The Message of Luke

The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament

by Michael Wilcock

Luke the physician was fascinated by people--rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rulers and slaves. In his Gospel he delights to portray Jesus as the Saviour not of an elite group but of anyone, in any condition, who turns to him. Jesus is indeed the Saviour of the world. Luke knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote his Gospel. He tells us his goal in the opening verses: to set forth an orderly and accurate account of what had been accomplished by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. In this up-to-date exposition, Michael Wilcock gives special attention to these opening words. Then, as he examines the individual deeds and sayings of Jesus, he shows how the structure of Luke's narrative brings out their meaning. The good news of Luke is still true today. No one is beyond redemption unless he chooses to put himself there. This message has implications not only for our personal lives but for our churches and for society as a whole.

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christian, Biblical Studies, Christian Non Fiction, New Testament

215 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 1984

Reviews

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong gospel content, and the book was appropriately entitled the “Message of Luke”. I felt like I was reading a transcript of a jumbo sermon on Luke. With barely 200 pages, and with lots of references to and some discussions of other books of the Bible - I don’t think the author wanted to bequeath his readers with a textual analysis on Luke through this book. No doubt that the gospel was richly taught front and centre here. But I wouldn’t have purchased this book had I known that I may derive similarly strong content from good sermons available online for free. I suppose if I had read this with the expectation of simply having an overview of Luke, I would have been more satisfied.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Deep, Penetrating, and Provoking”. These are the words you will be thinking when you finish “The Message of Luke” by Michael Wilcock, as it is one of the most well written books on the Gospel of Luke that I have had the privilege of reading. This book is parts of the ever-growing series called “The Bible Speaks Today”, produced by IVP Academic.  “The Bible Speaks Today” is a thoroughly Evangelical series which serves as an introduction as well as practicality explaining the Gospel of Luke through a thoroughly Evangelical perspective. 

In the introduction, with regard to the dating of Luke, Wilcock argues well for an early date while, briefly, against critical arguments for older dating. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up today and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints, even ones that have just recently been published.

Wilcock is a excellent exegete specifically and when it comes to the Gospel, it shines in this volume.  Wilcock makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Wilcock brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through the Gospel of Luke.

Through exegeting the Gospel of Luke, Wilcock demonstrates why he is a great Old Testament scholar of the modern age, which makes this a must-read by pastors preaching or Layman teaching through this Gospel either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.

This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

[Tim Sandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the BSTs - this one included. From time to time I work through a BST in my quiet times, alongside reading the Bible through cover to cover and working through the prayers in Valley of Vision and those on my prayer sheet.

[Nancy Moffett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated Wilcock's insight into Luke's gospel. Not dully preachy, but inspiring. Needs to be read with the text (of Luke).

[Rick Hogaboam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise commentary that provides many biblical-theological nuggets throughout.