We have four gospels. Each of the gospels tell the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in different ways, targeting different audiences, and with different purposes.

In this conversation, I asked Benjamin Gladd, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and author of the new book, The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament, to walk listeners through the book of Luke looking for the particular larger biblical themes Luke seems to be most concerned with impressing upon his readers. The kingdom of God is a focus of each of the gospels, but Gladd suggests that Luke is most concerned with how a person gets into the kingdom, which is through faith in Christ. In addition, Gladd highlights the themes of the nations and Gentiles, Jesus as the obedient son, his journey narrative as a second exodus, the temple, and paradise, suggesting that at the resurrection of Jesus, heaven itself changed.

Suggested resources:

• The Story Retold: A Biblical Theological Introduction to the New Testament by G.K. Beal and Benjamin L. Gladd
• From Adam and Israel to the Church: A Biblical Theology of the People of God by Benjamin L. Gladd
• Hidden but Now Revealed: A Biblical Theology of Mystery by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd
• Luke (2 Volumes) Reformed Expository Commentary by Phlip Ryken
• Luke: A 12-Week Study by C.D. Jimmy Agan III