Luke

Luke was the only Gentile to author any portion of Scripture—a physician who wrote more of the New Testament by word count than any other writer, including Paul. His two volumes, the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, form a continuous narrative from Jesus' birth through Paul's Roman imprisonment.

Almost everything we know about Luke comes from incidental references in Paul's letters. Paul calls him "the beloved physician," suggesting both affection and professional status. In the letter to Colossians, Paul distinguishes Luke from colleagues "of the circumcision," confirming his Gentile background.

His connection to Paul appears to have begun during the second missionary journey. In Acts, the narrative suddenly shifts from "they" to "we" at Troas, indicating Luke joined the team there. Some have speculated he was the "man of Macedonia" from Paul's vision, though this remains uncertain. He traveled with Paul to Philippi, remained there for several years while Paul continued traveling, and rejoined the apostle for the journey to Jerusalem and ultimately to Rome.

His literary skill is evident throughout his work. The preface to his Gospel demonstrates classical Greek prose, while his nativity narratives employ deliberately Hebraic style befitting their Old Testament atmosphere. His attention to detail—geographical accuracy, medical precision, careful chronology—marks him as a thoughtful historian.

Luke addressed both volumes to Theophilus, possibly a Roman official or patron whose name means "lover of God." His stated purpose was that Theophilus "may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught." Luke wrote to establish firm historical foundation for Christian faith.

He was with Paul during the apostle's final imprisonment, one of few who remained when others had departed. Paul's last mention of Luke simply notes his presence—faithful to the end.