bible study luke

In the pursuit of his Christian ministry, the Apostle Paul had a keen sense of teamwork, teamwork with God and with his brothers and sisters. This awareness he expresses by using compound Greek words that begin with the prepositional prefix, sun-. With an object in the dative case, sun means “together” or “with.” This same prepositional prefix has carried over into English, occurring in such words as “symbiotic,” “symphony,” “synergy” (the Greek sun-, represented by sym- or syn-). What follows is a brief survey of the words Paul employed to express this sharing of ministry. You will discover that such sharing continues among 21st-century Christians.

Paul calls us “co-citizens” and “joint heirs” and says we will “co-reign.” Because we are bound up with Christ, we share in His city, His inheritance, and His rule. But we also share the expectation of these future blessings with each other. Because of this, we “co-rejoice.”

Meanwhile, the struggle continues, and we “suffer together.” To endure such suffering, we “co-console” each other, and we live and die together.

But through it all, we are “co-workers.” Paul says that he and his associates are “God’s coworkers,” an amazing testimony both to the condescension of God–willing to stoop so low to work with the likes of us–and the corresponding elevation of Christians.

Paul’s letters yield for us an amazing number of men and women that Paul calls his “co-workers”: Timothy, “everyone,” the Corinthian Christians, Titus, Priscilla and Aquila, Urbanus, Epaphroditus, Clement and others, Mark and Aristarchus, Jesus Justus, Philemon, Demas and Luke. One brother Paul calls “my yoke-fellow,” a term synonymous with coworker (though it could be the man’s name).

Others Paul describes as if they are team members with him in an athletic competition–contending, striving, or struggling together. Two brothers Paul calls his “co-slaves.” Two he names as his “co-soldiers.” Because Paul considers himself a worker, a slave, a soldier, and an athlete for Christ, those who share the load with him also share these descriptions. This includes those of us who are laboring in the kingdom in modern times.

As a frequent prisoner for Christ, Paul appreciated those who ministered to him in prison, even if they themselves were free to come and go. Four he describes as “co-prisoners.” It could be that at least some of these voluntarily served Paul so constantly that their imprisonment was self-imposed.

All of these first-century Christians, as well as Christians alive today, are “partakers” or “partners” in the work of the kingdom. We share, have fellowship with, participate with, and keep company with other believers. Paul uses several compound terms to describe Christian unity. He says we must be united, of one accord, literally, “co-souls.” We are “conformed together” and “fitted together.” We cooperate and assist one another. We are “built together” and made “co-members of the same body.”

All of this togetherness, we must remember, is not a natural state–far from it! If left to ourselves, we human beings split apart at every seam, whether it is race, ethnicity, gender, or class. It is only Christ that binds us together. Only in Him can it be possible to say that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, neither barbarian or Scythian, male or female; all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11).

Paul expresses the Christian’s union with Christ using the prepositional phrase, together with Christ. He reinforces this by employing compound verbs in which sun- is added to the beginning of the verb. This occurs in several of the key passages in Paul’s writings.

In Gal. 2:20, Paul uses “co-crucified” to describe how becoming united with Christ’s death changes the believer. Compare Matt. 27:44, Mark 15:32, and John 19:32, where the same verb describes the literal crucifixion of the thieves who died with Jesus. Paul says that as a result of his union with Christ’s death, he has died to the law, in order to live to God (v. 19). In the next verse he adds that he is no longer the one living, but Christ is living in him. True, he still lives “in flesh,” but it is a life of trusting in the Son of God, who loved him and gave himself up in his behalf. Note that this happens for the individual, not just for believers as a group. Christ died, not for humanity, but for you and me and everyone else as individuals, and only as individuals can we respond to Him.

This concept of “co-crucified” recurs in Rom. 6:6. Paul says, “Having known this, that the old man was co-crucified.” Although Christ goes unmentioned, the connection is definitely between the believer and Christ—He was the one crucified.

