MPV Commentary

The Resurrection Announced to the Women (Mr 16:1-8)

The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and provided for him were at the tomb early on the first day of the week. They took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the entrance, but when they entered, they did not find the body of Jesus.

While they were perplexed about this, two men in shining clothes stood beside them. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" they asked. "He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."

The women remembered his words, but they had forgotten them when they saw him being taken away. They were now filled with joy at the news that Jesus had risen from the dead.

They hurried back to tell the disciples, who were gathered in a locked room for fear of the Jewish leaders. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" the women asked the disciples. "He is not here; he has risen!"

The disciples did not believe them at first, but Peter ran to the tomb and saw that it was empty. He went back to the other disciples and told them, "It's true! The Lord has risen."

The Gospel According to Luke

Introduction

The author of this gospel is widely accepted as Luke, a companion of Paul and a physician. Although he is not explicitly named in the gospel or Acts, his identity can be inferred from Colossians 4:14.

Luke was likely a Gentile convert who had an intimate acquaintance with Jewish customs and Hebraic Greek. His fluency in classical Greek suggests that he was educated and traveled extensively. The time of his conversion to Christianity is unclear, but it is believed to have occurred early on in Paul's ministry.

The Gospel of Luke was written for Gentile readers, as evident from its explanations of Jewish customs and traditions. Its style reflects a blend of classical Greek and Jewish Greek, indicating the author's diverse background and experiences.

Luke's connection with Paul is evident throughout the gospel, particularly in his accounts of the Lord's Supper and the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection. The similarities between Luke's account of the Lord's Supper and Paul's letter to the Corinthians suggest that Luke received this information from Paul himself.

The time and place of the publication of the Gospel of Luke are uncertain, but it is believed to have been written before the Acts of the Apostles. The majority of critics date it between A.D. 50 and 60.

Luke's gospel provides valuable insights into the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as the early Christian community. Its unique perspective on the events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection makes it an essential part of the New Testament canon.