Biblical theology of Luke Paper

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Dallas Theological Seminary *

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5105

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Religion

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May 3, 2024

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1 BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF LUKE ___________________ An Assignment Presented to Dr. Paul Weaver Dallas Theological Seminary ___________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course BE5105 The Gospels ___________________ by Samuel E.M. Mompremier January 2024

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF LUKE Defining Biblical Theology The definition of biblical theology is based on the historical, inductive, and descriptive approach and methodology of understanding the theological concepts and beliefs presented and held by the authors of canonical scripture. At its core, biblical theology is the product of observing the scripture in its original historical context, using inductive methods to observe and interpret the authors intentions, and describe the theological beliefs held by the author of the text. In this paper, I aim to layout the main theological themes expressed within the writings of the Gospel of Luke. Bibliology Scripture is Inspired. Luke includes a brief introduction to his writings, laying out the purpose of the text and the audience to which it is written. (1:3) In the process of doing this, he highlights that he is only one of several others who have felt compelled to record the events which have occurred regarding the ministry of Jesus Christ. In this instance, Luke is not directly expressing a belief in inspiration of scripture that claims an explicit and direct call from God to the author to write the text. However, Luke’s conviction to record the events of Jesus’ life and ministry is based upon the hopes that the reader would “have certainty” about the life and ministry of Jesus. (1:4) 2

Theology Proper God is Omniscient. Luke records several instances in Jesus’ ministry where we see the omniscience of God present in the person of Jesus Christ. Luke records moments where Christ is knows the thoughts and intentions of singular individuals and groups of people at the same time. (6:8, 7:39; 9:47). In the moments leading up to the Last Supper, Jesus instructs the disciples with knowledge of things that are elsewhere—such as the colt he will use to ride into Jerusalem—and with knowledge of the people who will be present, like the owner of the colt who inquires why they are taking it. (22:10-13) Jesus’ omniscience is later revealed in the heart of Simon Peter, that he would deny Jesus. (22: 34, 61) These recordings communicate that Luke witnessed or inquired about enough instances to hold the theological conviction that Jesus possessed the omniscience of God even in human form. 1 God is Righteous. In the first chapter of Luke, Mary’s prayer is recorded with a recap of the faithfulness of God’s righteousness over the course of Israel’s history. Mary praises God for lowering kings and raising up the humble, for helping Israel and being merciful, and by being faithful through the ages since the promises made to Abraham. (1:52-55) Luke’s inclusion of this prayer in his writings leads the reader to believe that Luke himself holds that these praises towards God serve as an accurate representation of God’s righteousness, and thus deserve to be included in the narrative of Jesus’ pre-public life. Where Mary mentions God’s merciful righteousness towards Israel, Luke later records John the Baptist’s public teachings in which he uses a metaphor of an ax at the root of the unfruitful tree to portray the judgement of God’s righteousness. (3:9) Further on, in the parable teachings of Jesus, Luke records the parable of the persistent widow. Here, we see God’s 1 Weaver, Paul, Constable, Thomas, Glasscock, Ed, Santos, Filipe, Toussaint, Stanley. Surveying the Gospels and Acts (Learn the Word Bible Survey Series Book 5). Learn the Word Publishing, 2017, 112. 3

righteous judgement expressed as being certain to His faithful ones. (18:5-8) This text presents a description of God’s righteousness that is similar to the merciful righteousness as mentioned in chapter three. God is Omnipresent. Although there are several instances within the other gospels where Jesus heals from a distance, Luke makes a point to record the specific healing of the centurion’s servant. Through the dialogue and the centurion, we not only see an example of the authority of Jesus’ healing ability but also the omnipresent nature of God. (7:1-10) God is Omnipotent. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is recorded as performing miracles that heal individuals on a molecular level. Jesus does not merely correct a physical ailment, but he alters the molecular state of a person’s body in order to restore their body from a cellular abnormality. This is observed in his restoration of sight, ceasing of long-term bleeding, and raising individuals from death back to life. (7:14-15) God is Sovereign. Luke records the pre-public life of Christ, including the genealogy of Jesus, displaying the specific control and that God has over the course of history, down to the detail of family lineage. The recording of Jesus’ lineage points towards the metanarrative of God’s plan from the beginning of time, and that Jesus is part of God’s sovereign plan of redeeming humanity. Furthermore, Luke records Christ’s own words, depicting the events to come in his time on Earth and in His second coming. Christology Dual Nature of Christ. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Christ refers to himself as both the Son of God and Son of Man, however, Luke records Jesus using Son of Man more when referring to 4

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