Who Was Luke?

 N.T.#669 "Who Was Luke?"

Nov, 2025

Summary of Luke

LET IT GLOW

I recall memorizing the passages in Luke about the birth of Jesus in elementary. My classmates and I recited them at a Christmas program we had. I can still do it, mostly. If you haven't done so, give it a try. 

Well folks, we finally made it through the Gospel according to Luke. Many thanks for staying with me while we studied this book. I always like to look back at the book we have studies together and pull out some gold nuggets from it .

What do we know about the writer?

• Luke was a Gentile and the only Gentile to pen any books of Scripture. His name is Greek.
• Not only did Luke write this Gospel, but also the Book of Acts, which tells about the early church.
• Since Luke was a doctor, He gave more details of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. He gave us a deeper perspective of Jesus' healings. 
• Probably this book was written between A.D. 58-60, before the invasion of the Romans on Jerusalem in A.D. 64, for he does not mention this historical event.
• A running theme in Luke's Gospel is Jesus' compassion for Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and other outcasts in Israel.
• Other themes include human fear in the presence of God, forgiveness, joy, wonder at the mysteries of the role of the Holy Spirit, the temple in Jerusalem, and Jesus' prayers.
• Another theme emphasized is the relentless progression of Jesus toward the Cross, of which He did not deter, for His whole mission was to save sinners.
• Luke was one of Paul's closest companions and fellow laborers. (Col. 4:14)
• He was a tremendous historian, missionary, church planter, traveler, and writer, as well as being a physician.
• Luke was martyred at the age of 84 in the Greek city of Thebes. 

[References: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Luke reveals to us that God is not respecter of persons; He opened His heart to the needy through the kingdom ministry of His Son. The Son of Man who heals the sick, raises the dead, and calls the prodigal back is also the transcendent God who calls all people to Himself in salvation.

Luke shows through the genealogy and birth of Jesus that He has the right to claim the title of Son of David, the Messiah and King. Jesus used the Word of God to open people's minds and hearts to who He is. [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

What a beautiful account of the life of Jesus Luke gives us.  Luke does not end his writing with sadness over the death of Jesus. We can read of His appearances to people and His promise of sending the Holy Spirit. [Life Application Study Bible]

Let me leave you with this verse today: For with God nothing shall be impossible. (verse 1:37)

Whatever is going on in your life today (and mine), keep praying and reading God's Word. It never fails. Our Living Savior can do the impossible. He arose from the dead, didn't He?

I will pull out some Scriptures that are significant to me which we studies and some life lessons, too. So stay with me for the next couple of days as we review.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the burdens and problems in our life and world, and lay them at the feet of Jesus.

Grow our faith stronger and firm. 

May You be honored, glorified, and praised, Lord Jesus, Savior, Messiah, Son of God.

Please bless those who study the Scriptures with me.