The theme of law in Luke's Gospel has not been much discussed. Insofar as the relevant material has been considered it has usually been in the context of an examination of Jesus' view of the law. A notable exception is the essay by J. Jervell and a sketch of this and other views can be found in the conclusion to this chapter. It is a truism, but one that needs constantly to be kept in mind, that it is a quite different matter to enquire after the Lucan understanding of Jesus' view of the law than to trace the same theme in the teaching of the historical Jesus. The situation of Luke and his readers and changes in Jewish practice and belief can significantly alter the picture. Some have thought the theme of law to be of little significance in the third Gospel, but even if there is an element of truth in this judgement it is important and necessary to consider the evidence if we are to gain a complete picture of Luke—Acts.

As a matter of convenience, the pertinent material will be discussed systematically rather than consecutively as it appears in Luke's narrative. This can result in distortion both of the intention of the author, insofar as this is recoverable, and of the impression the narrative would have had on its first readers.