PROVENANCE
PROVENANCE
According to the anti-Marcionite prologue Luke came from Antioch and wrote his gospel "in the regions of Achaea.” It would fit in with what we know if Luke remained in Rome until Paul was released from prison (or executed if we hold that he was not released), then went to Greece and wrote his gospel. But it must be emphasized that this is speculation. In some late MSS Rome is given as the place of composition, but it is not known on what basis. A few scholars stress the connection of Luke with Antioch. Eusebius says he was "by race an Antiochian” (H.E. 3.4.6), but this is not the same as saying that he wrote his gospel in that city. In the end we must say that there is not sufficient evidence to link the gospel definitely with any particular area. Achaia is a reasonable conjecture, but we cannot say more.