Our exploration of the theme of ‘the plan of God’ has demonstrated its central role in Luke–Acts. It is central because it is related to crucial events in the story which Luke narrates, namely the passion of Jesus and the mission to the Gentiles. It is central also in the sense that it provides a means of relating various strands in the story which have to do with the divine guidance of history. To claim that this is a central theme of Luke's two volumes is not to say that it is the one and only theme which structures the work, but rather that it is one means by which Luke attempted to integrate his narrative and present his story in a cohesive manner.

This theme is prominent at strategic places throughout Luke's narrative; we have noted these texts from time to time in our explorations. With the benefit of hindsight, the significance for this theme of some key terms in the preface (Luke 1.1–4) can be appreciated (see chapter 2.3.1). However, the prologue (Luke 1.5–2.52) is quite clear and explicit in the way it sets forth divine providence as a principal motif for the whole work (see chapter 2.3.3.1). This prologue, whatever its origins, stands as an integral part of Luke's completed work. It highlights God's guidance of the events by various means which often recur later in the narrative.