In brief
Luke is a physician and companion of Paul whom ancient Christian tradition recognizes as the author of the Gospel of Luke and of the book of Acts. His name does not appear in these two books, but Paul mentions him in his letters as his co-worker and the beloved physician. The passages of Acts written in the first person plural show that he accompanied Paul. He is remembered as a careful historian, faithful to the end.
What does the name Luke mean?
Luke is generally linked to a Latin name, often understood as a short form of Lucanus or Lucius. This name is tied to the idea of light, but the Bible gives no explanation of it. In Greek it is written Loukas.
The story of Luke
A Historian Who Investigates
Luke 1:1-4The Gospel of Luke opens with a preface addressed to Theophilus. The author explains that many have undertaken to write down the events of the life of Jesus. Having carefully examined everything from the beginning, he decided to write an orderly account, so that Theophilus may know the certainty of what he has been taught.
The Second Book to Theophilus
Acts 1:1-3The book of Acts begins with a reminder: the first book dealt with all that Jesus began to do and to teach until his ascension. The same author, addressing Theophilus again, tells how Jesus showed himself alive to his apostles for forty days before going up to heaven.
A We at Troas
Acts 16:9-10At Troas, Paul sees in a vision a Macedonian man calling him for help. The account then shifts from they to we, as the group immediately seeks to go to Macedonia. Many understand that the author of Acts joins Paul's journey here, and ancient tradition recognizes Luke in him.
The Beloved Physician
Colossians 4:14At the end of his letter to the Colossians, Paul sends greetings from several companions. He mentions Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas. This short phrase is the only mention of Luke's profession, and it expresses the affection Paul has for him, at a time when the apostle is in prison.
Alone With Paul to the End
2 Timothy 4:9-11In his last letter, Paul asks Timothy to come to him quickly. Demas has abandoned him out of love for the world, and others have gone elsewhere. Paul writes that only Luke is with him. In this trial, near the end of his life, the apostle can count on this faithful co-worker.
What Luke teaches us
- Careful research and the ordering of facts is a service rendered to the church and to the faith.
- A faithful co-worker can stay discreet, with no title or name in his own book, and still be precious.
- Stay at the side of those who suffer for the Gospel, as Luke did for Paul.
- The Christian faith rests on real events and on witnesses: it can be trusted.
Key verses
The author took care to examine everything from the beginning in order to write an orderly account, so that Theophilus may know the certainty of the teaching he received. A testimony to the rigor of the Gospel.
Paul greets Luke, the beloved physician. These simple words show that he was at once a man of science, a friend of Paul and a faithful companion.
While Paul is abandoned by others near the end of his life, he writes that only Luke is with him. Luke's faithfulness is underlined here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Luke really the author of the Gospel that bears his name?
Neither the Gospel nor Acts gives the name of the author. Very ancient Christian tradition attributes them to Luke, companion of Paul, and the we passages in Acts point in this direction. This is the common understanding of the churches since the first centuries.
What does the name Luke mean?
Luke is generally linked to a Latin name, often understood as a short form of Lucanus or Lucius, tied to the idea of light. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. This meaning therefore remains a common interpretation of the name.
Where can I find the story of Luke in the Bible?
Luke is never named in his own books. We meet him through the letters of Paul: Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:11 and Philemon 24. The we passages in the book of Acts, such as Acts 16:10, also point to his presence alongside Paul.