# Gospel of Luke > book of the New Testament **Wikidata**: [Q39939](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39939) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Luke) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gospel-of-luke ## Summary The Gospel of Luke is a book of the New Testament that narrates the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is one of the four canonical Gospels and was written by Luke the Evangelist, who also authored the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel is distinguished by its emphasis on Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and its unique parables and birth narratives. ## Key Facts - **Author**: Luke the Evangelist, one of the four evangelists. - **Date of Composition**: Approximately 85 AD. - **Canonical Status**: Part of the New Testament and the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). - **Unique Source Material**: Incorporates the "L source," which includes distinctive content like the virgin birth, parables of the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son. - **Part of**: New Testament, canonical Gospels, Luke–Acts composite work. - **Genre**: Literary work, specifically a Gospel. - **Instance of**: Gospel, literary work, religious text. - **Notable Content**: Contains unique narratives like the virgin birth and parables not found in other Gospels. - **Composed of**: 24 chapters, each individually categorized in source data. - **Related to**: Synoptic Gospels, Bible, Christianity. - **Written in**: Koine Greek. - **Canonical Gospels**: Part of the four-book collection that includes Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. - **Cultural Impact**: Influential in Christian theology, liturgy, and art. - **Scholarly Recognition**: Referenced in academic and theological discourse through numerous identifiers and properties. ## FAQs **Who wrote the Gospel of Luke?** The Gospel of Luke was authored by Luke the Evangelist, who is also known for writing the Acts of the Apostles. He is recognized as one of the four evangelists in Christian tradition. **What makes the Gospel of Luke unique among the canonical Gospels?** It is unique for including the "L source," which features the virgin birth narrative and distinctive parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. It also emphasizes Jesus' ministry to the marginalized. **What is the canonical placement of the Gospel of Luke?** It is part of the New Testament and is one of the four canonical Gospels, collectively known as the synoptic Gospels along with Matthew and Mark. **When was the Gospel of Luke written?** It is generally dated to around 85 AD, making it one of the later Gospels in the New Testament. **What is the "L source"?** The "L source" refers to a hypothetical collection of oral traditions unique to Luke, which includes key narratives like the virgin birth and specific parables. **What is the relationship between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles?** The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles together form a composite work known as "Luke–Acts," usually attributed to the same author, Luke the Evangelist. **What are some unique features of the Gospel of Luke?** It includes the virgin birth, parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, and a focus on Jesus' compassion for the poor and marginalized. **What is the literary genre of the Gospel of Luke?** It is a Gospel, a type of literary work that blends historical narrative with theological interpretation. **What is the significance of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament?** It provides a detailed account of Jesus' life and teachings, emphasizing themes of salvation, compassion, and social justice, and is foundational to Christian theology. **What are some identifiers for the Gospel of Luke?** It is associated with numerous identifiers including: - Wikidata ID: Q18813 - Library of Congress ID: no2013095674 - GND: 4036616-9 - BNF: 120082436 - Library of Alexandria ID: 9587c62e-d7b0-44c4-aac7-ec7f426c7a52 ## Why It Matters The Gospel of Luke is significant for its unique theological emphasis on Jesus' compassion for the poor and marginalized, and for its detailed nativity narrative. It has profoundly shaped Christian theology, particularly in its portrayal of Jesus as a figure of universal salvation. The Gospel also contributes to the broader Christian canon by offering a narrative that is both historical and devotional, influencing liturgy, art, and Christian social teaching. Its companion work, the Acts of the Apostles, extends its influence into the early history of the Church. ## Notable For - Being one of the four canonical Gospels and part of the synoptic tradition. - Unique inclusion of the virgin birth narrative and parables like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. - Emphasis on themes of compassion, social justice, and inclusion of the marginalized. - Co-authorship with the Acts of the Apostles under the Luke–Acts composite. - Attribution to Luke the Evangelist, who is also known for the Acts of the Apostles. - Incorporation of the "L source," which is inferred to be unique material not found in Matthew or Mark. - Detailed narrative style that includes historical context and theological reflection. - Composition around 85 AD, making it one of the later New Testament texts. - Canonical status as part of the Christian biblical canon. - Influence on Christian liturgy, hymnody, and theological discourse. - Contribution to the understanding of early Christian community and ethics. ## Body ### Authorship and Attribution The Gospel of Luke is attributed to Luke the Evangelist, who also authored the Acts of the Apostles. Luke is identified as one of the four evangelists and is known for his literary and theological contributions to the New Testament. The Gospel is part of the Luke–Acts composite work, which is foundational to early Christian literature. ### Composition and Structure The Gospel of Luke comprises 24 chapters, each with its own thematic and narrative elements. It is structured to provide a comprehensive account of Jesus' life, from his birth to his ascension. The Gospel is known for its detailed narratives, including the virgin birth, parables, and teachings of Jesus. ### Canonical Context As part of the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke is one of the four canonical Gospels, collectively known as the synoptic Gospels. It is closely related to the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark, with which it shares narrative elements and theological themes. ### Unique Content and Sources The Gospel of Luke incorporates the "L source," which includes unique narratives such as the virgin birth, the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. These elements distinguish it from other Gospels and emphasize its focus on compassion and inclusion. ### Theological Themes Central theological themes include the universality of salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of social justice. The Gospel emphasizes Jesus' ministry to the poor, marginalized, and outcasts, reflecting a distinctive Lukan theology. ### Literary Style and Influence The Gospel of Luke is noted for its literary elegance and Hellenistic influence, written in polished Greek. It has influenced Christian liturgy, hymnody, and theological reflection for centuries. ### Relationship to the Acts of the Apostles The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles form a two-volume work, with the Gospel focusing on Jesus' life and the Acts detailing the early Church's expansion. This dual structure underscores the continuity of God's salvific plan. ### Scholarly and Cultural Impact The Gospel of Luke has had a lasting impact on Christian theology, culture, and education. It is referenced in numerous academic and theological contexts, as evidenced by its inclusion in databases and scholarly literature. ### Historical and Canonical Significance As part of the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke is foundational to Christian doctrine and history. It has been preserved through centuries in various manuscript traditions and continues to be studied for its rich narrative and theological insights. ### Modern Recognition and Study The Gospel of Luke is widely studied in academic and religious contexts. It is referenced in numerous databases, indices, and scholarly works, affirming its enduring relevance and influence. ### Identifiers and Cataloging The Gospel of Luke is cataloged under various identifiers: - Wikidata ID: Q18813 - Library of Congress ID: no2013095674 - GND: 4036616-9 - BNF: 120082436 - Library of Alexandria ID: 9587c62e-d7b0-44c4-aac7-ec7f426c7a52 These identifiers reflect its importance in bibliographic and archival contexts. ### Related Entities and Chapters The Gospel of Luke is composed of 24 chapters, each individually categorized and referenced: - Luke 1 to Luke 24 - Canonical Gospels - New Testament - Synoptic Gospels - Bible - Luke–Acts Each chapter contributes to the overall narrative and theological message of the Gospel. ### Legacy and Continuity The Gospel of Luke continues to be a vital text in Christian theology and religious education. Its emphasis on compassion, justice, and inclusion has influenced Christian social teaching and community engagement. The Gospel's legacy is preserved in liturgical practices, theological discourse, and cultural expressions of faith. ## References 1. BabelNet 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. MusicBrainz 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. FactGrid 6. [Source](https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/abbrevhelp)