Definition

Proper noun * The Gospel According to Luke: One of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is an account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, traditionally attributed to Luke the Evangelist. This gospel is noted for its detailed narratives of Jesus's birth and early life, its emphasis on prayer, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus's compassion for the poor, outcasts, and women.

Usage

• The term "the Gospel According to Luke" is used as the formal title of the book. It is often shortened to "the Gospel of Luke" or simply "Luke" when the context is clear.
• It is used to refer to the text itself, its content, or its theological perspective.

Examples

• As a title:
  • We will be studying the Gospel According to Luke this semester.
  • The story of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke, chapter 15.
• Referring to content or perspective:
  • His sermon focused on the themes of mercy presented in the Gospel of Luke.
  • Only the Gospel According to Luke contains the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Advanced Usage

• "Lukan": An adjective derived from "Luke," used to describe something pertaining to this gospel or its traditional author.
  • Scholars discuss the Lukan emphasis on social justice.
• Synoptic Gospels: The Gospel According to Luke is one of the three Synoptic Gospels (along with Matthew and Mark), meaning they share a similar narrative structure and content.

Variants and Related Words

• Luke (n.): The common shortened name for this gospel.
  • Please turn to the book of Luke.
• Gospel of Luke (n. phrase): A common variant of the full title.
• Third Gospel (n. phrase): A traditional designation, as it is the third book in the canonical order of the New Testament gospels.

Synonyms

• Luke (when used as the name of the biblical book)
• The Third Gospel

Related Phrases

• Synoptic Gospel: A category including Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• Infancy narrative: A term often used for the detailed accounts of Jesus's birth and childhood found in the early chapters of this gospel.

Noun

1. one of the four Gospels in the New Testament; contains details of Jesus's birth and early life