Commentary on the Book of Luke

By Claudius Brown

The Book of Luke is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. It is attributed to the author Luke, who was a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul. The book is primarily concerned with the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, presenting a detailed narrative of these events.
Here are some key themes and topics covered in the Book of Luke:
Birth and Childhood of Jesus: Luke provides an account of the birth of Jesus, including the announcements made to Mary and the shepherds, the journey to Bethlehem, and the nativity scene. It also includes stories of Jesus' childhood, such as the presentation at the temple and the visit to Jerusalem at the age of twelve.
Ministry of Jesus: Luke records the teachings, miracles, and parables of Jesus as he travels throughout Galilee and Judea. It covers various aspects of Jesus' ministry, including his preaching, healing, casting out demons, and interactions with people from different backgrounds.
Emphasis on Mercy and Compassion: Luke highlights Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and the outcasts of society, such as the poor, the sick, women, and sinners. The parables of the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Pharisee and the Tax Collector are examples of this emphasis on mercy and inclusivity.
Emphasis on Prayer and the Holy Spirit: Luke portrays Jesus as a man of prayer who frequently withdraws to pray. It also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' life and ministry, including his baptism and the empowering of the early disciples on the day of Pentecost.
Universal Salvation: Luke emphasizes the universality of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Gospel is not limited to a particular group or ethnicity but is intended for all people, regardless of their social status or background. This is reflected in the inclusion of stories about Gentiles, women, and sinners who experience God's grace and forgiveness.
Crucifixion and Resurrection: Luke provides a detailed account of Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. It includes the dialogue between Jesus and the criminals crucified alongside him and the encounter with the risen Jesus by the disciples on the road to Emmaus and in Jerusalem.
The Book of Luke offers a comprehensive and detailed narrative of Jesus' life and teachings, presenting him as the compassionate Savior who came to seek and save the lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claudius Brown
• Release date: May 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223626213

Claudius Brown

This book is about me and the struggles I go through to survive in this world. I hope that those who read my book will be encouraged to not quit on life due to the struggles they are going through.

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Chapter 1

Gospel research and reliability.

In as much as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Luke 1:1-4 is the opening passage of the Gospel of Luke, where the author, traditionally believed to be Luke the physician and companion of the apostle Paul, explains his purpose and method in writing the account of Jesus' life and ministry. Let's break down these verses and examine their meaning:

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us: Luke acknowledges that many others before him had attempted to write about the events surrounding Jesus. This indicates that there were already existing accounts or oral traditions circulating about Jesus' life and teachings.

Just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word: Luke emphasizes the reliability of the information he received. He states that the accounts were handed down to him by people who were not only eyewitnesses to the events but also servants of the word, suggesting they were followers of Jesus and involved in spreading his teachings.

It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus: Luke expresses his intention to provide a well-researched and orderly account of Jesus' life. He claims to have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, likely referring to gathering information from eyewitnesses and other sources. Luke addresses the Gospel to a person named Theophilus, who may have been a specific individual or represent a broader audience.

So that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught: Luke's ultimate goal is to offer Theophilus (and others) an accurate and reliable account of Jesus' life and teachings. He seeks to provide a solid foundation for the teachings Theophilus has already received, ensuring a better understanding of the truth.

Overall, these verses highlight Luke's intent to write an orderly and thoroughly researched account of Jesus' life, based on the testimonies of eyewitnesses and earlier sources. The purpose is to provide an accurate and trustworthy record of the events and teachings of Jesus for the benefit of Theophilus and other readers.

Zacharias & Elizabeth's Background

Luke 1:5 is the beginning of the account of the birth of John the Baptist in the Gospel of Luke. It sets the historical context by mentioning Herod, the king of Judea at that time. The verse also introduces the main characters involved, namely Zacharias and Elizabeth.

Zacharias was a priest belonging to the division of Abijah. In ancient Israel, the priests were divided into 24 divisions, and each division served in the temple for a specific period of time. Abijah was one of these divisions. This detail indicates that Zacharias was a member of the priestly lineage and performed his priestly duties in the temple at a designated time.

Elizabeth, Zacharias' wife, is described as being from the daughters of Aaron. This means that she was from a lineage of priests, as Aaron was the first high priest of Israel and the brother of Moses. The mention of her lineage highlights the couple's adherence to their religious heritage and their connection to the priestly tradition.

