Luke

Biblical Record

Luke's name appears three times in the New Testament. In Colossians 4:14, Paul passes along Luke's greetings, calling him "Luke, the beloved physician." In Philemon 1:24, he is named together with Mark, Aristarchus, and Demas as one of Paul's "fellowlabourers." 2 Timothy 4:11 contains the words "Only Luke is with me." This verse portrays Luke as one who remained at Paul's side after others had left.

Acts contains passages in which the narrative shifts from "they" to "we" (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–21:18; 27:1–28:16). On this basis, many scholars hold that the author accompanied Paul on portions of his journeys from Troas to Macedonia, to Jerusalem, and to Rome. Church tradition identifies this companion as Luke.

Significance in Scripture

The Gospel of Luke and Acts are both addressed to a man named Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). For this reason, the two books are regarded as a two-volume work by a single author. Neither book names its author. However, early church writers of the late second century, including Irenaeus, identified Luke as the author, and this became the tradition of the church. According to this tradition, Luke wrote a larger share of the New Testament than any other single author.

The Gospel of Luke opens by stating that it is an account written by one "having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first" (Luke 1:3). In its content, the Gospel is widely noted for its concern for the poor, women, and Gentiles, and for its emphasis on prayer and the Holy Spirit.

Interpretation and Debates

• Authorship: Conservative scholars and many denominations follow the tradition that Luke wrote both books. Some critical scholars hold that the author's name was attached at a later date. They interpret the "we" passages not as the author's firsthand experience but as material taken from other sources or as a literary device. Views also differ on whether Paul himself wrote 2 Timothy.
• Origin: In Colossians 4:10–11, Paul singles out his coworkers "of the circumcision," that is, those of Jewish background, before mentioning Luke. For this reason, many regard Luke as a Gentile. Because the text does not state this directly, however, some hold that he was Jewish. The claim that he came from Antioch in Syria derives from ancient tradition.
• Extrabiblical traditions: The story that Luke was a painter who produced a portrait of Mary is a later tradition not found in Scripture. Traditions about his death also differ: some hold that he was martyred, while others hold that he died a natural death in old age. The Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, the Anglican Communion, and others observe his feast day on October 18.

In the Korean Church

In Korean preaching, Luke is commonly introduced as "Luke the physician" and is cited as an example of a person who lived out both faith and vocation. Some organizations bear his name, such as the Korean Christian Medical Fellowship (Korea Luke Society), an association of Christian medical professionals, and he is frequently mentioned in discussions of medical missions. Second Timothy 4:11 serves as the text for sermons on coworkers who stand by others even in difficult times. In Sunday schools, Luke is taught as the writer of the Gospel of Luke and Acts and as the physician who accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys.