Year of the Bible: Part Nine of TwelveSample

Eyewitness Testimony

Luke was the only Gentile writer in the Bible. He did extensive research and interviewed many eyewitnesses to get the information shared in his Gospel. In his summary of Luke, David Pawson points out that Luke did not know he was writing scripture. He was most likely detailing the events of Jesus’ life and ministry to help prove that Paul, who was in prison, was preaching the truth based on eyewitness testimony. Once freed, Paul went on to preach the Gospel to further reaches of the world before he was arrested again and eventually martyred.

The historical context of this book makes it even more interesting. Luke got these stories by interviewing the people who lived them with Jesus. When writing Mary’s story, he would have asked her to recount her experiences with Jesus: her interaction with the angel who told her she would have a son by the Holy Spirit, her perspective of the birth and life of Jesus, and her hope that Jesus would be given the throne of David and rule forever as King of all kings. The air must have been charged with excitement as Luke penned these stories.

When Luke heard these accounts, they were fresh with hope and excitement that Jesus would return and set up His kingdom here on earth. We are still holding to that hope, though the enemy tries to steal it from us. Luke wrote with confidence that these eyewitnesses had known the Messiah. His account is written with educated language and palpable faith.

Question: Can you imagine hearing the stories firsthand from eyewitnesses as Luke did?

Prayer: Ask God to refresh your faith today as you ponder that the Gentile Luke was used to pen a Gospel, thinking it was only a defense for his friend Paul. Ask God to let the work of your hands carry the truth of Jesus to many for generations to come.