The Jewish Gospel of Luke

Course Info

In this course, Dr. Brian Robinson explores the Gospel of Luke from within first-century Judaism. What assumptions do modern readers import into Luke's gospel and how this changes what we understand?  We answer questions about Luke as a first-century historian and consider the methods that influenced the writing of Luke's gospel. We focus on key moments of the gospel story and on beloved parables to demonstrate the importance of understanding the text within the rich and diverse Jewish milieu. We see how Jesus's own identity, actions and, message, make sense within the categories of first-century Jewish life. Why does Jesus continually point to the Jewish Law as an appropriate guide for behavior and interpersonal interaction? Why does he expect that the society around the Jewish Temple should reflect the characteristics of the God worshipped in the Temple? Why does he ask so much of high-status characters but willingly meets the needs of those on the margins of society without any qualifications? Immerse yourself into Luke's presentation of Jesus as a first-century apocalyptic Jewish prophet who understands his actions within the reality of the coming kingdom of heaven.

About Author

Dr. Brian J. Robinson

Lecturer in Biblical Studies

Dr. Robinson's expertise is in the area of New Testament, in understanding the interconnectedness of early Christian and Hellenistic Jewish identities and literature, with a focus on issues of race, socioeconomic status, and gender in providing groups and individuals the conceptual tools necessary for constructing and sustaining life-giving religious identities. In Being Subordinate Men: Paul's Rhetoric of Gender and Power in 1 Corinthians, Brian offers a historically and culturally grounded reading of Paul's understanding of gender and power that allows us to re-imagine how Paul conceptualized and used bodies to create communities which affirmed the equality of all people.