Luke the Evangelist
Physician, evangelist, and author of Luke–Acts.
Luke the Evangelist is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, a two-volume work that constitutes the largest single-author contribution to the New Testament. The Early Church Fathers first ascribed these writings to him, and later figures such as Jerome and Eusebius reaffirmed this attribution. Scholarly opinion on the tradition was roughly evenly divided near the end of the 20th century. The New Testament mentions Luke briefly; the Epistle to the Colossians refers to him as a physician, and he is also described as a doctor. He is thought to have been both a physician and a disciple of Paul. Many scholars believe Luke was a physician from the Hellenistic city of Antioch in Syria, born of a Greek family, though some consider him a Hellenic Jew. The quality of Greek in Luke–Acts indicates the author was highly educated, familiar with classical authors such as Homer, Euripides, and Plato. Luke’s earliest mention is in the Epistle to Philemon; he also appears in Colossians and 2 Timothy. In Acts, the repeated use of “we” suggests he accompanied Paul on missionary journeys, including to Troas, Philippi, and Rome. He is believed to have died at age 84 in Boeotia, with his tomb later located in Thebes before his relics were transferred to Constantinople in 357. Christians have regarded him as a saint since early times, and he is venerated as a martyr, reportedly hanged from an olive tree. His feast day is 18 October.
- born
- Hellenistic city of Antioch in Ancient Syria (likely)
- died
- Age 84 in Boeotia (according to a fairly early and widespread tradition)
- field
- Evangelist, physician, historian
- nationality
- Greek family (likely); some scholars think Hellenic Jew
- known_for
- Authorship of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles; being a physician and disciple of Paul
Lore & Background
Many scholars believe Luke was a physician who lived in Antioch, born of a Greek family, though some think he was a Hellenic Jew. The New Testament mentions him briefly; the Epistle to the Colossians refers to him as a physician, and he is described as a doctor. He is thought to have been both a physician and a disciple of Paul. Luke's earliest mention is in the Epistle to Philemon 1:24, and he is also mentioned in Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:11. Epiphanius states Luke was one of the Seventy Apostles, and John Chrysostom indicates the 'brother' in 2 Corinthians 8:18 might be Luke or Barnabas. If Luke authored the Gospel and Acts, certain details can be inferred. He does not claim to be an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry but uses 'we' in describing Pauline missions in Acts, indicating personal presence. He meets Paul in Troas, crosses to Macedonia, is left in Philippi, rejoins Paul around 52 AD, and stays with him on the perilous third missionary journey to Italy. Luke's presence in Rome with Paul near the end of Paul's life is attested by 2 Timothy 4:11.
Reader's Guide
Luke the Evangelist holds a central place in Christian tradition as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, together forming the largest single-author contribution to the New Testament. His writings are notable for their educated Greek style, showing familiarity with classical authors such as Homer, Euripides, and Thucydides, which suggests he was among the most highly educated New Testament authors. Scholarly opinion on his authorship is roughly evenly divided near the end of the 20th century, but early attestation from Irenaeus (c. AD 180) and the Muratorian fragment supports the tradition. Luke's works are understood in the tradition of Greek historiography, with some historians like William Mitchell Ramsay praising his accuracy, while others note his apologetic interests shape the narrative. Since the early years of the faith, Christians have regarded him as a saint; he is believed to have been a martyr, reportedly hanged from an olive tree, though some believe otherwise. His feast day is 18 October.
Did You Know?
- Luke is the only New Testament writer who can clearly be identified as not being Jewish, if the traditional interpretation of Colossians 4:11–14 is accepted.
- The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles together account for 27.5% of the New Testament, the largest contribution by a single author.
- The earliest manuscript of the Gospel (Papyrus 75), dated c. AD 200, ascribes the work to Luke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Luke the Evangelist?
Luke is one of the four traditionally named authors of the New Testament gospels and is also credited with writing the Acts of the Apostles. He is remembered as a physician, a close companion of the Apostle Paul, and a Greek-speaking evangelist most likely born in Antioch.
What did Luke the Evangelist write and why does it matter?
He authored the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, a two-part work that together account for roughly 27.5% of the New Testament, the single largest contribution by any one author. This makes him uniquely central to the narrative arc running from Jesus's life through the early church's expansion.
Was Luke the Evangelist Jewish or Gentile?
The dominant patristic tradition describes him as a Greek from a Hellenistic background, most likely born in Antioch. A small number of scholars have floated the idea that he may have been a Hellenized Jew, but the mainstream view holds him firmly as a Gentile.
How does Luke the Evangelist's story end?
A fairly early and widely circulated tradition holds that he lived to the age of 84 and died in Boeotia, Greece. The precise circumstances of his death belong to church tradition rather than to any scriptural record.
Why is Luke the Evangelist a patron saint of so many different professions?
He is invoked as patron of artists (for his vivid narrative style), physicians (for his medical background), and a wide range of other trades including brewers, butchers, and notaries. This broad patronage grew as medieval guilds and local communities each claimed him as a protective figure over their particular craft.
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