According to Luke

by David W. Gooding

Right from the start of his gospel, Luke makes it clear that the story of Jesus is neither ancient myth nor contemporary fable. It is straightforward history. To emphasize this he provides us with historical coordinates. He informs us, for example, that when John began publicly to introduce Christ to his nation it was in the fifteenth year of the Emperor Tiberius' reign, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas. This is, then, an historical account. But what does Luke's history of Jesus mean? And how can we be certain that we have understood the message that he has presented in his account of Christ's life? David Gooding asks us to begin by recalling that Luke is an ancient and not a modern historian. A modern historian might compile a list of the things that Jesus did and taught, and then add his own explanations. But Luke has more in common with ancient historians such as Thucydides and writers of Old Testament books such as Judges and 1 and 2 Samuel. With minimal comment, he has grouped the material about Christ in a way that leads thoughtful readers to discover for themselves the point and purpose of each incident. Luke is, then, both historian and artist. It has often been lamented that Christ's public ministry on earth was so short-lived, and his death at the hands of his enemies a tragedy. But Luke will not have it so. Following Christ's own statements, he divides his Gospel into two the coming of Christ from glory into our world, and his going back to glory. David Gooding shows that by arranging the events of each part into discreet stages and movements, Luke is proclaiming that Christ was carrying out a definite mission-his going, by way of his cross, resurrection and ascension was as deliberate as his coming. With a profound understanding of both the Scriptures and the classical world that influenced Luke, this exposition leads us through the artistry of Luke's presentation. However familiar the terrain of this Gospel, we will find that having an experienced guide makes a difference. By bringing out the significance of the narrative as a whole, David Gooding's analysis will help us to arrive at a confident understanding of Luke's message and open up insightful lines of application at each step along the way.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Reference, Christian

450 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1987

About the author

David W. Gooding is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Greek at Queen's University, Belfast and a member of the Royal Irish Academy. His international teaching ministry is marked by fresh and careful expositions of both testaments. He has published scholarly studies on the Septuagint and Old Testament narratives, as well as expositions of Luke, John 13-17, Acts and Hebrews.

Reviews

[Frank Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another outstanding book by David Gooding. This is in essence a commentary on Luke. However, it is not a verse by verse commentary, but rather something much more interesting. Gooding brings out more out of the book, than I ever imagined that was present in the book. In particular, he outlines parallelism throughout the book, which he teaches is a first century form of historic commentary. I am convinced and thus recommend the book.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a helpful level of insight and detail without being lengthy and over-technical. It provides useful summary charts of events and their significance which enables parallels to be easily drawn and appreciated.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a good overview in a readable format for the Gospel of Luke. Has some unique ideas, and overall structure information - helpful in my teaching of Luke!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always consult this work when teaching or preaching on Luke’s gospel. Does not cover the entire gospel but has helpful insights on structure and themes.

[Ian Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing exposition of Luke's gospel, breaking the text down into a series of parallel passages. Sometimes this comes across as a little too clever for its own good, but on many occasions is really insightful. For example, I had not noticed the way that the birth narratives fall into pairs of events, which are themselves bracketed by the contrasting accounts of the old man Zechariah at the temple and the boy Jesus at the temple. Gooding's own style of presenting each section is extremely readable and summarises each section very clearly.

[Stephen Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Gooding demonstrates in this book just how meticulous Dr Luke chose the material for his gospel, and also how well he arranged it in order that his readers would know who Jesus is and what he came to do. You will know Luke better by reading this and what a great writer and historian he was, but more importantly the meaning of the good news of Jesus Christ will be clearer.

[Kathy Manchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

best