Evangelist Luke wrote the third Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. We do not know much about his biography. It is said that he was born in Syria and was a disciple of St. Paul, the latter referring to him as an illuminator and assistant. From his works, it is inferred that he accompanied St. Paul throughout his life, which he dedicated to teaching and preaching. He has attributed the authorship of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles works that, in reality, form a single book.
Finally, in the Acts of the Apostles, Luke refers to himself multiple times, which indicates that he was the author. Although there is still some debate among scholars, it is likely that Luke the evangelist wrote both the Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.
Luke the evangelist: A Patron of Physicians and Painters
Luke, the evangelist’s prose, is wealthy, indicating a high academic formation. Nevertheless, he is unquestionably the most literary of the New Testament authors. His Gospel, written in Greek, recounts the preaching and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth. Even though he states that he did not witness his works; for this reason, as well as the style and vocabulary used, critics usually date his writings to around 70 A.D.
The Catholic Church honors him on October 18th as a patron of painters. And physicians because tradition describes him as a friend of artists and knowledgeable in medicine.
A Brief History of Luke the Evangelist
The information available about Luke the evangelist is limited. Against the widespread belief that he was born in Antioch (Syria), he appears to have been born in Philippi, or at the very least in Macedonia. The passages in which he speaks in the first person refer to events in these places. Which are better known to him than the rest.
Luke’s name, which is most likely an abbreviation of Lucan or Lucius, could be that of a freedman devoted to learning.
The first references to his person are contained in the epistles of St. Paul, in which he is cited as a “co-worker” and as “the beloved physician.” St. Luke refers to himself in the plural “we” in the Acts of the Apostles. He appears in the same book, accompanying St. Paul on his second mission from Troas to Philippi.
After about six years in that city, he accompanied St. Paul on a trip to Jerusalem and again when he was taken prisoner in Rome. St. Paul remembered, “Luke alone is with me” on the eve of his martyrdom (II Timothy 4:11).
The Bull: A Symbol of St. Luke’s Life
Tradition holds that Luke the evangelist was a doctor by trade and a gifted painter. However, such news is likely nothing more than a transposition to the visual field of the art with which Luke knew how to describe the characters in his texts. The bull is his evangelistic symbol.
Luke the evangelist himself, excludes himself from the list of Christ’s direct witnesses. Instead, St. Luke, who was interested in historical accuracy, reproduced what he had heard directly from Jesus’ apostles and disciples in his Gospel.
“…As it was handed down to us by those, who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and then servants of the word, I, too, after having accurately investigated all these events from their origin, have determined to write them down for you in an orderly fashion” (Luke 1:2-2).
The Gospel: a significant factor of Luke’s life as an evangelist
The Gospel of Luke the evangelist is the longest of the Gospels. And the most cultured and elegant literary expression and composition. Owing to its author’s cultural preparation, even though he abandons classical language to make it more understandable to the people. Adapting himself to the common language.
Although he was not present for all of the events. His account is accurate and filled with affection and feeling. Following a brief introduction, Luke begins his performance with the birth and early years of Jesus Christ’s life. He concludes with Christ’s ascension to heaven. Thus linking it to the opening verse of the Acts of the Apostles, an essential work for understanding primitive Christianity.
St. Luke was one of St. Paul’s disciples.
He is mentioned briefly in the New Testament. The Pauline Epistles to the Colossians [Col 4:14] refers to him as “the beloved physician. ” So it is assumed that he was a physician and disciple of St. Paul. Accompanying him on several missionary journeys and while he was imprisoned in Caesarea and Rome. According to ancient sources, Luke the evangelist, met Mary, Jesus’ mother, during a visit with Paul.
He had a significant influence on the development of Christianity as the traditional author of the Acts of the Apostles, which documents the early Christian church after Christ’s resurrection until Paul’s first visit to Rome. And the third Gospel, contributing more than a quarter of the text of the New Testament.
How did Luke the evangelist die?
Luke the evangelist recounts Jesus of Nazareth’s life, including his birth, public ministry, death, and resurrection, and concludes with an account of his ascension. So that people outside of the Jewish faith and culture can understand the message of salvation.
The evangelist is distinguished by his concern for just social relations, particularly between the rich and the poor. Also, his respect for sinners and social outcasts and his compassion for women is unique among evangelists.
His death is described in various ways. Some traditions place him as a martyr in Patras, others in Rome, and still others in Thebes of Boeotia.
His relics were transported to Constantinople around 338 CE and then to Padua, Italy, where they are housed in the Basilica of St. Justina. One of his ribs is buried in Thebes, where he was initially buried.
Painters, notaries, physicians, surgeons, bookbinders, bachelors, butchers, and brewers are all patrons of St. George.
Every year on October 18th, people all over the world celebrate the life and legacy of St Luke.