Together, Zacharias and Elizabeth play important roles in the biblical narrative, as they are chosen by God to be the parents of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Barren Couple's Righteousness.

In terms of Luke 1:6-7 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.

Luke 1:6-7 is a passage from the Bible that describes the righteousness of a couple named Elizabeth and Zechariah. It states, They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.

This passage introduces Elizabeth and Zechariah, who were devout and obedient to God's commandments. They lived righteous lives, meaning they were morally upright and followed God's teachings diligently. Despite their righteousness, they faced the hardship of infertility. Elizabeth, the wife, was unable to conceive a child, and both she and Zechariah were elderly.

The mention of their advanced age and Elizabeth's barrenness emphasizes the seemingly impossible situation they found themselves in. In the cultural context of that time, having children was seen as a blessing and a sign of God's favor. The fact that Elizabeth and Zechariah remained childless despite their faithfulness to God's commandments would have been considered a source of great disappointment and social stigma.

However, this passage serves as an introduction to the miraculous events that follow. It sets the stage for the announcement of the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the arrival of Jesus Christ. Despite Elizabeth's infertility and their advanced age, God's plan was to bless them with a child who would play a significant role in the fulfillment of prophecy.

Ultimately, this passage highlights the faithfulness of Elizabeth and Zechariah in obeying God's commandments, even in the face of personal challenges. It foreshadows the extraordinary circumstances that would follow and underscores the message of God's power to bring about the impossible.

Priest chosen by lot.

Luke 1:8-9 describes an event involving a priest named Zechariah. According to the passage, Zechariah was serving as a priest before God in the appointed order of his division. The priests in ancient Israel were divided into different divisions or courses, and each division served in the temple for a specific period of time.

During his service, Zechariah was chosen by lot, a process of random selection, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Burning incense was an important ritual performed by the priests in the temple. It was considered a symbolic act of offering prayers and worship to God.

The selection of Zechariah by lot to perform this duty would have been a significant and solemn occasion for him. It was an opportunity for him to carry out a sacred task within the temple, an honor that was not granted to all priests. The act of burning incense was typically performed in the Holy Place, which was the inner part of the temple where only the priests were allowed to enter.

This event sets the stage for the subsequent narrative in the Gospel of Luke, where Zechariah receives a visitation from the angel Gabriel, who announces to him that his wife, Elizabeth, will conceive and bear a son who will be named John, and who will play a crucial role in preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah.

Luke's Angelic Announcement.

Luke 1:10-11 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Luke. It describes an event related to the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ.

In these verses, it is mentioned that the entire multitude of people were gathered outside in prayer at the hour of the incense offering. The incense offering was a part of the Jewish religious practices and was performed by the priests in the Temple in Jerusalem.

During this time, an angel of the Lord appeared to a priest named Zechariah, who was standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense. The appearance of the angel was unexpected and supernatural.

This encounter with the angel is part of the story of the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. The angel informs Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth, who was previously barren, will conceive a son who will be named John. This child will play a significant role as a prophet to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Luke 1:10-11 portrays the divine intervention and the miraculous nature of the events leading up to the birth of John the Baptist, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan and the special role assigned to John in preparing the people for the arrival of Jesus.

Fearful Zacharias

In the biblical passage Luke 1:12, it describes the reaction of Zacharias, who was a priest, when he encountered an angel. The verse states:

But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.'

When Zacharias saw the angel, he was troubled and gripped by fear. This reaction is not uncommon in biblical accounts of encounters with heavenly beings. The appearance of angels or divine messengers often evoked a sense of awe, reverence, and fear in those who witnessed them. The overwhelming presence and supernatural nature of the encounter could cause individuals to feel a deep sense of unease or even terror. In this particular instance, the angel reassured Zacharias and told him not to be afraid before delivering the message regarding the birth of his son, John the Baptist.

John's Birth Announcement.

Luke 1:13 is part of the narrative in the Gospel of Luke in the Bible, where the angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, a priest, to announce the upcoming birth of his son, John the Baptist. Let's break down the verse:

But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.'

