Luke: Summary & Overview

Overview

Luke, a physician and careful historian, wrote the most detailed account of Jesus' life. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus' compassion for outcasts — the poor, women, Samaritans, sinners, and Gentiles. Luke contains beloved parables found nowhere else: the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Rich Man and Lazarus.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' compassion for outcasts
  • The universality of the Gospel
  • Joy and celebration
  • Prayer and the Holy Spirit
  • Reversal of worldly values

Famous Verses

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:10

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Luke 6:31

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 1:37

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 15:7

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Key Facts

Testament
New Testament
Genre
Gospel
Author
Luke (physician)
Date Written
~58–63 AD
Chapters
24

Related Books

Read Luke in Context

Luke is part of our reading plans. Start reading through the Bible today.

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