Luke
INTRODUCTION
LUKE
E.M. BLAIKLOCK
The Author
All the evidence supports the view that the third Gospel was written by the physician Luke, friend and fellow-traveler of Paul. Style, outlook and language identify him as the writer of the Acts of the Apostles. External evidence, from archaeological and epigraphical studies, marks the same writer as one familiar with the world of the first century, and as the careful historian which he claims to be (1:1-4).
Granted that Luke wrote both books, a plain reading of the text supports the statement that he was familiar with medical literature, and was with Paul during part of his travels (note the pronoun “we” in Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1–28:16). If so, Luke’s close connection with Philippi is clear, a fact which in no way denies a familiarity with Antioch.
Luke was probably the only Gentile contributor to the New Testament, a fine historian in his own right, an admirable reporter (read The Walk to Emmaus, The Riot in Ephesus, The Wreck of the Grain Ship) and an ardent Paulinist, who appreciated the great apostle’s global outlook, and, in the light of it, was attracted by the universality of Christ, his appeal to high and low, his interest in Gentiles, and the attraction of his gospel for women.
The Patron
Luke begins both of his books in the manner of a Greek historian, and with a dedication. For this reason alone Theophilus must be regarded as a real person. He may have been an official of standing, whose support Luke needed to win, for a project he had was to establish the fact that Christianity was not seditious. He also sought to win him to Christ, and the apparent growth in familiarity between the two dedications suggests that Luke may have indeed won his friend. There is no means of knowing who Theophilus was.
The Authorities
While Paul was in Roman custody at Caesarea in the late fifties, Luke had time to find eyewitnesses. He penetrated the circle of John the Baptist, and may have interviewed the aged Mary. Hence the precious opening chapters with their unique hymns and the flash of light on the Lord’s childhood.
He may have had access to Mark’s material, which, if the recent fragment from Qumran proves of early date, could have been circulating by the mid-century. Luke was with Paul when Mark was present (Colossians 4:10,14; Philemon 24). He met James, such unknown disciples as the Emmaus couple, and many others of the “Third Force” in Palestine, whose testimony went back to the Baptist’s wilderness revival.
The Book
Hence a book in Greek of some polish with tracts of new information, clusters of stories like that of The Prodigal and The Samaritan, the opening chapters, the Emmaus walk. There are new emphases already mentioned, on prayer, on the ministry of womankind, on gentleness. He spares Peter the record of his “cursing” (22:54-62), and his petulant word on physicians, passed to Mark (8:43, see Mark 5:26) …. It is a great book, the second of the narratives to see publication—probably very early in the sixties, and a by-product of Paul’s imprisonment. It had a Gentile public in mind, and was a major contribution to Paul’s ministry.