Luke Outline

My purpose in outlining is not to nail down the narrative of Luke into “subject sections” but to get a picture of the flow of the story. If looking at an outline of a story ruins the narrative for you, ignore this post.

The purpose of Luke is to instruct Gentile believers about the words and works of Christ so that they might know how to live the Christian life in a world dominated by pagan influences.

I. Introduction to the Son of Man (1:1–4:13)

A. Purpose (1:1-4)
B. Birth of Christ (1:5–2:38)
C. Childhood of Christ (2:39-52)
D. Preparation of Christ (3:1–4:13)

II. Ministry of the Son of Man (4:14–9:50)

A. Presentation of Christ (4:14-30)
B. Power of Christ (4:31–6:11)

1. Authority with the Word (4:31-35)
2. Authority over demons (4:36-37)
3. Authority over sickness (4:38-44)
4. Authority over nature (5:1-11)
5. Authority over leprosy (5:12-16)
6. Authority to forgive sin (5:17-26)
7. Authority over culture (5:27-32)
8. Authority over tradition (5:33-39)
9. Authority over the Sabbath (6:1-11)

C. Preparation of Christ’s Disciples (6:12–9:50)

1. Choosing the Apostles (6:12-19)
2. Telling: Teaching the Disciples with Words (6:20-49)
3. Showing: Teaching the Disciples by Example (7:1–8:56)
4. Doing: Teaching the Disciples by Experience (9:1-17)
5. The Final Exam (9:18-20)
6. Commencement (9:21-36)

III. Rejection of the Son of Man (9:37–19:27)

A. Opposition to Christ (9:37–11:54)
B. Instructions due to Rejection (12:1–19:27)

IV. Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Son of Man (19:28–24:53)

A. Final Week of Christ (19:28–23:56)
B. Resurrection of Christ (24:1-53)