Luke
“Contracted from Lucanus or Lucilius, possibly meaning 'light-giving'”
Summary
A Gentile physician and companion of Paul who authored both the Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, making him the only non-Jewish writer of New Testament books and the most prolific contributor in terms of volume.
☩Identity and Background
Luke's name is a contracted form of Lucanus or Lucilius, commonly associated with slaves and freedmen. Paul identifies him as 'the beloved physician' (Colossians 4:14), a profession often practiced by freed slaves in the Roman world. The contrast Paul draws between 'those of the circumcision' and Luke indicates he was of Gentile origin rather than Jewish birth. Tradition identifies Antioch in Syria as his birthplace, though some argue for Pisidian Antioch. His writings demonstrate excellent Greek education, both rhetorical and medical, and his preface to the Gospel shows familiarity with classical literary conventions.
☩Companion of Paul
Luke first appears in the narrative of Acts at Troas, where the sudden shift to first-person plural ('we sought immediately,' Acts 16:10) indicates he joined Paul's company. He may have been a physician residing in Troas whom Paul converted and who became his devoted follower. Luke accompanied Paul to Philippi but apparently remained there when Paul departed, as the narrative reverts to third person (Acts 17:1). After a separation of seven or eight years, Luke rejoined Paul at Philippi on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:5-6). He traveled with Paul to Jerusalem, was present during the shipwreck voyage to Rome, and remained with Paul during both Roman imprisonments. Paul's final letter testifies to Luke's singular faithfulness: 'Only Luke is with me' (2 Timothy 4:11).
☩Literary Contributions
Luke authored both the Gospel bearing his name and the Acts of the Apostles, dedicating both to Theophilus. His Gospel presents Christ as the universal Savior, emphasizing His humanity and compassion for outcasts, women, and Gentiles. His preface claims careful investigation from eyewitnesses and 'ministers of the word' (Luke 1:1-4), establishing historical methodology. The Acts provides the only canonical history of the early church, tracing Christianity's spread from Jerusalem to Rome. Both works demonstrate medical vocabulary and detailed attention to nautical matters, consistent with a physician who traveled extensively by sea.
☩Later Tradition
Ancient tradition credits Luke with additional roles beyond his scriptural contributions. Some identify him as the 'brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches' (2 Corinthians 8:18), though this interpretation is disputed. A medieval legend, appearing first in Nicephorus Callistus (died 1450), describes Luke as a skilled painter who created icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary, though this lacks early attestation. Traditions vary regarding his death, placing it in Boeotia, Bithynia, or Ephesus at an advanced age, possibly as a martyr. Jerome reports that his remains were transferred to Constantinople in the twentieth year of Constantius (circa AD 357).
Related Verses10 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Luke," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Luke," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Luke," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Luke," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).