Name: Luke (Λουκᾶς, Loukas in Greek)
Occupation: Physician, historian, evangelist, and companion of Apostle Paul
Contribution: Author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles
Feast Day: October 18th (traditional celebration)
Birth of Luke
Date:
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Exact birth date: Unknown
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Estimated period: Early 1st century (possibly between AD 5–15)
Place of Birth:
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Tradition strongly suggests Antioch, Syria as Luke's birthplace.
Ethnicity & Background:
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Luke is believed to have been a Gentile (non-Jewish) by birth, distinct among New Testament writers who were predominantly Jewish.
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Paul references Luke separately from the Jewish believers in Colossians 4, which indicates Luke’s Gentile identity:
“Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.” (Colossians 4:14)
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He was highly educated, with proficient Greek writing and deep historical knowledge, indicating a sophisticated educational background.
Ministry and Travels with Apostle Paul
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Luke was a loyal companion of Paul on missionary journeys, documented through the use of the pronoun “we” in Acts chapters 16, 20, 21, and 27–28.
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Significant locations visited with Paul:
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Philippi (Macedonia): Luke stayed behind for a period while Paul traveled on (Acts 16:12–40).
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Jerusalem: Witnessed significant events including Paul’s arrest (Acts 21–23).
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Caesarea Maritima: Paul’s imprisonment (Acts 24–26).
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Rome: Accompanied Paul to Rome, where Paul faced imprisonment and trial (Acts 27–28).
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Writing of Luke and Acts
Date and Place of Writing:
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Gospel of Luke: Likely written between AD 60–62.
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Acts of the Apostles: Written approximately AD 62–64.
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Place: Possibly written from Rome, Greece, or Caesarea Maritima. Scholars commonly propose Rome, as Luke was present during Paul's imprisonment.
Style and Approach:
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Luke’s Gospel and Acts were written in precise, refined Greek, indicating his classical training.
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He aimed for historical accuracy, as explicitly stated in the introduction to his Gospel:
“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order...” (Luke 1:3)
Death of Luke
Date:
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Exact death date: Uncertain
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Estimated period: Late 1st century, traditionally between AD 84–100.
Place of Death:
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Thebes, Boeotia (Greece), according to widespread early Church tradition.
Cause and Circumstances:
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Tradition holds Luke was martyred by hanging from an olive tree due to his preaching and spreading the Gospel.
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Other traditions indicate he died peacefully at an advanced age. However, the martyrdom account is more prominent in early Church histories.
Burial and Relics:
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Tradition states Luke’s remains were originally interred in Thebes.
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Later, his relics reportedly transferred to Constantinople around AD 357, placed in the Church of the Holy #Apostles.
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Eventually, some relics were claimed by the Catholic Church to have moved to Padua, Italy, where they rest in the Basilica of Santa Giustina.
Legacy and Patronage:
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Luke is patron saint of:
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Physicians and medical professionals
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Artists
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Surgeons and healers
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Symbolized in Christian art as an ox or bull, representing sacrifice, strength, and service.
Summary Timeline:
| Event | Approximate Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | AD 5–15 | Antioch, Syria |
| Ministry and Travels | AD 50–67 | Philippi, Jerusalem, Rome |
| Writing of Gospel and Acts | AD 60–64 | Possibly Rome or Greece |
| Death | AD 84–100 | Thebes, Boeotia, Greece |
| Relics Transferred to Constantinople | Around AD 357 | Church of the Holy Apostles |
| Relics Transferred to Padua | AD 1177 | Basilica of Santa Giustina, Italy |