The beginning of the Gospel of Luke

“The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,” (Acts 1:1). (1) Both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are dedicated to Theophilus. (a) In the Gospel of Luke, he is addressed as “most excellent Theophilus.” “Most excellent (kratistos)” is a title for a high-ranking Roman official, which is also used in Acts 23:26, 24:3, and 26:25. (b) The name Theophilus means both “one who loves God” and “one who is loved by God.” (c) Such introductions were common in the Roman world of the first century. The Jewish historian Josephus also used a similar style of address. (d) Theophilus was likely a patron who supported Luke’s writing activities (presumed to be a Roman Christian). (2) Verses 1-2 serve as a summary of the Gospel of Luke. “The first account” refers to the Gospel of Luke. The purpose of the Gospel was to present the events of Jesus’ life in chronological order (the other three Gospels do not adhere strictly to chronological order). The Gospel of Luke begins with the activities and teachings of Jesus and ends with His ascension. (3) It says, “all that Jesus began to do and teach.” The work of Jesus did not end two thousand years ago; it continues even now. The resurrected Jesus is still working through the church on earth by the Holy Spirit.

The ending of the Gospel of Luke

“Until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen.” (1) There are three main characters in the Acts of the Apostles: (a) the resurrected and ascended Jesus, (b) the apostles who carry out Jesus’ commands, (c) the Holy Spirit who connects Jesus and the apostles. (2) The apostles, no matter how many times they were told, could not understand the plan of Jesus’ “death on the cross and resurrection.” It is the Holy Spirit, who opens spiritual eyes and helps understand the scriptures. They received the breath of the risen Lord Jesus and were told, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). At that moment, they received the Holy Spirit, but in a way similar to the times of the Old Testament. This was not the indwelling Holy Spirit, but the power of the Holy Spirit to understand the word of God. (3) The Gospel of Luke ends with the account of Jesus’ ascension (Luke 24:50-53). The power that transformed the disciples was the conviction that the Lord Jesus had risen. The Lord Jesus is alive today and is working through us. A life of walking with the Lord Jesus is a blessed life.