Lexical Summary Loukas: Luke Original Word: Λουκᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Lucas, Luke. Contracted from Latin Lucanus; Lucas, a Christian -- Lucas, Luke. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincontr. from the Latin Lucanus Definition Luke, a Christian NASB Translation Luke (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3065: ΛουκᾶςΛουκᾶς, Λουκᾶ, ὁ (contracted from Λουκανος; (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians 4:14), Winers Grammar, 103 (97) (cf. Buttmann, 20 (18); on the diverse origin of contracted or abbrev. proper names in ἅς cf. Lobeck, Patholog. Proleg., p. 506; Lightfoot on Colossians 4:15)), Luke, a Christian of Gentile origin, the companion of the apostle Paul in preaching the gospel and on many of his journeys (Acts 16:10-17; Acts 20:5-15; Acts 21:1-18; Acts 28:10-16); he was a physician, and according to the tradition of the church from Irenaeus (3, 14, 1f) down, which has been recently assailed with little success, the author of the third canonical Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles: Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 1:24. Topical Lexicon Identity and Background Luke (Λουκᾶς) stands out in the New Testament as the only Gentile writer of canonical Scripture. His name appears three times, always in Pauline letters, and each reference presents him in close, trusted fellowship with the apostle. Early Christian writers (Irenaeus, Tertullian, Eusebius) consistently identify him as the author of both the Gospel that bears his name and the book of Acts, forming a two-volume work that comprises more than one-quarter of the New Testament text. Occurrences in Scripture • Colossians 4:14 – “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.” These verses reveal three complementary portraits of Luke: beloved friend, fellow worker, and steadfast companion during Paul’s final imprisonment. Professional Vocation: Beloved Physician Paul’s description of Luke as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14) indicates medical training. Luke’s vocabulary in his Gospel and Acts—precise anatomical terms, careful differentiation between diseases and demonic oppression—confirms a physician’s eye for detail. His profession also underscores the Lord’s use of diverse callings within the body of Christ; healing skills became a platform for evangelistic ministry and compassionate service. Missionary Companion of Paul The “we” sections of Acts (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16) signal Luke’s personal presence on key journeys: His loyalty endured the hardships of travel, riots, shipwreck, and imprisonment. When others deserted Paul (2 Timothy 4:10–12), Luke remained, exemplifying persevering friendship and pastoral care. Authorship of the Third Gospel and Acts Luke’s prologue (Luke 1:1–4) discloses his method: careful investigation, consultation with eyewitnesses, and orderly presentation “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Acts 1:1 links the two volumes and indicates continuous narrative intent. Internal evidence—shared language, theology, and medical diction—confirms single authorship. The early church unanimously received Luke-Acts as apostolic and historically trustworthy, a conviction reflected in the Muratorian Canon and patristic citations. Theological Emphases in Luke-Acts 1. Salvation History: Luke traces God’s redemptive plan from Israel’s promises through Jesus to the worldwide mission of the church. Historical Reliability and Apologetic Value Archaeological discoveries (e.g., politarch inscription in Thessalonica, accurate titles for regional officials) repeatedly validate Luke’s precision. Sir William Ramsay’s once-skeptical research led him to deem Luke “a historian of the first rank.” Luke-Acts supplies critical chronological anchors for Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1–2) and Paul’s ministry (Acts 18:12), offering believers confidence in Scripture’s factual integrity. Pastoral Lessons from Luke’s Life • Faithful service often flourishes behind the scenes; Luke never seeks prominence yet leaves an enduring mark. Legacy in Early Church and Beyond Luke’s writings shaped the church’s understanding of Christ’s life and the Spirit’s work in forming the body of believers. Liturgical readings, art, and hymnody draw heavily from material unique to his Gospel (Magnificat, Benedictus, Nunc Dimittis). Missionaries continue to find inspiration in Acts’ narrative of gospel advance “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). His example encourages Christian scholars, medical professionals, and laypersons alike to integrate intellect, compassion, and steadfast devotion for the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations Λουκας Λουκᾶς Loukas LoukâsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Colossians 4:14 N-NMSGRK: ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Λουκᾶς ὁ ἰατρὸς NAS: Luke, the beloved physician, KJV: Luke, the beloved physician, INT: Greets you Luke the physician 2 Timothy 4:11 N-NMS Philemon 1:24 N-NMS |
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