Good News for Gentiles

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).