The Gospel according to Luke (Pillar New Testament Commentary | PNTC)

by James R. Edwards

Publishers:

Eerdmans; Apollos

, 2015

Overview

In keeping with the Pillar New Testament Commentary’s distinctive character, this volume by James R. Edwards on Luke gives special attention to the third Gospel’s vocabulary and historical setting, its narrative purpose and unique themes, and its theological significance for the church and believers today.

Though Luke is often thought to have a primarily gentile focus, Edwards counterbalances that perspective by citing numerous evidences of Luke’s overarching interest in depicting Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s providential work in the history of Israel, and he even considers the possibility that Luke himself was a Jew. In several excursuses Edwards discusses Luke’s infancy narratives, the mission of Jesus as the way of salvation, and Luke’s depiction of the universal scope of the gospel. While fully conversant with all the latest scholarship, Edwards writes in a lively, fluent style that will commend this commentary to ministers, students, scholars, and many other serious Bible readers.

Key Features

• Focuses on Luke’s theological significance for the modern church
• Discusses the universal scope of the gospel
• Counters the view that Luke has a primary focus on gentiles

Contents

Top Highlights

“The disarming intrusion of God into the world in the birth of Jesus stands in sharp contrast to the imperial ambitions of Caesar Augustus. God does not break into the world in a world leader, Führer, or cosmic hero—all of which Caesar Augustus epitomized. God penetrates the defensive armor of the world by sending his Son as a child, not to the well-connected and established, but to shepherds who live on the precarious margins of society.” (Page 66)

“Jesus begins Peter’s journey of discipleship not by calling him away from his profession, but by challenging him to bolder practice of it. Jesus does not assert his lordship at Peter’s weakest point but at his strongest point—his professional expertise as a fisherman!” (Page 154)

“Jesus does not rebuke the disciples for disbelieving the evidence associated with the resurrection, or for disbelieving the witness of the women, or even for not recognizing himself. He rebukes them for reading the Scriptures without understanding and belief.⁷⁵ The disciples’ problem is not one of head, but of heart.” (Pages 720–721)

“Two voices are audible in Peter’s reply—the professional fisherman and the fledgling disciple, the man of this world and the man of faith. Peter knows from experience the futility of fishing after sun-up, when fish can see the nets, and he reminds Jesus, who is considerably less experienced in such matters, of this fact. His final word, however, is not based on his experience, reasonable as it may be, but on the authority of Jesus.” (Pages 154–155)

“‘The devil addressed Jesus as the Son of God, but Jesus answered with the duties of a common man. This is the meaning of his sonship, not to stand above human beings, but to live among them; not, as God, to be different, but as a man like them to carry out his commission as the Son of God.’” (Page 125)

Praise for the Print Edition

Edwards deftly leads readers through the historical context, narrative dynamics, and main themes of Luke’s story of Jesus with clear and insightful commentary. This is a useful book for preachers, teachers, and students hoping to delve deeper into the Gospel of Luke.

—Michael F. Bird, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

This is a first-rate commentary, written by a seasoned New Testament exegete, reflecting the wisdom and insight we have come to expect from its author. It is built on a foundation of excellent scholarship and in dialogue with the best secondary literature; its approach to the text is reverent and edifying . . . . Immensely rewarding.

—Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Gospel according to Luke
• Author: James R. Edwards
• Series: Pillar New Testament Commentary
• Publishers: Eerdmans, Apollos
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 859
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Luke › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780802837356, 9781783592685, 0802837352, 1783592680
• Resource ID: LLS:PNTC63LU
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-24T16:37:12Z

About James R. Edwards

James R. Edwards is professor of religion at Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. He has written numerous articles in scholarly and popular journals and is a contributing editor of Christianity Today. His other books include The Layman’s Overview of the Bible, The Divine Intruder: When God Breaks into Your Life, and the volume on Mark in the Pillar New Testament Commentary Series.