Sunday, December 2, 2007

DAY THREE: Pastoral Concern

As a final thought on Luke 1.1-4, we note that Luke, who wrote carefully as an historian and author about credible events, also wrote his Gospel out of love and pastoral concern.

The book is addressed to a man named, "Theophilus." Theories abound as to who he was. Some have suggested he was a Roman official, others the patron or sponsor who had agreed to publish the Gospel. Others think he may have been a Jewish high priest or leader. It is clear that he had received some instruction in the Christian faith, but was he a believer? Some think he may have been a new believer, a catechumen who was in the early stages of learning to be a Christ-follower. Others suggest he may have been a God-fearer, a Gentile attached to the synagogue who had been introduced to the idea of Jesus as Messiah, trying to come to grips with the message. Others have thought him simply a seeker, one "loved by God" (the meaning of his name), that Luke was trying to reach with the Gospel.

Bottom line? We don't know much about Theophilus. The text simply records that Luke accorded him respect in his address, and that Theophilus had received some instruction in the Christian faith.

Why did Luke write this Gospel for him? The NRSV puts it this way, "so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed." The words "know the truth" carry the idea of becoming certain or gaining assurance about something. Luke wrote so that Theophilus (and those like him) might have a deeper sense of certainty in their faith.

We all need that, don't we? No matter where we are on our individual spiritual journeys, don't we long for greater assurance--a faith that will endure the ups and downs of life?

That's why Luke wrote his Gospel. In pastoral concern, he provided this book to give us a solid basis for a lasting faith.

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