Luke 1-13: The Year of the Lord's Favour

by Dale Ralph Davis

Esteemed biblical scholar Dale Ralph Davis examines the treasure to be found in Luke’s gospel. His humor and love for his Saviour shine through in this addition to the Focus on the Bible series. Taking a few verses at a time, the exegesis draws the reader into the fascination that Luke has for this man Jesus. Volume one covers chapters 1–13 of Luke, while volume two covers chapters 14–24.

Genres: Biblical Studies

264 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2021

About the author

Dale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

Reviews

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tell you no one is safe when Dale Ralph Davis – pastor, writer, and seminary professor – has gotten loose! And his newest erudite adventure, the 264-page paperback, “Luke 1-13: The Year of the Lord’s Favor” is proof positive! Davis expounds on the first thirteen chapters of Luke in this volume and draws out loads of friends to help him make his point. His sons, wife, Civil War generals, theologians, crows eating roadkill, presidents, father, mother, his own brothers, and many more, are all gathered around, given their place and handed their mission. He even recounts a story I told some twenty years ago and threw me into the fray! No one is safe, I tell you! And it’s all deliciously fun, attention-grabbing, and illustrative of what our Lord did and does, and of what he said and what he signified. Davis is a masterful writer who disarms his readers, ropes them into his endeavor, and gives them Jesus.

Dr. Davis guides readers through each scene in Luke, working out the details and didactics with an eye to scope and sequence. The material is learned but not laborious. Though he will not allow himself to get bogged down in academic wranglings and minutia, he will acknowledge it where it has some importance, but stays on task, which makes the flow of the book easy on studiers. But he also does not shy away from cutting his own trail, such as when he makes a solid case that the parables Jesus told were not cute tales to help listeners, but actually used to cloud meanings for those outside the fold as a sign of judgment on the unbelieving (135-6). Though it is a commentary, it makes for a great devotional work. I read through it in my morning devotions, finding myself often laughing, pondering, worshiping, and praying.

“Luke 1-13: The Year of the Lord’s Favor” will enrich any who pick it up. Not only will preachers and ministers find aid in sermon prep, and Bible study teachers in lesson research, but they will have their hearts grabbed up, shaken down, and handed over to Jesus. Anyone interested in the Luke needs this volume, and ought to read it with pens and notepads close by, and a place to kneel! I highly recommend the work.

My thanks to Christian Focus Publications for graciously answering my request and sending me the copy of the book used for this review. They made no demands on me, offered no bribes, and took no hostages. Therefore, my analysis is freely made and freely given. Now off to imbibe in the second volume, “Luke 14-24: On the Road to Jerusalem”.

[Zach Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for a Men’s Bible Study. I had to knock off one star because the author often attempts to cover too much in too few of pages.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dale Ralph Davis is the master of Old Testament exposition. His book on Judges (Such a Great Salvation) and his books on the Psalms are some of the best biblical expository writing there is.

I was surprised when I heard he was going to cover a New Testament book. I don't think his style works quite as well here, but it's still really good. I'm giving it four stars, but only in comparison to how great his OT stuff is.

Looking forward to volume 2.

[Phil Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRD never disappoints. Think this is the first book on a New Testament book I have read of his. Great insights and heartwarming application. The only slight downside is that he takes big chunks of Scripture in each chapter, so sometimes it's a bit cursory rather than in-depth.

[Tengxiang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Dale Ralph Davis commentaries by now. Usually I know what a commentator is gonna say at some point after building up some kind of acquaintance, but he continues to surprise me. But I do find him repeating his anecdotes in different books.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always practical and applicable, a great help in both understanding and communicating the Gospel according to Luke.

[Ian Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Dale Ralph Davis in action once again. Broad brush strokes applied to the first half of Luke's gospel, giving some very accessible explanation and application of gospel narrative.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Davis has a way of enlightening the Scripture in an enjoyable way. I learned a lot, was convicted, comforted, and challenged. I had a few chuckles along the way, too.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like these commentaries a lot! He does a great job of breaking things down and gives helpful examples and illustrations. Super helpful!

[Jon Anderson]

Read pp. 1-61 for sermon series on Luke 1-2 (Fall 2022). It's Davis. It's great. What else can I say?
Luke 3-6 for Fall 2023