The passage in Luke 1:68-70 is attributed to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, who praises God for the fulfillment of His promises. This passage is part of Zechariah’s prophecy, following the miraculous announcement of John’s birth.
From an evangelical Christian perspective, the most likely author of the Gospel of Luke, including this specific passage, is traditionally believed to be Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Evangelicals generally hold the view that Luke was not one of the original twelve apostles but was a Gentile who became a follower of Christ and contributed to the early Christian movement through his writings.
Here are some key points related to Luke and the passage:
1. **Authorship**: Luke is specifically named as the author in the opening of the Gospel (Luke 1:1). He is also credited with the Acts of the Apostles, which continues the narrative of early Christianity after Jesus’ ascension.
2. **Background**: Luke is often described as a well-educated man, likely fluent in Greek and familiar with various literary styles. He is believed to have been a physician (Colossians 4:14) and a historian due to the detailed and orderly way he presents the Gospel’s narrative.
3. **Purpose of Writing**: Luke emphasizes the compassion of Jesus, the importance of prayer, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. He writes to provide an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus for Theophilus (Luke 1:3), and by extension, for other readers.
4. **Context of Luke 1:68-70**: In this passage, Zechariah exhorts the mercy of God and highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises, notably regarding the coming Messiah. The verses celebrate God’s work in history, linking it to the prophetic traditions and the hope of Israel.
5. **Theological Significance**: Evangelicals view this passage as highlighting God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ as fulfilled in the New Testament, showcasing themes of salvation, deliverance, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
Overall, the Gospel of Luke, and particularly the passage in question, serves to reinforce key Christian doctrines regarding the nature of God’s promises and the coming of salvation through Jesus Christ, aligning with an evangelical understanding of the faith.