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How does the Gospel According to Luke divide the story of salvation into historical periods?
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St. Luke
St. Luke, illuminated page from the Beatus Apocalypse, Mozarabic, 975; in the Gerona Cathedral, Spain.
To show how Godās plan of salvation unfolds within world history, the Gospel According to Luke and its continuation, the Acts of the Apostles, structure the narrative into three distinct historical periods:12
- The Era of Israel: This period encompasses the time of the Law and the prophets, concluding with the ministry of John the Baptist, who serves as the final figure of the old dispensation and a preparation for revelation.12
- The Ministry of Jesus: This epoch is presented as the center of time. It begins after the prophetic era and continues through the life, ministry, and Passion of Jesus.12
- The Period of the Church: Following the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, this final epoch focuses on the mission of the church. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the church acts as the instrument of redemption in the interim before the Second Coming of Christ.12