THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE SERIES: THE GOSPEL OF LUKE REVISED EDITION - Softcover

Barclay, William (Editor)

4.25

276 ratings by Goodreads

9780664241032: THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE SERIES: THE GOSPEL OF LUKE REVISED EDITION

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0664241034 ISBN 13: 9780664241032

Publisher: Westminster Press, 1975

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

The Gospel according to Luke has been called the loveliest book in the world. As a Gentile, Luke has the distinction of being the only New Testament writer who was not Jewish. He was a doctor by profession - compassionate and kind, he saw people as they truly were. Luke saw men and women and loved them all for who they were. A gospel of distinct characteristics, Luke is all-inclusive - it is the Gospel for the Gentiles, the Gospel of Prayer, the Gospel of Women, the Gospel of Praise and the Gospel of the Poor. Millions of people, worldwide, love William Barclay's endlessly fascinating ability to unlock and reveal the meaning of the New Testament in our daily life. Barclay breaks down the barriers to the ancient past, enabling the modern reader to understand fully what was really said in the New Testament. Familiar stories are given a startling twist that many readers say they find thrilling because they are brought face-to-face with the characters and the action. Another reason for their thrilling impact is simply that people are inspired by a truly great writer. With his wonderful communication skills and down-to-earth enthusiasm, Barclay brings hidden details into full view, enriching our appreciation of the entire New Testament and changing and deepening the meanings of many well-known stories.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

William Barclay (1907-1978) is known and loved by millions worldwide as one of the greatest Christian teachers of modern times. His insights into the New Testament, combined with his vibrant writing style, have delighted and enlightened readers of all ages for over half a century. He served for most of his life as Professor of Divinity at the University of Glasgow, and wrote more than fifty books--most of which are still in print today. His most popular work, the Daily Study Bible, has been translated into over a dozen languages and has sold more than ten million copies around the world.

First and foremost, Luke's gospel is an exceedingly careful bit of work. His Greek is notably good. The first four verses are well-nigh the best Greek in the New Testament. In them he claims that his work is the product of the most careful research. His opportunities were ample and his sources must have been good. As the trusted companion of Paul he must have known all the great figures of the Church, and we may be sure that he had them tell their stories to him. For two years he was Paul's companion in imprisonment in Caesarea. In those long days he had every opportunity for study and research and he must have used them well.
An example of Luke's care is the way in which he dates the emergence of John the Baptist. He does so by no fewer than six contemporary datings. 'In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar [1], Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea [2], Herod being tetrarch of Galilee [3], and his brother Philip being tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis [4], and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene [5] in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas [6], the word of God came to John' (Luke 3:1-2, Revised Standard Version). Here is a man who is writing with care and who will be as accurate as it is possible for him to be.

A Historian's Care

The Gospel of Women
In Palestine the place of women was low. In the Jewish morning prayer a man thanks God that he has not made him 'a Gentile, a slave or a woman'. But Luke gives a very special place to women. The birth narrative is told from Mary's point of view. It is in Luke that we read of Elizabeth, of Anna, of the widow at Nain, of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet in the house of Simon the Pharisee. It is Luke who makes vivid the pictures of Martha and Mary and of Mary Magdalene. It is very likely that Luke was a native of Macedonia where women held a more emancipated position than anywhere else; and that may have something to do with it.

The Gospel of Praise
In Luke the phrase praising God occurs oftener than in all the rest of the New Testament put together. This praise reaches its peak in the three great hymns that the Church has sung throughout all her generations - the Magnificat (1:46-55), the Benedictus (1:68-79) and the Nunc Dimittis (2:29-32). There is a radiance in Luke's gospel which is a lovely thing, as if the sheen of heaven had touched the things of earth.
� William Barclay

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.