Luke

About Luke

Luke was a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, and the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. These two books comprise more than a quarter of the New Testament. A Gentile convert to Christianity, Luke was known for his meticulous historical approach and attention to detail.

Luke accompanied Paul on several of his missionary journeys, and the "we" passages in Acts suggest he was an eyewitness to many of the events he recorded. His Gospel is distinguished by its emphasis on Jesus's compassion for the poor, outcasts, and women, and contains unique parables such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

As a physician, Luke brought a healer's perspective to his writings, noting medical details others might miss. His Gospel contains the most complete account of Jesus's birth and childhood, likely obtained through interviews with Mary and other early witnesses. He carefully investigated events to write "an orderly account" for Theophilus and all believers.

Tradition holds that Luke was unmarried, that he painted icons of the Virgin Mary, and that he died at age 84 in Boeotia, Greece. Some traditions say he was martyred, while others suggest he died of natural causes. His relics are claimed by several churches. Luke's careful documentation of early Christianity provides invaluable historical testimony to the life of Christ and the early Church.