Category:Luke (subject)

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Luke (1st century CE) was, according to Christian tradition, one of the four evangelists and a companion of Paul of Tarsus.

See Paul's Companions

Overview

The author of Luke-Acts is traditionally identified with Luke, a friend and companion of Paul, mentioned in three letters--as "a fellow worker" (Philemon 1:24), "the beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14), and a companion (2 Timothy 4:11).

Christian tradition assumed that they were all references to the same person and described Luke as a Gentile, a native of Antioch, by profession a physician. Besides being the author of Luke-Acts, he was also described as the first iconographer. There are no narratives about his martyrdom; Luke was believed to have lived to old age. His reputed remains were brought to Padoa [Italy] in the 12th century.

Studies on the historical Luke are made impossible by the lack of evidence, and are generally restricted to introductory notes on the authorship of Luke-Acts, or to the study of the legends surrounding his life.

Luke, in ancient sources

Eusebius

III 4,7-8 - [7] But Luke, who was of Antiochian parentage and a physician by profession, and who was especially intimate with Paul and well acquainted with the rest of the apostles, has left us, in two inspired books, proofs of that spiritual healing art which he learned from them. One of these books is the Gospel, which he testifies that he wrote as those who were from the beginning eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered unto him, all of whom, as he says, he followed accurately from the first. (Luke 1:2-3) The other book is the Acts of the Apostles which he composed not from the accounts of others, but from what he had seen himself. [8] And they say that Paul meant to refer to Luke's Gospel wherever, as if speaking of some gospel of his own, he used the words, "according to my Gospel."

Luke, in the arts

The traditional iconography of Luke focused on his role as evangelist and first Christian painter; it never developed into a narrative cycle.

Modern novels seems to be more attracted to his medical profession and his relationship with Paul. Luke appears prominently also in some novels on Paul and Christian origins, notably, The Silver Chalice (1952 Costain), novel, and Paul (2000 Wangerin), novel.