Bible Discussion Thread

INTRODUCTION TO LUKE (Part 5):

And it could be that Theophilus, being in the Roman government (a Roman guard maybe), but in the Roman government. But it could be that he was putting together something for Paul because Paul was waiting to have his appeal to Caesar brought about, and he needed an official document of his life, and what he is charged with, and what his response is, even before he sees Caesar.

Many scholars believe that Theophilus was putting this together for Paul, and that Luke was doing it because Theophilus knew Luke, and he knew Luke had been with Paul, and Theophilus was now saved, so the three of them knew each other.

So, when Theophilus comes to Paul and says we got to put some documents together, Paul says, you know, Dr. Luke used to travel with me. Theophilus says "No way, I know him. He is a brother. Yes, contact him. We need something written up." And so many people believe that these two documents actually traveled to Rome originally as court documents, documenting the life and ministry of Christ and Paul.

Now I find this very humorous. I had to mention that first because you might not get it just by reading it. But there are two things by way of characteristics of the gospel that support the trial document view. It is because the way Luke wrote about all the uprisings, all the riots, and that all the trouble was caused by the Jewish leaders. They did it all!

But the second thing he did in his gospel, the centurion soldiers were the good guys. So that makes it look pretty good. So, you are appealing to somebody who is not Jewish when you do this. Interesting note!