Introduction

Luke, a physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, is traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. His writings are addressed to an individual named Theophilus, whose identity remains a subject of scholarly discussion. Luke's works are characterized by their historical detail, theological depth, and emphasis on the universality of the Gospel message.

Authorship and Background

Luke is mentioned in the New Testament as a physician and a close associate of Paul. Colossians 4:14 refers to him as "the beloved physician," and he is also mentioned in Philemon 1:24 and 2 Timothy 4:11. His background as a physician suggests a well-educated individual, which is reflected in the sophisticated Greek style of his writings.

Theophilus: Recipient of Luke's Writings

The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are both addressed to Theophilus. In Luke 1:3-4 , Luke writes, "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." The title "most excellent" suggests that Theophilus may have been a person of high social standing or a Roman official. The purpose of Luke's writing is to provide Theophilus with a well-researched and orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Church's history.

Themes and Emphases

Luke's Gospel is notable for its emphasis on the compassion of Jesus, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusion of marginalized groups such as women, Gentiles, and the poor. Luke 4:18-19 highlights Jesus' mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

In Acts, Luke continues to emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' commission to His disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Historical and Theological Significance

Luke's writings provide a detailed historical account of the life of Jesus and the early Church, serving as a bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles. His meticulous attention to detail and historical context offers valuable insights into the cultural and political backdrop of the New Testament era.

Theologically, Luke emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. He presents Jesus as the Savior for all humanity, underscoring the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Conclusion

While the identity of Theophilus remains uncertain, Luke's dedication to providing an accurate and comprehensive account of the Christian faith underscores the importance of his writings for both contemporary and future believers. His contributions to the New Testament canon continue to be a vital resource for understanding the life of Jesus and the early Church's mission.Luke 1:1-4
For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 1:1,2
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Nave's Topical Index

The Gospel of Luke
... agreed, however, that the Gospel was not intended for Theophilus only, but ... of the
Gentile converts ;" Gregory Nazianze, more definitely: "Luke wrote for the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm

Of Luke's Gospel, and Specially of the Harmony Between Its ...
... book commences in the following strain: "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus,
of all that ... And, further, Mark and Luke certainly wrote at a ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter viii of lukes gospel and.htm

Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World
... Thus, a Greek dramatist wrote a play called "The ... Luke must have adapted his expression
to suit either ... or more probably the single reader, Theophilus, for whose ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 3 lukes attitude towards.htm

Luke.
... In Acts 1:1 the epithet is omitted. Bengel infers from this omission that when Luke
wrote the Acts he was on more familiar terms with Theophilus. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

How the Gospels came to be Written
... St. Luke wrote his Gospel as an historian, and in dedicating his work to
Theophilus[2] in a kind of preface, he followed the Greek custom. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter xi how the gospels.htm

Canon Muratorianus.
... of all the Apostles are comprised by Luke in one ... and addressed to the most excellent
Theophilus, because these ... ie, that the principle on which he wrote was, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/caius/fragments of caius/iii canon muratorianus.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... Cf.12:1; 18:2; 23:26; 25:1. Of what did Luke want to give Theophilus certainty?
From the fact that he himself says that he wrote the first book to give his ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

Luke i. 3, 4
... Luke tells Theophilus that it seemed good to him to ... of our Lord's life and death,
that Theophilus might know ... and to whom the Greek in which they wrote was, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxi luke i 3.htm

Letter Lxiii. To Theophilus.
... Finally he wrote counselling him to obey the canons of the church. ... Jerome to the
most blessed pope [1912] Theophilus. ... [1913] Luke 18:2-5. [1914] Hebrews 12:6. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxiii to theophilus.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... the "equestrian order." The evangelist tells Theophilus that many ... Luke's expression
might fit either of these two facts. ... the year 8-7 BC Augustus wrote to Herod ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

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