Luke
Luke (Greek: Λουκᾶς)[1][2] was a Christian physician who lived during the Apostolic Age and served alongside Apostle Paul.[3] As a devoted companion and co-laborer in the early Church, he remained faithful to Paul even during his imprisonment in Rome.[4] Luke wrote two major books of the New Testament: the Gospel of Luke, one of the four canonical Gospels, and the book of Acts, which records the actions of the apostles. Both writings reveal his profound spiritual insight and deep concern for the human soul.
| Luke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Period | Apostolic Age (c. AD 40) |
| Occupation(Features) | Physician |
| Major achievements | Written the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts |
Historical Background
After Jesus’ ascension, Apostle Peter received a divine vision instructing him to share the gospel with the Gentiles. In obedience, he baptized Cornelius, a Roman centurion—the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity. From that pivotal moment, the gospel began to spread rapidly among the Gentiles, with Antioch of Syria emerging as a central hub of missionary activity. Because Luke bore a Greek name and the book of Acts contains detailed accounts of Antioch’s geography and community, many scholars—drawing on traditions preserved by the historian Eusebius—have suggested that Luke was a Gentile believer from Antioch.[5]
Luke’s Legacy
Writer of Two New Testament Books
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Luke wrote two books of the New Testament: the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Both works display exceptional literary quality, indicating that Luke was a well-educated and cultured writer.[6] Each book opens with a formal preface addressed to “Most Excellent Theophilus,” who is thought to have been a high-ranking Roman official.[7][8] This address suggests that both volumes were originally composed with Theophilus as the intended primary recipient. Many biblical scholars believe that Theophilus was a Gentile convert to Christianity, likely still young in his faith, and that he may have shared a close personal relationship with Luke.[9] Luke’s primary purpose in writing was to affirm the truth and reliability of the teachings Theophilus had received concerning Jesus Christ. A secondary purpose was to provide those who had not personally witnessed Jesus’ ministry with a clear, orderly, and accurate account of His life and works.[10][11]
Luke’s Special Insight Into the Spiritual Realm
Luke was a man who, by the grace of God, possessed a profound understanding of the human soul. His writings in Scripture reveal a deep awareness of spiritual realities and the eternal significance of the soul.
- “Fear Him who, after killing the body, has power to throw into hell” (Luke 12:5).[12]
- The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which vividly portrays the realities of paradise and hell (Luke 16:19–31).[13]
- “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” — Jesus’ promise to the repentant thief (Luke 23:43).[14]
- “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” — Jesus’ final words before His death (Luke 23:46).[15]
- “A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” — Jesus’ post-resurrection declaration affirming the reality of spiritual existence (Luke 24:39).[16]
Apostle Paul’s Fellow Worker
Luke was a faithful fellow worker of Apostle Paul. The term fellow worker refers to one who shares a unified purpose and labors alongside others toward a common goal. In the Bible, it often describes those who work together for the advancement of the gospel—a designation Paul frequently used for his ministry partners. Luke joined Paul’s missionary team during his second journey, a detail evident in the book of Acts, where the narrative occasionally shifts to the first-person plural (“we”),[17][18][19] indicating Luke’s direct participation in the events described. He remained by Paul’s side until the end of the apostle’s life,[20] even during imprisonment. Together, they played a crucial role in transforming the early Church from a movement centered in Judea into a faith that reached across the entire known world.
See also
References
- ↑ Strong's Greek: 3065. Λουκᾶς, Bible Hub
- ↑ Luke meaning, ABARIM Publications
- ↑ "Colossians 4:14".
- ↑ "Philemon 1:23–24".
- ↑ St. Luke, Evangelist, Physician, Patron of Artists, Vatican News
- ↑ Luke: Jesus Christ, Savior for the Nations, Practical Christianity Foundation, August 8, 2020, pg.10
- ↑ "Luke 1:1–3".
- ↑ "Acts 1:1-4".
- ↑ Who is Theophilus in Luke and Acts?, Bible Hub
- ↑ Luke, Insight for Living(The Bible Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll)
- ↑ Lasky, Jack, The Gospel of Luke, EBSCO, 2022
- ↑ Luke 12:4–5.
- ↑ Luke 16:19–29.
- ↑ Luke 23:42–43.
- ↑ Luke 23:46.
- ↑ Luke 24:29.
- ↑ "Acts 16:10".
- ↑ "Acts 20:5".
- ↑ "Acts 27:1".
- ↑ "2 Timothy 4:6–11".