Book of Luke — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 24 · Written by: Luke (physician) · Approximate date: c. AD 60–62 · Theme: Jesus the Savior of All Peoples
Summary of the Book of Luke
Luke's careful, orderly account emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the poor, outcasts, women, and people of all nations — showing that the good news of Jehovah's Kingdom and salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all who respond in faith.
Why the Book of Luke Matters Today
Luke is the most detailed Gospel and the one most concerned with the historicity of the events recorded — opening with an explicit statement that the author 'traced all things from the start with accuracy' (Luke 1:3). For Witnesses defending the historicity of Jesus' life, Luke is the most useful starting point. The book also emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the poor, women, and outsiders — including parables found only in Luke like the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. For Witnesses doing pastoral work or shepherding visits, Luke models Christlike compassion in concrete detail.
Key Verses in Luke
- Luke 1:3–4
- Luke 4:18
- Luke 19:10
Notable Passages in Luke
Luke 1:3–4
Luke's purpose to write an 'accurate account' for Theophilus reflects his commitment to historical reliability, strengthening confidence that the Gospel records are trustworthy.
Luke 4:18
Jesus' declaration that he was anointed to 'declare good news to the poor' and 'proclaim liberty to the captives' defines his ministry as one of compassionate rescue — mirroring Jehovah's own heart.
Luke 19:10
Jesus' mission statement 'to seek and to save the lost' motivates Jehovah's Witnesses to persevere in sharing the good news with all kinds of people.
Study Questions for Luke
As you read the book of Luke, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- How does Luke's emphasis on Jesus showing compassion to outcasts, the poor, and Gentiles reflect Jehovah's universal love for all peoples?
- What does the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15) teach about Jehovah's joy when sinners repent and return to him?
- How does Luke's account of the Good Samaritan (10:25–37) define what it means to 'love your neighbor,' and how does this apply to Jehovah's Witnesses today?
- What does Luke 4:18 — Jesus' declaration of his mission — teach about the spiritual deliverance that Jehovah's Kingdom brings?
- How does Luke 19:10 — 'the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost' — motivate Jehovah's Witnesses in their ministry to reach all types of people?
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke
- Who wrote the book of Luke?
- Luke the physician, a companion of Paul, wrote the Gospel bearing his name, completing it around 56–58 CE in Caesarea while Paul was imprisoned there.
- When was the book of Luke written?
- Luke was written approximately 56–58 CE in Caesarea, drawing on eyewitness interviews and earlier written records to produce the most detailed of the four Gospels.
- What is the main theme of Luke?
- Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his compassion for the poor, women, and outsiders. The Gospel is the most historically detailed account of Jesus' life and ministry.
How to Study Luke with JW Study
Track your progress through all 24 chapters of Luke in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Luke
The book of Luke is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Gospels in 30 Days — Read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in a focused 30-day sprint. (30 days, 89 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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