Most people have heard of the gospel of Luke, it is one of the four gospels which tells the story of Jesus in the New Testament. It’s author, Luke, also wrote the New Testament book of Acts of the Apostles which tells the early history of the church. We have read his words often, but who was this man we know as Luke?
Luke was the only Gentile writer of the New Testament (Col. 4:10-14). His name itself tells us he was a Greek man. Greek scholars point out that his writing style is distinctively Greek in nature and demonstrates a high level of education. He was a trained physician (Col. 4:14). Being that he was a Gentile, it is no surprise that he emphasizes the humanity of Christ and his gospel stresses the universal mission of Christ to all people (Luke 19:10).
Luke was an incredible author inspired by the Holy Spirit to write fifty-two chapters or one-third of the New Testament. He carefully investigated and researched his works (Luke 1:1-4). He was a constant traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, so he had first-hand knowledge of much that he wrote in Acts. Yet, he never mentions his own name in either work. He is only mentioned three times in the entire New Testament all in the writings of Paul. Luke knew the story wasn’t about himself, but about Christ!
Luke was a gospel preacher that had a great heart for the oppressed, poor, and outcast of society. Luke tells use about the good Samaritan, the lost son, the tax collector named Zacchaeus, and the thief on the cross. It is Luke who wrote the truth that “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34) and recorded the message of the gospel going to the Gentiles through the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10-11).
Luke was Paul’s close companion, fellow worker, and personal physician who was always loyal and faithful to the hard-working Apostle. Luke had no problem letting Paul have the greater role and significance. Each time Luke is mentioned in the Bible Demas and John Mark are also mentioned (Col. 4:10,14; Philemon 24; 2 Tim. 4:10-11). John Mark had earlier deserted Paul on a mission trip (Acts 15:38), though he will later be useful to Paul. Demas departs Paul and the Christian faith because he fell in love with the present world (2 Tim. 4:10). Luke never departs! He is always faithful to Paul throughout his life. Be a Luke!
Luke was content to be behind the scenes. His desire was to shine the spotlight on Christ and His saving work. His desire was to focus attention on the birth and growth of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts. As Christians today we should adopt the attitude of Luke, remembering the spotlight isn’t supposed to be on ourselves, but on Christ.