The consequence of this death of the old man is a burial, for Paul earlier says, we were buried together with Him” through baptism into death (v. 4). As a result of this union with Christ’s crucifixion and his burial, we also share in the new life of His resurrection: “we believe that also we will live with him” (suzēsomen, v. 8). Paul uses these same verbs in the parallel passage in Colossians (co-buried and co-raised, 2:12; co-made alive, 2:13; see also 3:1).

Because we belong to Christ, we belong to each other. Our union with Him unites us with every other person who is also united with Him in a grand and eternal fellowship.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles. He has been an editor, reporter, and public relations consultant. He has taught college-level Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses and has taught seminars in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore “The Shallows,” plumb “The Depths,” or use the well-organized “Study Links” for original sources in English translation. Check out the DeeperStudy Bookstore for great e-books, free books, and great discounts. Subscribe to his free “DeeperStudy Newsletter” or “DeeperStudy Blog.”

Luke $10.59 This series is an excellent companion text for Bible study leaders and for individual use.

The Gospel of Luke $25.29 In the Gospel of Luke, the great Scottish Bible interpreter William Barclay follows the formula of the Daily Study Bible Series by first giving the text of the day’s study in his own translation, followed by two of three pages of commentary

Bible Detectives Luke $7.99 Follow the adventures of Harry and Jess and their side-kick computer mouse, Click, as they investigate the teachings of Jesus and the stories and truths behind the gospel of Luke. This b/w illustrated book has Hi-tech wordsearches and cryptic codes as well as spot the difference pictures, mazes and other puzzles. With these features, stories and background information this is an excellent way to introduce children to personal Bible study. An excellent church resource With the help of these books all ages can enjoy the benefits of a systematic approach to studying God’s word. A good tool for Sunday Schools and Family Bible study times.

Gospel of Luke $6.49 Hahn and Mitch present fresh insights and inspiring commentary on the Gospel of Luke from the Revised Standard Version edition in this third volume of the new Ignatius Study Bible series. It contains numerous Bible study tools and includes insights from the Church Fathers, topical essays, word studies and charts, and more.

Gospel Of Luke $16.95 With a historian’s precision, Luke’s Gospel shows painstaking care both in detail and in expression. Of equal distinction is the universal appeal of the Gospel. Dr. Barclay wrote that this Gospel makes “Christ the open door for all without reserve.” In many areas that were either minimized or neglected by the other Gospel writers, Luke’s account is more complete, emphasizing prayer, the dignity of women, and praise of God. Barclay’s insightful comments help each of us to see the infinitude of God’s love through Luke’s eyes.For almost fifty years and for millions of readers, The Daily Bible commentaries have been the ideal help for both devotional and serious Bible study. Now, with the release of the New Daily Study Bible, a new generation will appreciate the wisdom of William Barclay. With clarification of less familiar illustrations and inclusion of more contemporary language, The New Daily Study Bible will continue to help individuals and groups discover what the message of the New Testament really means for their lives.

Luke Life Application Bible Commentary $16.99 Written by the team who designed and wrote the Life Application Bible, this commentary series is factually accurate, theologically sound, and intensely practical. Every serious student of the Bible wants to understand the text, to discover the biblical principles, and to apply those timeless truths to his or her life. That’s what the Life Application Bible Commentary series delivers! And it’s easy to use: * Specific verses are easy to spot.* Particular phrases are easy to find.* Key information is highlighted.Each volume features an interesting and complete introduction, an extensive and practical commentary, and a helpful reference section. Throughout, you will find: * maps * charts and diagrams * classic quotes from noted Christian thinkers * illustrations * extensive application notes.The Life Application Bible Commentary is ideal for individuals in their personal Bible study; Bible teachers in their small groups, classes, and seminars; and pastors in their sermon preparation.LUKE, a doctor and a historian, wrote the third Gospel. As a doctor, a man of science, he carefully considered all the facts before rendering an opinion. As a historian, Luke’s research was meticulous; he interviewed reliable witnesses and primary sources. Addressing Theophilus, Luke wrote, “Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you, to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught” (Luke 1:3-4 NLT). To “reassure” his friend and other believers who never had the opportunity to see Jesus themselves, Luke sought and found the truth. Luke’s investigation included reading “accounts about the events” (1: 1) and analyzing “reports … from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses” (1:2). Then he recorded it to affirm this truth in writing and to point his readers to the Truth, Jesus Christ.As you read Luke’s Gospel, carefully investigate for yourself. Analyze the evidence presented, follow the clues, and render your judgment. No doubt you, too, will discover that Jesus is Christ, the Savior, God’s Son.

