Gospel writer; physician; Paul's companion
c. AD 30-85 · New Testament
The 'beloved physician' (Colossians 4:14), Paul's companion on missionary journeys, and the only Gentile writer in the New Testament — author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
Luke is mentioned by name only three times in the NT — but his contribution is enormous. He wrote two of the longest books in the NT — the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles — together composing about 27% of the New Testament. Paul calls him 'Luke, the beloved physician' (Colossians 4:14). 2 Timothy 4:11 — near the end of Paul's life: 'Only Luke is with me.' Luke was a Gentile (Colossians 4:11, 14). His Greek is the most polished in the NT. As a physician, he brings particular interest to physical details and healing accounts. Luke joined Paul on parts of his missionary journeys, as the 'we' sections of Acts indicate (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16). He accompanied Paul to Macedonia, Jerusalem, and Rome — including the shipwreck. The Gospel of Luke is dedicated to 'Theophilus' (Luke 1:3). Luke explicitly describes his method (Luke 1:1-4) — eyewitness sources, perfect understanding, written in order. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus' compassion for the marginalized — women, the poor, Gentiles, sinners. He alone preserves the Parables of the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son. Acts continues the story from Jesus' ascension through Paul's arrival in Rome.
"Luke, the beloved physician"
"We" begins
Witness of arrest
Eyewitness account
"Only Luke is with me"
Dedicated to Theophilus
Luke's significance: (1) He wrote 27% of the NT — Luke and Acts together. (2) He is the only Gentile NT writer. (3) His Gospel emphasizes Jesus' care for the marginalized. (4) Acts is the only NT book that records the church's first 30 years. (5) His historical method (Luke 1:1-4) sets a standard for careful Christian witness.
Luke was a Gentile physician who became Paul's companion on missionary journeys. Mentioned in Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:11. He wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts — together composing about 27% of the New Testament. He is the only Gentile NT writer.
Yes, by unanimous early Christian tradition. Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1 both address 'Theophilus' and refer to the prior 'treatise.' The 'we' passages in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5-21:18; 27:1-28:16) indicate Luke's firsthand presence on parts of Paul's journeys.
Yes. Colossians 4:14 — 'Luke, the beloved physician.' His medical background is evident in his Gospel — detailed attention to illnesses, healings, and physical conditions. His Greek vocabulary includes medical terminology.
No — he was not one of the twelve nor specifically called an apostle. He was a companion of Paul, a Gospel writer, and a faithful servant of the early church. He is often called 'Saint Luke' in Christian tradition.