Luke

Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, was the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.

Luke was a physician (Col 4:14) and a close companion of the apostle Paul (2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24). He is best known as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Although not mentioned by name in these books, early church tradition unanimously attributes them to Luke. His writings suggest that he was well-educated and had a keen eye for historical detail. Luke accompanied Paul on several missionary journeys, as evidenced by the "we" passages in Acts (Act 16:10-17; 20.5-21.18; 27.1-28.16). He remained with Paul during his imprisonment in Rome (2Ti 4:11). In Paul's letters, Luke is described as a beloved friend and fellow worker in the gospel (Col 4:14; Phm 1:24). His medical background may have been helpful during Paul's travels and ministry. Luke's Gospel emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, His compassion for the marginalized, and the universal scope of His message. The Book of Acts records the growth of the early church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.

The evangelist, was a Gentile. The date and circumstances of his conversion are unknown. According to his own statement (Luke 1:2), he was not an “eye-witness and minister of the word from the beginning.” It is probable that he was a physician in Troas, and was there converted by Paul, to whom he attached himself. He accompanied him to Philippi, but did not there share his imprisonment, nor did he accompany him further after his release in his missionary journey at this time (Acts 17:1). On Paul’s third visit to Philippi (20:5, 6) we again meet with Luke, who probably had spent all the intervening time in that city, a period of seven or eight years. From this time Luke was Paul’s constant companion during his journey to Jerusalem (20:6-21:18). He again disappears from view during Paul’s imprisonment at Jerusalem and Caesarea, and only reappears when Paul sets out for Rome (27:1), whither he accompanies him (28:2, 12-16), and where he remains with him till the close of his first imprisonment (Philemon 1:24; Col. 4:14). The last notice of the “beloved physician” is in 2 Tim. 4:11.

There are many passages in Paul’s epistles, as well as in the writings of Luke, which show the extent and accuracy of his medical knowledge.