Luke was a physician, companion of the apostle Paul, and the author of the third gospel account as well as the book of Acts. Though Luke is not named in his gospel account or in Acts, both are addressed to Theophilus, and early church tradition consistently identifies him as the author. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about Luke’s identity, background, and role in the early church:
Luke’s Identity
The apostle Paul refers to Luke by name in three of his New Testament letters. In Philemon 1:24, Paul includes Luke among his fellow workers who send greetings to Philemon. In Colossians 4:14, Paul refers to Luke as “the beloved physician” and again includes him among those sending greetings to the Colossian church. And in 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul notes that “Luke alone is with me” during his second Roman imprisonment before his martyrdom. From these verses we can conclude that Luke was a physician and a close companion of Paul who traveled extensively with him on his missionary journeys.
Luke’s Background
Though Luke is mentioned by name just three times in the New Testament, a few key details about his background can be discerned. First, his name indicates he was likely a Gentile Christian rather than a Jewish background believer. Second, his education and profession as a physician suggest he was a man of means, likely Greek in ethnicity, and well-educated. The precision and detail evident in his writings also point to his thoroughness and care as a historian. Third, the “we” passages in Acts where Luke includes himself among Paul’s travel companions indicate he met Paul sometime before reaching Troas during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:10-11). This means Luke was likely not one of the original disciples who walked with Jesus.
Luke’s Connection to Paul
Luke’s connection to Paul seems to have begun on Paul’s second missionary journey around 50 A.D. when he joined Paul’s company at Troas. He accompanied Paul to Philippi, traveled with him to Jerusalem, and went with him to Rome when Paul appealed to Caesar. He remained faithful to Paul during the apostle’s first Roman imprisonment from around 60-62 A.D. (see Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24). He also stood by Paul’s side during his final imprisonment around 65 A.D. shortly before Paul’s martyrdom (2 Timothy 4:11). Throughout Paul’s journeys, imprisonments, trials, and sufferings, Luke remained a loyal friend and fellow laborer for the gospel.
Luke’s Role in the Early Church
In addition to being a physician and Paul’s frequent travel companion, Luke played a key role in recording two major books of the New Testament. His gospel account stands as the longest and most thorough narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry. The book of Acts provides the most comprehensive history of the early church from Jesus’ ascension to around Paul’s first Roman imprisonment. Together these two works by Luke contribution over half of the content of the entire New Testament. Luke’s contributions were widely used by the early church and likely helped validate Paul’s apostolic authority during a time when some sought to discredit his claims. Along with Mark and Matthew, Luke provides a comprehensive biographical account of Christ. He is the only Gentile author in the New Testament.
Key Events in Luke’s Life
Though few biographical details about Luke exist outside of Scripture, the following represents a probable timeline of key events in Luke’s life based on the biblical account:
- Birth around 10 A.D. in Antioch or Philippi – Little is known of Luke’s family or childhood outside of scripture.
- Training and career as a physician – Luke’s medical education and profession are evident in his writings.
- Conversion to Christianity – As a Greek, Luke was likely converted after Jesus’ earthly ministry.
- Joins Paul’s company at Troas around 50 A.D. – This marks the beginning of his ministry with Paul.
- Remains in Philippi for several years after Paul’s departure – Luke seems to have stayed behind to continue the church there.
- Rejoins Paul in Macedonia around 55 A.D. – He continues traveling and working with Paul.
- Journey with Paul to Jerusalem and arrest around 57 A.D. – Luke accompanies Paul to Jerusalem and Caesarea.
- Travels with Paul to Rome around 59 A.D. – After Paul’s appeal to Caesar in Caesarea.
- Companion to Paul in Rome up to 62 A.D. – The timeline for Luke’s gospel falls somewhere within this early imprisonment period.
- With Paul in Rome again around 65 A.D. until Paul’s martyrdom – Luke continues faithfully serving with the apostle.
- Continues ministry for several more decades – Early church tradition has Luke living into his 80s.
This timeline provides a basic framework for understanding Luke’s interactions with Paul and his writings. Clearly, he played a significant role in recording the early history of Christianity through his inspired New Testament writings.
Key Details about Luke
In summary, here are some of the key details the Bible reveals about Luke and his life:
- Most likely a Greek Gentile convert to Christianity
- Well educated and a physician by profession
- Though not an apostle, he was a faithful companion of Paul
- Met Paul during the apostle’s second missionary journey
- Traveled extensively with Paul on his missionary trips
- Remained loyal to Paul through his various imprisonments in Caesarea and Rome
- Wrote both the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts
- Only Gentile author of books in the New Testament
- His combined contribution to the NT is over 25% of the total text
- Highly valued by Paul and the early church for his loyalty and writings
These key details help us understand Luke’s background and character. They also demonstrate the tremendous influence his life and ministry had on the early Christian movement in the decades following Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
Luke’s Interactions with Jesus
Unlike Matthew and John, who were eyewitnesses and apostles of Jesus, Luke likely had no direct contact with Jesus during his earthly ministry. By his own admission in Luke 1:2, Luke relied on eyewitness accounts and written records from “those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word” to compose his gospel account. Still, Luke does briefly include himself in several passages of Acts where he accompanied Paul on his travels. Based on the “we” passages in Acts, the following represents Luke’s possible interactions with the risen Jesus after His ascension:
- Acts 16:10 – Sailing from Troas to Macedonia, Luke may have encountered Christ directing Paul by a vision to come to Macedonia.
