THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

Abilene Christian University

January 8-12, 2001

Mark A. Matson

 

Course Description.

 

            The Gospel according to Luke stands at the end of the synoptic tradition, a mature reflection on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.  As Part One of the longer narrative Luke-Acts, it has a coherent theological trajectory.  And yet, since others have previously written narratives of Jesus, Luke’s story stands in some creative tension with the previous gospels.  In this course we will attempt to deal with both of these aspects of Luke’s meaning: the internal narrative theology of Luke and the external dialogue with other narratives.  Throughout we will struggle with the way current readers can appropriate the stories into their lives.

 

Texts.

 

‘ Joel B. Green. The Theology of the Gospel of Luke.  Cambridge University Press, 1995.

‘ Luke Timothy Johnson. The Gospel of Luke. Liturgical Press, 1991.

‘ Synopsis of the Four Gospels.  English Edition. United Bible Societies.

 

Course Requirements.

 

1.         Read all assignments before the stated class periods.  This includes the analysis of parallel passages in the Synopsis.

 

2.         Prepare a daily journal of important issues raised in the class.  Due on the last day of class.  (10% of grade)

           

3.         Take an examination on the pre-class reading (10% of grade)

 

4.         Take a final objective examination. (25% of grade)

 

5.         Engage in some post-class e-mail discussions (10% of grade)

 

6.         Write a research paper, approx. 20 pages long, due April 2, 2000 (35% of grade)

 

7.         Actively engage in the class discussions. (10% of grade)

 

Advance Course Preparation.

 

‘ Read Green,  The Theology of the Gospel of Luke,  before the beginning of the first class.

‘ Read Johnson, The Gospel of Luke, pp. 1–62, before the beginning of the first class.

 

With reference to this advance reading, please pay read with an eye to the following questions:

 

1.  According to Green and Johnson, in what way is the emphasis on the inclusion of "the marginalized" a programmatic focus of the 3rd gospel?  Aspects of this to consider:

            a) who are "the marginalized?"

            b) which passages in Luke emphasize this?

            c) can one speak of a narrative design involving this concern for "the marginalized?"

 

2.  According to Green, how does Luke articulate questions of wealth/power and the concern for an egalitarian community?

 

3.  According to Green, in what way(s) does Luke present Jesus' relationship with Judaism?  In particular, how does Luke portray:

            a) The link to Old Testament Scriptures and figures.

            b) The Pharisees.

            c) Jerusalem.

            d) The Jewish Leaders.

 

4.  How does Green describe Luke's portrayal of prayer and praise?

 

5.  According to Green, what role does the Holy Spirit play in Luke's understanding of God's purpose in the Gospel?

 

Attendance.

 

Given the intensive nature of this course, attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

 

Grading.

 

The grading scale to be used is:

 

            92 - 100           A

            83 - 91             B

            72 - 82             C

            60 - 71             D

            Below 71         F

 

Contact.

 

You can contact me before the short session, or afterwards, at the following address:

 

            Mark Matson

            3713 Meadow Green Dr.

            Johnson City, TN  37601

            Office Phone:  (423) 461-8720

            Home Phone: (423) 282-5144

            web page http://www.milligan.edu/Administrative/MMatson/lukeabilene.htm

 

Schedule.

 

Monday

            8:00 -   11:30               Setting the Scene: The Birth and Youth of Christ (Lk 1:1–2:52)

            11:30                           Quiz on pre-course reading.

            12:00 - 2:00                 Lunch

            2:00  -  5:00                 Scripture and Luke; History, Sources & the Location of Meaning.

Reading for Tuesday:  Johnson, pp. 63–129. 

Analysis for Tuesday: Synopsis §§33, 41, 50, 51, 59, 62, 95, 161      

 

Tuesday

            8:00 -   12:00               The Ministry in Galilee (Lk 3:1–9:50)

            12:00 - 2:00                 Lunch

            2:00  -  5:00                 The Role of the Holy Spirit; Prayer and Luke.

Reading for Wednesday: Johnson, pp. 130-235.

Analysis for Wednesday:  Synopsis §§ 177 – 180, 191, 235, 266

 

Wednesday

            8:00 -   12:00               The Journey to Jerusalem (Lk 9:51–19:27)

            12:00 - 2:00                 Lunch

            2:00  -  5:00                 Luke and the Marginalized.

Reading for Thursday:   Johnson pp. 235–331.

Analysis for Thursday:  Synopsis §§ 271, 279, 307, 311, 330, 336 – 341.

 

Thursday

            8:00 -   12:00               The Passion of Christ (Lk 19:28–23:31)

            12:00 - 2:00                 Lunch

            2:00  -  5:00                 Luke and Judaism; The Eschatology of Luke.

Reading for Friday: Johnson pp. 331–406.

Analysis for Friday:   Synopsis §§  346, 347, 352, 353.

 

Friday

            8:00 -   12:00               Death, Resurrection and Ascension (Lk 23:32–24:53)

            12:00 - 2:00                 Lunch

            2:00 - 3:00                   Closing Discussions

            3:00  -  5:00                 Final Examination