Just the Facts in Luke
Abstract
This article examines textual evidence suggesting that significant portions of the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapters 1-2 and parts of 23:39-24:53, represent later additions to the original text. The analysis draws on comparative studies, stylistic assessments, and historical scholarship to argue that the UPDV Bible's approach of excluding these passages represents a more authentic version of Luke's original account. This research has important implications for understanding the development of New Testament texts and their historical reliability.
Early Life Narrative (Luke 1-2)
Luke Chapters 1 and 2 – There is evidence that the early life of Christ probably was not in the original gospel account from which Luke is derived. The Book of Matthew was likewise found to include similar material of a doubtful origin. Accordingly, it seemed best to not include these two chapters in the text of Luke. For additional information, see Joseph P. Tyson, Marcion and Luke-Acts (Columbia, University of South Caroline Press, 2006), p. 119.
Ending Passages (Luke 23:39-24:53)
Luke 23:39-24:53 – The tendency of the other Gospel accounts has been to include endings which are of a doubtful origin. Based on the style, content of the text, other witnesses, and the textual variants at the end of Luke, it is likely that some of the material in Luke is not original. Accordingly, it seemed best to include in the ending of Luke only the material which is either directly or indirectly attested to by some other source.
The comparison material was based on the other texts in the New Testament, including the other Gospel accounts as well as in Luke up to this point. This ending section of Luke has been reconstructed accordingly. Also see the note above regarding Luke Chapters 1 and 2. For further background refer to: Joseph P. Tyson, Marcion and Luke-Acts (Columbia, University of South Caroline Press, 2006), p. 119.