- Acts 20:5-15 – Luke accompanied Paul by ship from Philippi to Troas to Assos to Miletus on the return to Jerusalem.
- Acts 27:1 – Luke traveled with Paul and other prisoners by ship from Caesarea to Myra on the journey to Rome where Paul testified he was encouraged by a vision from the Lord.
- Acts 28:11-16 – With Paul and other prisoners Luke took a ship from Malta to Syracuse and Rhegium to Puteoli and finally on to Rome.
So while Luke did not directly witness Jesus’ ministry, he did interact with the Spirit of the risen Christ on his missionary travels with Paul as recorded in the book of Acts.
Luke’s Writings in the Bible
Luke’s contribution to the New Testament consists of two major books – the Gospel According to Luke and the book of Acts. Together these comprise nearly 25% of the New Testament text. Some key features of his writings include:
The Gospel of Luke
- Addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:3), possibly a Greek convert who sponsored publication
- Emphasizes Jesus’ teachings, parables, miracles, and interactions
- More biographical and chronological than other gospels
- Includes extensive birth and childhood narratives
- Highlights gospel going to Gentiles, women, outcasts, and sinners
- Only gospel with parables of Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son
The Book of Acts
- Sequel to the gospel continuing story of Christ’s followers
- Traces growth of early church from Jerusalem to Rome
- Weaves together Peter’s ministry to Jews and Paul’s to Gentiles
- Covers about 30 years from Jesus’ ascension to Paul’s first Roman imprisonment
- Includes sermons, letters, travels, persecutions, council meetings, and more
- Provides important history of early church and Paul’s ministry
These two books by Luke were widely used in the early church and still provide important historical context for understanding the beginnings of Christianity. They reveal Luke’s expertise as both a historian and theologian.
Luke’s Character Traits
Though Luke wrote over a quarter of the New Testament, he says little about himself in his works. However, a few key character traits emerge from both Scripture and early church tradition concerning Luke:
- Intelligent – His vocabulary and precision as a historian indicate strong intellect.
- Educated – As a physician, he received extensive training.
- Caring – His profession as a physician showed concern for others’ health.
- Compassionate – He highlights Jesus’ care for outcasts and Gentiles.
- Loyal – He remained a steadfast companion to Paul for decades.
- Humble – He does not name himself in his gospel account.
- Diligent – He records minute historical details accurately.
- Reliable – Paul entrusted him repeatedly on important journeys.
- Courageous – He stuck with Paul despite dangers faced.
- Faithful – He served the church well into old age.
This combination of traits allowed Luke to serve a vital role in the early church both as a physician and historian. His character provides an excellent model for all Christians to follow.
Luke’s Impact on the Early Church
It’s hard to overstate Luke’s importance to the early Christian church. Here are some of his key contributions:
- Traveled extensively with Paul across the Roman world helping establish churches
- One of Paul’s most trusted companions and representatives of his ministry
- Only Gentile Christian author in the New Testament
- Provided a meticulous history of the early church in Acts
- Wrote the longest and most thorough gospel account of Jesus’ life
- His combined works make up over 25% of the entire New Testament
- Helped validate and preserve authoritative record of Paul’s missionary work
- Gospel narrative was likely widely used for teaching and evangelism
- Trusted by Paul to stay behind in strategic cities like Philippi to continue the church there
- Strength of his writings lends credence to Paul’s claims as an apostle
The prominent role Luke played among the apostles and his extensive writings influenced generations of believers down to modern times. He continues to shape Christian theology through his New Testament books today.
Key Teachings from Luke
In addition to his historical writings, Luke provides many important teachings that were foundational for the early church. Some of the key themes in his gospel account and Acts include:
- Jesus as Savior of the lost and outcast
- Salvation by grace for all peoples, including Gentiles
- Equality and shared community among believers
- Joy of repentance and reconciliation with God
- Priority of following Jesus over earthly ties
- Jesus’ concern for women, children, minorities, and those in need
- Power of the Holy Spirit for ministry and witness
- Importance of prayer, praise, fellowship among Christians
- Suffering and persecution to be expected as followers of Jesus
- Gospel intended by Christ to reach the ends of the earth
Luke captured many of Jesus’ most beloved parables, like the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son. His writings evenly blend rich theology, history, narrative, teaching, and prophecy into an integral part of the biblical canon.
Summary of Luke’s Life and Identity
In summary, Luke was a Gentile physician who joined Paul’s missionary team around 50 A.D. He traveled extensively with Paul while practicing medicine and helping establish churches. Although not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry, Luke likely interacted with the risen Christ during his missionary travels with Paul. He composed both the most lengthy gospel account and the pivotal history of the early church in Acts. Luke was a faithful companion to Paul, and his New Testament writings had an immense influence in the early Christian movement. His combined contribution comprises over a quarter of the total New Testament text. Both a physician and historian, Luke played a significant role in recording God’s work in the earliest days of the church. His loyal service and meticulous writings offer a valuable model for Christians today.