*Luke’s story is told in ‘we’ sections of Acts 16-28
Who is Luke?
Background Information
- Gentile (non-Jewish) by birth
- A physician by profession
- Close companion of Paul the Apostle
- Also considered a historian
Relationship to Other Bible Characters
- A close friend and traveling companion of Paul
- Likely acquainted with other apostles and early Christian leaders due to his thorough research and narratives
Strengths and Accomplishments
Strong Educational Background
- His writings reveal that he was well-educated, particularly in the medical and historical fields.
Detailed Historian
- Authored the Gospel of Luke, providing a detailed account of Jesus’ life and ministry
- Wrote the Acts of the Apostles, offering an in-depth look at the early Christian church
Faithful Companion
- Accompanied Paul on many missionary journeys
- Even stood by Paul during imprisonments
Inclusivity
- Emphasized the universality of the Gospel message, focusing on outcasts, women, and non-Jews
Weaknesses and Mistakes
Limited Direct Experience
- Luke was not an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry; his accounts are based on research and interviews
- Some critics argue his second-hand accounts might contain historical inaccuracies, although this is debated among scholars
Overlooked?
- Being neither a Jew nor an apostle, he may have been marginalized or underestimated in the early church community.
Lessons from His Life
Value of Thorough Research
- His meticulous work in compiling narratives shows the importance of detailed investigation and documentation.
The Importance of Inclusivity
- Luke’s emphasis on the Gentiles, women, and the marginalized teaches the value of inclusivity in the Christian community.
Friendship and Loyalty
- His dedication to Paul demonstrates the depth of friendship and loyalty that can exist between believers.
Key Verses (NIV)
Luke 1:3-4
“With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Acts 1:1-2
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”