Who Is Luke, Why Did He Write His Gospel, and What Is Unique About It? Luke 1:1-4

Dedication to Theophilus and Introduction

^1:1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, ² just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, ³ 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, ⁴ that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke is an evangelist concerned about leading people to faith in Jesus by sharing a reliable record of historical facts. Having interviewed many eyewitnesses—Luke did not see Jesus face to face but came on the scene after Jesus’ ascension—he can compile a reliable account for others to read and understand the facts. He addresses his gospel to Theophilus. In Greek, Theophilus means “lover of God.” Theophilus may be an actual person, or perhaps Luke picked this name for all who choose to investigate the person and life of Jesus by reading his gospel. Theologians have been arguing the point for centuries. (You will find that when I, an Episcopal priest who loves studying and sharing the Word of God, do not know something with certainty, I will try and give you more than one perspective on the passage.)

Luke writes that God is working out his purposes in Jesus and the believers who follow him. In his book, Luke share unique stories, including the Parables of The Prodigal Son, The Good Samaritan, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, and twelve other parables not found in the other Gospels, plus the story of The Road to Emmaus.

Luke plays no prominent part in the New Testament except by name, being mentioned three times in Paul’s letters.

• Colossians 4:14 is the most prominent: Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.

• Philemon 23-24 gives us less information: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

• 2 Timothy 4:9-11: Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

What do we know about Luke from the three passages above? He is beloved by others and is a physician, he is a fellow worker of Paul’s, and he seems to be more loyal to Paul than many of the fellow workers.

Prayer:

God our Father, you have given us your Word through the writing of Scripture: Grant that as we read Luke’s account of Jesus, that our loyalty to him will be strengthened having been fed with your inspired Word, and that we too shall be known as “lovers of God.” We ask this for Jesus’ sake. Amen.