An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts $33.9 An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts

Luke the Historian in Recent Study $8.78 Luke the Historian in Recent Study

Luke And Acts $34.99 These accessible commentaries are for anyone who wants to enter a serious study of God’s Word. Each volume helps the reader think through the literary and theological issues in the text and provides correlation to multiple numbering systems for word study. It is an excellent resource for teachers, Bible study leaders, pastors, and growing Christians. Includes the entire NLT text of Luke and Acts, translation notes, and fresh expository commentary.

Luke-Acts $49.99 Volume 10 Luke – Acts Volume 11 Romans – Galatians Volume 12 Ephesians – Philemon Volume 13 Hebrews – Revelation To keep pace with current evangelical scholarship and resources, the Gold Medallion Awardwinning Expositor’s Bible Commentaryhas been revised and updated. Continuing the legacy of excellent evangelical scholarship, these volumes offer a major contribution to the study and understanding of the Scriptures. These commentaries provide pastors and Bible students with a comprehensive and scholarly tool for expositing and teaching the gospel. The fifty-four contributors-of which twenty-nine are new-represent the very best in evangelical scholarship committed to the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible. As in the previous edition, The Expositor’s Bible Commentaryfeatures the full NIV text. But it also refers freely to other translations and to the original languages. In addition to its exposition, each book of the Bible has an introduction, outline, and updated bibliography. Notes on textual questions and special problems are correlated with the expository units. Transliteration and translation of Semitic and Greek words make the more technical notes accessible to readers unacquainted with the biblical languages. In matters where marked differences of opinion exist, commentators, while stating their own convictions, deal fairly and respectfully with opposing views. Volumes 10, 11, 12, and 13, the first to be published in this revised edition, cover the books Luke through Revelation in the New Testament.

Luke For Everyone $14.95 Tom Wright’s guide to Luke, which includes a wealth of information and background detail, provides real insights for our understanding of the story of Jesus and its implications for the reader. His clear style is accessible to new readers of the Bible, as well as to those who are further on. His exciting new translation of the biblical text brings to life, passage by passage, the immediacy and drama of Luke’s Gospel.Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

Luke for All Seasons $13.99 A masterful study of Luke’’s Gospel A companion for home Bible groups and Sunday School A perfect discussion starter for youth groups A daily study Bible or devotional guide-366 sections A textbook for high schools and colleges A reference for teaching and sermon preparation

Luke: News of Hope and Joy $5.99 These 26 studies from the Gospel of Luke are part of LifeGuide, a popular line of Bible study guides which provide solid biblical content and raise thought-provoking issues in an easy-to-lead format.

Luke LifeChange : 16 Lessons $9.99 In the New Testament’s longest book, Luke, the physician friend of the Apostle Paul, reveals Jesus as the Man who came to save all-including women, the poor, the outcast, the sick, and the ordinary, everyday people of every nation. Luke’s vivid, fast-moving report offers a gospel of reconciliation and celebration.This Bible study traces Luke’s story from the announcement of Jesus’ birth, through His ministry in Galilee and His training of the disciples on the way to Jerusalem, to His submission to the crucifixion and His ultimate triumph in the resurrection.

The Study of the Bible $10.3 The Study of the Bible