Luke 1: 1-4
” Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Luke begins his gospel account in an orderly fashion explaining what he is writing and why he is writing it. He admits that it is not the first account of Jesus that has been written, so we should not be surprised if the gospels of Matthew and Mark are quoted here as source material. There are two major differences that separate Luke from Matthew and Mark. Both of these gospels were written from and for a Jewish perspective. Luke, on the other hand, writes to Theophilus, who if not a Gentile at least has a very Gentile sounding name. So it is very likely that Luke was written for us Gentiles. It is debated, but also possible that Luke himself was a Gentile. If so, Luke’s Gospel provides us with a unique perspective into the Jewish world that Jesus was raised in.
Q: Why would God go to the trouble of including a gospel account written by a Gentile in the Bible?
The Messiah and his good news was the means by which God would bless all the peoples of the earth. This was the plan from the beginning as God promised to Adam, Abraham, and Moses. Luke highlights this in Luke and Acts.
This Gentile is thankful that God’s work of salvation extends to all peoples.
Amen, brother!
God’s plan is amazingly complete.