2'Texts and Traditions: The Gospel according to Luke' is a historical and literary discussion of the Gospel according to Luke. It begins with a discussion of the Jewish scriptures that preceded the text as well as a history of the nation of Israel. In order to understand the content of the Lukan gospel there is a detailed history of life in the first century as well as significant people and groups. There is a discussion of the author of the Lukan gospel and their possible audience before there is a discussion of literary structure, forms and techniques used within the gospel. Finally there is an analysis of key Lukan themes looking at concepts such as universal salvation, discipleship and women.This serves as a background for studying the Lukan gospel, giving an in-depth understanding of the historical and literary context that surrounds the gospel itself. It is only through understanding the context that we are able to truly approach the meaning of the gospel itself.