The Gospel of Luke: Background and Author

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed historical account of Jesus’ birth, ministry, passion, resurrection, and ascension. Of the four Gospels, it offers the most detailed description of Jesus’ birth and childhood. It is remarkably accurate in many of its details and includes at least six miracles and over twelve parables not mentioned in the other Gospels. This makes it an excellent resource for introducing Jesus to non-believers.

The author, Luke, was a physician from Antioch and a close companion of the apostle Paul. He is the only Gentile author in the Bible. Two of his works are included in the New Testament: the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Some scholars believe that Luke gathered his information during the two years Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea (Acts 24:27), with the purpose of writing a defense for Paul.

The Gospel of Luke is both one of the most beloved and one of the least-known Gospels in terms of its author. Luke’s writing skill is highly sophisticated. He was neither a disciple nor an apostle and had never met Jesus in person. Therefore, he meticulously investigated many sources and interviewed numerous eyewitnesses, likely including the other apostles and possibly even Jesus’ mother, Mary. The information about Jesus’ birth and childhood in the Gospel of Luke is believed to have come from Mary’s perspective.

In his Gospel, Luke uses over 300 medical terms, reflecting his background as a physician. He has no hesitation in using the word “God” and frequently mentions the “kingdom of God,” which is a notable difference from Jewish authors. Jews feared taking God’s name in vain (which is why Matthew, a Jewish author, tends to use “kingdom of heaven” instead of “kingdom of God”). Luke was also a traveler who visited many places and even traveled with Peter. He was well-traveled and knowledgeable, and he is the only one who refers to the Sea of Galilee, which is only 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, as a “lake,” which it indeed appears to be in the eyes of a world traveler.

The Gospel of Luke is a book for everyone. Anyone can find a place for themselves in its pages and see their own reflection. Luke wanted “all people” to come to know Jesus. This idea is a recurring theme in his Gospel: no matter a person’s background, race, or skin color, they can see God’s salvation.

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.