National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series
Luke, often referred to as Saint Luke or Luke the Evangelist, is one of the prominent figures in the New Testament. He is renowned for being the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Not much is known about his early life, but he played a significant role in the early Christian community. Below is a brief biography of Luke based on scriptural citations and historical accounts:
1. Early Life and Background:
There are no specific scriptural citations that provide details about Luke’s early life. The Bible does not mention his name in any of the Gospels, but later Christian tradition and historical records identify him as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the companion of the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24).
2. Becoming a Follower of Jesus:
Luke likely became a follower of Jesus through his interactions with the early Christian community. He was not one of the original twelve disciples but became a devoted companion of the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Luke is believed to have been a Gentile, as opposed to the Jewish ethnicity of most of the other apostles.
3. Authorship of the Gospel of Luke:
The Gospel of Luke is one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament. Luke wrote this Gospel to provide an orderly and accurate account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He states his purpose in the opening verses:
Luke 1:1-4 (NIV):
“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
4. Role in the Early Christian Community:
Luke was not just a historian and writer but also a valued companion and fellow worker in spreading the Gospel. He traveled extensively with the Apostle Paul, providing valuable support and medical assistance when needed. Several of Paul’s epistles acknowledge Luke’s presence:
2 Timothy 4:11 (NIV):
“Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.”
5. Authorship of the Acts of the Apostles:
Luke is also attributed to writing the Acts of the Apostles, which serves as a continuation of his Gospel. Acts provides an account of the early Christian Church, the spread of Christianity, and the actions of the apostles, particularly focusing on the ministry of Paul.
6. Death and Legacy:
The exact circumstances of Luke’s death are not recorded in the Bible. According to tradition, he lived to an old age and died as a martyr, though historical evidence for this claim is limited.
Luke’s writings, the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, remain fundamental to Christian theology and are highly regarded for their historical and theological significance. Through his meticulous research and storytelling, Luke played a crucial role in preserving and sharing the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian Church. Please note that while the biblical accounts and historical traditions provide important insights into Luke’s life and contributions, some details may be subject to debate among scholars and theologians.
