The Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are two books in the New Testament of the Christian Bible traditionally attributed to Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul. While the exact motivations behind Luke’s writing may not be explicitly stated in the texts themselves, scholars offer some insights based on historical and literary analysis.
- Gospel According to Luke:
- Luke’s Gospel is one of the synoptic Gospels, alongside Matthew and Mark. It is believed to have been written between 70 and 90 AD.
- Luke mentions in the opening verses that he had “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” and decided to write an orderly account “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4, NIV). This suggests a desire to provide a well-researched and orderly narrative of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Luke’s Gospel is often characterized by its emphasis on compassion, inclusion, and the universality of the Gospel message. It may have been written with a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience in mind, highlighting Jesus’ concern for all people.
- Acts of the Apostles:
- Acts is considered the sequel to the Gospel of Luke and is believed to have been written between 80 and 90 AD.
- The book of Acts continues the narrative, beginning with the ascension of Jesus and detailing the early history of the Christian church, especially the activities of the apostles, with a particular focus on the missionary journeys of Paul.
- Acts can be seen as a historical account of the spread of Christianity and the early challenges faced by the apostles. It also serves to link the ministry of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke with the growth and expansion of the early Christian community.
- Luke may have intended Acts to be a defense of the Christian movement, demonstrating its legitimacy and continuity with the teachings of Jesus.
In summary, Luke’s Gospel and Acts of the Apostles were likely written to provide a reliable and organized account of the life of Jesus and the subsequent growth of the early Christian community. The emphasis on certainty, compassion, and inclusivity suggests a purpose of strengthening the faith of believers and reaching out to a broader audience, possibly including Gentiles.