In this verse, the angel Gabriel addresses Zacharias, reassuring him and asking him not to be afraid. The reason for this reassurance is because Zacharias was startled and afraid when he saw the angel. The angel then informs Zacharias that his prayer or petition has been heard by God.

Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth had been barren and had longed for a child. The angel reveals that Elizabeth will conceive and bear a son. The angel also tells Zacharias that he is to name the child John. The name John was specifically instructed by God and had a significant meaning, as it means God is gracious.

This announcement by the angel Gabriel fulfills the prophecy given in the Old Testament regarding the coming of a special messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist played a crucial role in preparing the people for the ministry of Jesus Christ, as he baptized people and proclaimed the coming of the Messiah.

Joyful Birth Rejoiced

Luke 1:14 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Luke. It is part of the narrative surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, who was to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The verse states:

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

In this context, the verse is spoken by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Gabriel is informing Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, will conceive a son despite her advanced age, and they are to name him John. This news is met with disbelief by Zechariah, and as a consequence, he is struck mute until the birth of his son.

The verse highlights the joy and gladness that will accompany the birth of John. It implies that the birth of this child will bring great happiness, not just to his immediate family but to many others as well. The arrival of John the Baptist was seen as a significant event in preparing the way for Jesus, who would later be born and bring salvation to the world.

Overall, Luke 1:14 emphasizes the anticipation and celebration surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and the hope that his coming brings.

John's Unique Prophetic Calling

Luke 1:15 is a verse from the Bible, specifically from the New Testament in the book of Luke. It refers to a prophecy regarding the birth and character of John the Baptist. The verse states:

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb.

This verse is part of the angel Gabriel's announcement to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, foretelling the unique qualities and purpose of his son.

The verse emphasizes several key points about John the Baptist:

Greatness in the sight of the Lord: It suggests that John would be highly esteemed by God and have an important role in God's plan.

Abstinence from wine or liquor: John would live a life of abstinence from alcoholic beverages. This emphasis on abstaining from wine or liquor is commonly interpreted as a sign of his separation and dedication to God's service.

Filled with the Holy Spirit: The verse also indicates that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit even while he was still in his mother's womb. This signifies that John would have a special connection with God and be divinely inspired to carry out his mission.

Overall, Luke 1:15 highlights John the Baptist's unique calling and the special role he would play in preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.

John's Impact

Luke 1:16 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible and is part of the prophecy regarding the birth of John the Baptist. In this verse, it is said of John that he will have a significant role in turning many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. Let's break down the verse and explore its meaning:

And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.

This statement refers to the mission and impact of John the Baptist, who was foretold as the one who would prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. John's purpose was to call people to repentance, to turn them from their sinful ways, and to redirect their hearts and lives back to God. He would play a crucial role in bringing the people of Israel closer to their relationship with God.

This verse signifies John's role as a prophet and forerunner, sent to awaken the spiritual consciousness of the people and to lead them into a renewed commitment to God. John's preaching and baptism of repentance had a profound impact on the people, drawing them closer to the Lord and encouraging them to reconcile with God through a change of heart and lifestyle.

In essence, Luke 1:16 emphasizes the transformative effect John the Baptist would have on the people of Israel, leading them to return to a faithful relationship with God.

Luke 1:17 Explanation.

Luke 1:17 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Luke. It refers to the prophecy given by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, regarding the role of John in preparing the way for the Lord.

The verse states, It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

In this verse, the angel Gabriel is speaking about John the Baptist and his mission. He will come in the spirit and power of Elijah, which means that he will have a similar calling and anointing as the prophet Elijah from the Old Testament. John's role is to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

The verse mentions two aspects of John's mission. First, he will turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children. This can be understood as a call to restore relationships and reconciliation within families. John's preaching and message of repentance would encourage people to reconcile with one another, promoting unity and love within families.

Second, John will turn the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous. John's message will challenge people to turn away from their sinful ways and to adopt a righteous and obedient attitude towards God. He will call people to repentance, urging them to change their hearts and lives in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

Ultimately, John the Baptist's mission is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. He is to prepare the hearts and minds of the people, awakening their faith and readiness to receive Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior.

This verse highlights the important role that John the Baptist played in preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. His preaching and baptism served as a catalyst for people to turn towards God, setting the stage for the coming of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.

