All that we know about the writer of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles is drawn from an analysis of the texts he wrote and various traditions.
It is believed he came from Antioch. We know that whoever wrote the Gospel was well educated, with good Greek – the original language of the Gospel – and was acquainted with Greek culture. Scholars are not agreed on whether he was born a Jew or a gentile. As far as the audience for his accounts go, he was writing mainly for gentiles, or for mixed congregations of early Christians, some of whom might have been Jews and others converts.
What is clear about Luke are his interests as we see them in his Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. We notice that women have a much great a prominence in Jesus’ ministry. Not only do we have many stories of women but he is shown to have a good number of women disciples. Luke tells his birth narrative of Christ from Mary’s point of view. Luke writes of Elizabeth, of Anna, of the widow at Nain, of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in the house of Simon the Pharisee. Luke also portrays Martha and Mary and Mary Magdalene.
Luke’s Jesus shows a great support for the poor of the people.
It is believed that Luke was a companion of Saint Paul on his travels, as a ‘Luke’ is mentioned a few times in St Paul’s letters. From what Paul says about Luke it appears he was faithful in times of trial, possibly a doctor by profession and a gentile.
Tradition has it he was martyred.
Name: Luke
1 – 16 AD: Born, probably in Antioch
63 AD: Wrote his Gospel and Acts of the Apostles.
84-100 AD: died in Thebes
Quote from Saint
Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.”
Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
Today’s Scripture
Colossians 4 New International Version
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4
Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 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.) 11 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. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
Thought for the Day
“A friend in need, is a friend indeed.” Paul in the Scripture above found Luke a friend in Paul’s time of imprisonment. Do you have any friends currently in need of your faithfulness?