Communion With the Christ:: Elementary Notes About the Gospels: St. Luke

Introduction to St. Luke’s Gospel

St. Luke’s Gospel is the third of the Synoptic Gospels and is known in Greek as:
Τὸ κατὰ Λουκᾶν εὐαγγέλιον (to kata Loukan euangelion)

It was written by Luke, a physician, historian, evangelist, and traveling companion of St. Paul.

Some scholars believe Luke was a Gentile from Antioch, Syria, while others theorize he may have been a Hellenistic Jew.

St. Luke’s Gospel is the longest of the four Gospel accounts and was written in Koine Greek (common Greek), specifically in the Alexandrian dialect. It is believed to have been written in the early 60s AD.

St. Luke’s Gospel serves as the first part of a two-volume work, with the Book of Acts as its sequel.

Symbolism of St. Luke’s Gospel

In Christian iconography, St. Luke’s Gospel is represented by an ox—a symbol drawn from Israel’s history.

Among Israel’s tribes, some camped under the banner of Ephraim (one of Joseph’s sons), whose emblem was an ox.

Additionally, Luke is the only Gospel writer to give a detailed account of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, a priest who offered sacrifices—including oxen—at the Temple.

John the Baptist & The Annunciation

Luke introduces Zechariah the priest, who receives an angelic visitation while ministering at the Temple in Jerusalem.

The angel informs him that despite his elderly age, he and his wife Elizabeth will bear a child—John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus (Luke 1:5-25).

St. Luke then takes us to Nazareth in Galilee, where the young Mary receives an angelic visit from Gabriel, announcing that she will be the mother of the Messiah

St. Luke also records Mary’s trip to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child (Luke 1:39-45).

The Magnificat

Luke includes Mary’s song of praise to God for salvation, known as the “Magnificat.”

This impromptu hymn follows a similar poetic style to hymns found in the Old Testament (Luke 1:46-55).

The Two Volumes: Luke & Acts

St. Luke explicitly states that his Gospel and Acts were written for Theophilus, to whom he carefully documented Jesus’ life and teachings:

"The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen."
—Acts 1:1-2

St. Luke emphasizes his thorough research, ensuring an orderly and accurate account:

"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 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."
—Luke 1:1-3

The identity of Theophilus remains uncertain. His name means “one who loves God”, but scholars are divided on whether he was an individual or a symbolic figure.

One theory suggests that Theophilus may have been a Roman-appointed High Priest of Israel, serving between AD 37 and AD 41. His full name was Theophilus ben Ananus.

St. Luke’s Unique Presentation of Jesus

St. Luke presents Jesus to the Greek world as the perfect “divine man.”

Greek mythology was filled with demi-gods—human figures allegedly begotten by one of the Greek gods.

However, St. Luke carefully differentiates Jesus from these myths, portraying Him as not half-god, but fully God and fully human.

St. Luke’s Gospel is a thoroughly researched, historically rich, and theologically profound account of Jesus Christ.

It offers a unique perspective, emphasizing:

Jesus’ humanity and divinity
His connection to Israel’s history
His role as the fulfillment of prophecy

Structure of St. Luke’s Gospel

St. Luke’s account can be structured as follows:

1. The Prologue – Luke 1:1-4

2. Jesus' Conception, Birth, and Infancy – Luke 1:5-2:52

3. Jesus Prepares for Ministry – Luke 3:1-4:15

4. Galilean Ministry – Luke 4:16-9:50

5. Journey to Jerusalem – Luke 9:51-19:27

6. Jerusalem Ministry – Luke 19:28-21:38

7. Arrest, Trial, Crucifixion, and Death – Luke 22:1-23:56

8. Resurrection of Jesus – Luke 24:1-53

Beloved Physician

St. Luke is believed to have lived in Antioch, Syria and was referred to by St. Paul as:

"Luke, the beloved physician."
—Colossians 4:14

This high regard indicates Luke was a close friend of St. Paul and a well-educated researcher and writer—qualities reflected in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.

If Church tradition is correct, Luke was Greek, making him the only non-Jew to have written Scripture.

St. Luke's writing style reflects intellectual discipline and an expansive vocabulary, enhancing his Gospel’s historical depth and precision.

He acknowledges that many had attempted to record Jesus’ teachings and life events, and some scholars speculate that Luke may have used St. John Mark’s Gospel as a source while carefully gathering eyewitness accounts.

Since St. Luke was not an original disciple, he likely compiled information from those who had firsthand knowledge to formulate his Gospel.

St. Luke’s Contribution to Christian Iconography

An ancient tradition suggests that Luke was an artist and may have contributed to early Christian iconography—creating painted or drawn symbols reflecting biblical events and figures.

St. Luke is believed to have died at the age of 84 in Boeotia.

Jesus' Compassion in St. Luke's Gospel

Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for:

The lost
The downtrodden
The sick
Women involved in His ministry (Luke 8:1-3)

Additionally, Luke highlights Jesus' prayer life, showing that prayer was a central part of His ministry.

The "Lost Parables"

Luke is the only Gospel writer to include three parables of the lost (Luke 15:3-32):

1. The Lost Sheep

2. The Lost Coin

3. The Lost Son (Prodigal Son)

Luke is also the only writer to mention Jesus' Evangelism Tour, where He sent seventy-two disciples to spread the message (Luke 10:1-24).

Conclusion

St. Luke’s Gospel provides Greek, Jewish, and Christian audiences with a historically reliable and theologically rich account of Jesus Christ.

Through St. Luke’s detailed narrative, he affirms that Jesus is the One through whom God has brought salvation to humanity.

Benediction

May we each and all give praise to our God, who—through the divine Holy Spirit—has faithfully preserved the life of our Lord Jesus Christ—today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Amen.