Introduction to the Gospel of Luke: An ESL Bible Study

This Bible study series is for people who are learning English. It is designed for advanced beginner and intermediate learners, but children or adults who prefer simple English may also enjoy it.

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Summary of the Book of Luke

The Bible is a very special book for Christians. It tells the story of God’s love for people. The Bible has two main parts. The first part is called the Old Testament. It tells about the world before Jesus came. The second part is called the New Testament. It tells about the life of Jesus Christ and the early church.

The Gospel of Luke is one book in the New Testament. The word “Gospel” means “Good News.” There are four Gospels in the Bible. These four books tell the story of Jesus’ life. The Gospel of Luke is one of them.

A man named Luke wrote this book. He was a doctor and a friend of the followers of Jesus. He wanted to tell people the true story about Jesus. Luke wrote this book for a man named Theophilus and for many other people too. Luke wanted everyone to know the good news about Jesus.

The book of Luke begins with the story of two babies. The first baby is John. He would grow up to be a prophet (a person who speaks for God). He taught people about God. The second baby is Jesus, God’s Son. Luke tells how Jesus was born to Mary, a young woman who trusted God. An angel (a messenger from heaven) told Mary she would have a very special baby. This baby would be the Savior. A savior is someone who saves or rescues people from danger. Jesus came to save the world.

As Jesus grew up, he began to teach people about God’s kingdom. This is the way God rules with love and peace. He healed sick people. He showed kindness to people who were sad or alone. He told stories called parables. A parable is a short story that teaches a lesson. Jesus used parables to help people understand God’s love.

Some people believed Jesus, but others did not. The leaders in the land did not like Jesus. They were afraid of him because many people followed him. These leaders made a plan to have Jesus killed.

Jesus died on a cross. A cross is two pieces of wood tied together. At that time, it was used to kill bad people. Jesus was not bad, but this was part of God’s plan to save people from their sins. Sin is when people do things that are wrong or do not obey God. After three days, Jesus came back to life! Many people saw him. Before Jesus went back to heaven, he told his followers to share the good news with the whole world.

The Gospel of Luke teaches us about God’s love and forgiveness. Forgiveness is when God chooses not to be angry about the wrong things we do. It reminds us that God cares for everyone: rich or poor, young or old, happy or sad. Through Jesus, we can know God and have a new life!

How to Use This Guide for Group Bible Study

Each lesson contains:

A lesson icebreaker question.
A 1-2 sentence lesson highlight.
A vocabulary list based on the ERV version of the passage.
A summary of the passage.
The ERV text.
Links to several different versions of the passage.
A list of comprehension questions.
A list of application questions.
A list of theological insights.
A short closing prayer.

Each lesson is based on a specific topic:

Most lessons will take 30-60 minutes.
Shorter lessons may only take 10-20 minutes
Longer lessons could take an hour or more.
Beginner students will take much longer than advanced students.
Students with little knowledge of the Bible will take longer than students with much knowledge of the Bible.

Understanding Six Bible Versions: ERV, NIRV, GNT, NLT, NIV, ESV

When we read the Bible, it is good to know that there are different versions or translations. Each version uses different words to say the same message. Some Bibles use simple words. Some use harder words.

This page will explain five popular Bible versions:

This will help you pick a Bible that is right for you.

Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)

The Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) is one of the simplest Bible versions available. It was created for English language learners and for people who benefit from clear, basic English. The ERV uses short sentences and very common words. It is written at a 3rd grade reading level. The ERV keeps the meaning of the Bible, but explains ideas in a way that is easy to understand. It is a helpful choice for beginners, young readers, or adults who prefer very simple English. The ESL lessons on this website use the ERV Bible.

New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)

The New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) is one of the easiest Bibles to read. It is a simplified version of the New International Version (NIV). Most people can understand it easily. It is written at a 3rd grade reading level. The NIRV uses the same philosophy as the NIV, but simplifies the vocabulary and grammar. It is a good choice for people who are learning English.

Good News Translation (GNT)

The Good News Translation (GNT) is another easy Bible to read. It uses clear, simple English. Most people can understand it easily. It is written at a 4th–6th grade reading level. The GNT explains the meaning of the Bible in very simple words. The words are sometimes simpler than the words in the original Bible languages. It is a good choice for people who are learning English.

New Living Translation (NLT)

The New Living Translation (NLT) is also easy to read. It uses simple words, but is a little harder than the GNT. It is written at a 6th grade reading level. The NLT is written to sound like a story. It keeps some of the original Bible words and ideas, but explains them in a way that is easier to understand. It is a good choice for people who feel ready for a small challenge.

New International Version (NIV)

The New International Version (NIV) is the most popular English Bible translation in the world. Because it is so popular, you will see it in many churches and bookstores. It is a little harder than the NLT. It uses more formal words and longer sentences. It is written at a 7th-8th grade reading level. The NIV tries to stay close to the words in the original Bible languages. It is a good choice for people who are strong readers.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The English Standard Version (ESV) is harder to read than the other versions on this list. It is written at a 10th grade reading level. The ESV uses formal, careful words. It stays very close to the words in the original Bible languages. Many churches, pastors, and teachers use the ESV because it is very faithful to the original Bible text. If you want to read a Bible that is close to what the Bible said long ago, the ESV is a good choice. Most lessons on my website for native English speakers use the ESV Bible.

Which Bible Version is Best for You?

For most English Language Learners (ELLs) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students, the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV), the New International Reader’s Version (NIRV), or the Good News Translation (GNT) are great Bibles to start with. They use simple words and easy sentences.

This website uses the ERV for most lessons.

If you feel ready, you can try the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Version (NIV) later. When your English reading gets stronger, you may also want to try the English Standard Version (ESV).

You can also compare two versions of the Bible. For example, you can compare the ERV to the GNT. Or you can compare the ERV to Spanish or another language. Some languages do not have free versions of the Bible. For these languages (like Japanese), you will need to purchase a Bible.

No matter which Bible you use, the most important thing is to read it often and learn about God’s love and his promises for you.