Who was Luke in the Bible?

Luke was a key figure in the New Testament, known as a physician, historian, and the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. He was a companion of the Apostle Paul and played a significant role in documenting the life of Jesus and the early church. Luke is unique among the Gospel writers in that he was likely a Gentile, making him the only non-Jewish author of the Bible.

Biblical References About Luke

1. Luke as a Physician

Luke is explicitly referred to as a physician, indicating his background and profession before becoming a follower of Christ.

  • Colossians 4:14 (NIV):
    “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.”
    • His training as a physician is reflected in his attention to detail and interest in healing miracles in his Gospel.

2. Luke as a Companion of Paul

Luke accompanied the Apostle Paul on several missionary journeys, providing support and documenting events in the early church.

  • 2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV):
    “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”
    • This verse highlights Luke’s faithfulness, as he stayed with Paul during his imprisonment and hardships.
  • Philemon 1:24 (NIV):
    “And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.”
    • Luke is listed among Paul’s close co-laborers in ministry.

3. Author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts

Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts as a two-part work, addressed to Theophilus, to provide an orderly and detailed account of Jesus’ life and the early church.

  • Luke 1:1-4 (NIV):
    “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
  • Acts 1:1-2 (NIV):
    “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”
    • These introductions show Luke’s intention to provide an accurate, thorough account based on careful investigation.

4. Luke as a Historian

Luke’s Gospel and Acts are known for their historical detail and careful chronology, demonstrating his skill as a historian.

  • Luke 3:1-2 (NIV):
    “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.”
    • This passage illustrates Luke’s precision in situating events within historical and political contexts.

5. Luke as a Gentile

Luke was likely a Gentile, as suggested by Paul’s distinction between him and Jewish co-workers.

  • Colossians 4:10-14 (NIV):
    Paul lists his Jewish co-workers first and then refers to Luke separately:
    “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. … Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.”

Luke’s Contributions to the New Testament

1. The Gospel of Luke

Luke’s Gospel is one of the Synoptic Gospels and provides a detailed account of Jesus’ birth, ministry, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection. Key characteristics include:

  • A focus on Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized, including women, the poor, and Gentiles.
    • Luke 19:10 (NIV):
      “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
  • Emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit and prayer.
  • Detailed accounts of Jesus’ parables, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).

2. The Book of Acts

Acts chronicles the birth and growth of the early church, focusing on the apostles’ ministry and the spread of the Gospel.

  • Luke highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering the church.
    • Acts 1:8 (NIV):
      “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
  • Acts also emphasizes the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.
    • Acts 10:34-35 (NIV):
      “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'”

Characteristics of Luke’s Writing

  1. Historical Accuracy
    Luke provides precise historical details and carefully verifies his sources.
  2. Focus on Salvation
    Luke emphasizes God’s plan of salvation for all people, not just the Jews.
    • Luke 2:30-32 (NIV):
      “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
  3. Compassion and Inclusion
    Luke highlights Jesus’ ministry to the marginalized, including the poor, women, Samaritans, and Gentiles.
    • Luke 4:18 (NIV):
      “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”

Conclusion

Luke was a beloved physician, historian, and evangelist who made significant contributions to the New Testament through the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. As a close companion of Paul, he documented the life of Jesus and the growth of the early church with meticulous detail, providing a foundation for understanding God’s redemptive work in history. Luke’s writings emphasize God’s compassion, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusivity of the Gospel for all people.

  • 2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV):
    “Only Luke is with me.”
    • A testament to Luke’s loyalty and commitment to God’s work.