In Luke's Gospel, those who receive God's grace praise him for his wonderful acts (Luke 1:44, 46, 64, 68; 2:13, 38; 5:25–26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15–18; 18:43; 19:37; 24:53). In the book of Acts, praise follows healings and the salvation of non-Jews (gentiles) (3:8–9; 4:21–22; Acts 11:18; 13:48; 21:19–20).
This theme of praise closely links to a key idea in Luke's Gospel. The fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus the Messiah brings joy. This idea appears early in the book in the songs of Mary and Zechariah (Luke 1:46–55, 67–79). The Old Testament prophets predicted that creation would sing when God's salvation arrived (see Isaiah 55:12).
When Jesus entered Jerusalem at the end of his ministry, his disciples shouted. They "began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had see" (Luke 19:37). The Pharisees asked Jesus to silence his disciples. But he replied, "if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out" (19:37–40).
At the end of the book, the disciples "returned to Jerusalem with great joy, praising God continually in the temple" (24:52–53). The arrival of God's marvelous salvation is a reason for joy and praise.
Passages for Further Study
Isaiah 55:12; Luke 1:44–47, 64, 68; 2:13–14, 38; 5:25–26; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15–18; 18:43; 19:37–40; 24:51–53; Acts 2:47; 3:8–9; 4:21; 11:18; 13:48; 21:20