Doubtful Zacharias Seeks Confirmation

In Luke 1:18, Zacharias, the husband of Elizabeth, responded to the angel Gabriel's announcement that they would have a child. Zacharias expressed his doubt and questioned how he could be certain that the angel's words would come true. He highlighted his and his wife's advanced age as a reason for his skepticism.

Zacharias' doubt was understandable considering their age and the fact that Elizabeth had been unable to conceive. However, the angel Gabriel, who was sent by God, had come with a divine message and was assuring Zacharias of the fulfillment of the prophecy. Gabriel went on to explain that because of Zacharias' skepticism, he would be struck mute until the day the prophecy was fulfilled.

Later on, as the events unfolded, Zacharias witnessed the fulfillment of Gabriel's words when Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to John the Baptist, as foretold. This served as a reminder that God's promises can be trusted, even when they seem unlikely or impossible from a human perspectiveGabriel's Silent Prophecy

Gabriel's Silent Prophecy

Luke 1:19-20 is part of the biblical account of the angel Gabriel appearing to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. In this passage, Gabriel identifies himself as the angel who stands in the presence of God and announces that he has been sent to bring Zechariah good news.

The angel informs Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, will conceive a son, despite her old age. However, Gabriel also tells Zechariah that he will be unable to speak until the day when these things come to pass because he did not believe the angel's words.

This episode is significant because it foreshadows the miraculous birth of John the Baptist and serves as a demonstration of the power and faithfulness of God. Zechariah's temporary silence serves as a consequence of his doubt, and it builds anticipation for the fulfillment of Gabriel's prophecy. Ultimately, Zechariah's silence is lifted when his son is born, and he confirms the child's name as John, as instructed by the angel.

Zacharias Delay Worries People

Luke 1:21 states, And the people were waiting for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. This verse is a part of the biblical account of the angel Gabriel appearing to Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, in the temple.

According to the context provided in the preceding verses, Zacharias was performing his priestly duties inside the temple when Gabriel appeared to him. Gabriel announced to Zacharias that his wife Elizabeth would conceive a son, despite their old age. This child would become John the Baptist, who would play a significant role in preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.

While Zacharias was inside the temple, the people who had gathered outside were eagerly awaiting his return. They grew concerned and wondered why Zacharias was taking so long. Little did they know that he had encountered an angel and received a divine message.

This verse highlights the anticipation and curiosity of the people, who were unaware of the extraordinary event unfolding inside the temple. It serves to emphasize the miraculous nature of John the Baptist's conception and the divine intervention in Zacharias' life.

zechariah's muteness explained

Luke 1:22 is part of the biblical account of the birth of John the Baptist. In this verse, it describes the moment when John's father, Zechariah, comes out of the temple after performing his priestly duties and is unable to speak to the people waiting outside.

According to the narrative in Luke's Gospel, Zechariah was serving as a priest in the temple when an angel named Gabriel appeared to him. The angel informed Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive a child who would be named John. However, Zechariah doubted the angel's words, questioning how this could happen since he and his wife were both advanced in years.

As a consequence of his doubt, Gabriel struck Zechariah mute until the time of John's birth. When Zechariah emerged from the temple, he couldn't speak to the people waiting outside. They realized that he had experienced some kind of vision or encounter within the temple, and Zechariah communicated with them through signs.

Zechariah remained unable to speak until the time came for his son's circumcision, as described later in Luke chapter 1. At that moment, when Zechariah affirmed the name of his son as John, his ability to speak was restored.

This account highlights the fulfillment of the angel's prophecy and serves as a sign of the miraculous nature of John the Baptist's birth. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises.

Zechariah's Priestly Service Ended.

Luke 1:23 is part of the narrative describing the events leading up to the birth of John the Baptist. It states, When his time of service was completed, he returned home. This verse refers to the end of the period during which John's father, Zechariah, served as a priest in the temple.

To provide some context, Zechariah was a priest belonging to the division of Abijah, and his wife Elizabeth was also from a priestly lineage. During his assigned time of service in the temple, Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. While performing this duty, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and announced that his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive and give birth to a son, who would be named John and would play a significant role in preparing the way for the Messiah.

After this encounter with the angel, Zechariah completed his priestly service, and it is at this point that the verse in question states that he returned home. The following verses in Luke's Gospel continue the story of