The approach to the Gospel of Luke which seemed certain to prevail twenty years ago has been challenged in all its significant features. The crucial questions concerning the critical interpretation of the Third Gospel are waiting new answers.

The canonical gospels are attempts to compose an inclusive and balanced presentation of the presence of God in Jesus and of the discipleship that presence evokes.

According to Luke, the resurrection takes place according to divine plan and functions variously: to signal God's reversal of Jesus' rejection; to attest to Jesus' victory over death; to confirm Jesus as the mediator of salvation; to establish the Eucharist as the extension of table fellowship with Jesus; and to make mission possible.