord. How does such a servant act? Faithful emissary. Deliverer of messages or ministry. What is the "word" he serves? Jesus the Word of Bod, the a abundance of God’s heart.
3. What makes Luke an especially good narrator of Jesus' life? He was a technical organized researcher.  How has he prepared for this task? (1:3) Personal interviewing eyewitnesses.
4. Is there any way to find "certainty" about the Christian faith? Examine The record of the witnesses. How certain is the Gospel of Luke? As good as multiple eye wittness accounts can be.  What is the certainty we seek? To know the truth of Jesus intention for us as our times desciples.Why do we seek certainty? (1:4) Faith is based on working truth, not myths and fables.