Good News for Gentiles
Luke’s Gospel (as well as Acts) is addressed to someone named Theophilus. Little is known about this person, though speculation abounds. Was this an individual or a group of believers? Was Theophilus, which means “lover of God,” his given name or a name taken after conversion (a common practice)? The title “most excellent” (Luke 1:3) indicates prominence and a high rank in Roman society. However, the title is dropped in Acts 1:1. Did Theophilus lose his position in the intervening years?
One thing seems apparent: Luke was writing to and for a Gentile reader. In fact, a major emphasis of the account is that the gospel is not just for a select nation. Jesus offers forgiveness and salvation freely to all humanity, regardless of race, gender, or social merit. Luke shows that the Good News is for:
• Samaritans (Luke 9:52–56; 10:30–37; 17:11–19);
• Gentiles (2:32; 3:6, 8; 4:25–27; 7:9; 10:1; 24:47);
• Jews (1:32, 33, 54);
• women (1:26–56; 7:36–50; 8:1–3; 10:38–42);
• outcasts such as tax collectors, widows, lepers, and the disabled (3:12; 4:27; 5:27–32; 7:11–15, 22, 23, 37–50; 14:1–6; 15:1; 17:12; 19:2–10);
• the poor (1:53; 2:7; 6:20; 7:22); and
• the rich (19:2; 23:50).
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