Appendix 2. Background of the Gospel of Luke

Author Although his name is never mentioned, Luke has been considered the author of this gospel and the book of Acts from early church history.49 The introductory four verses explain that the author was not an eyewitness to the gospel events, so that rules out all the apostles. Luke was a companion of Paul at times (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; 27:1; 28:16) and he was with Paul when he wrote Colossians (4:14) and Philemon (v.23-24). The New Testament suggests that Luke wasn’t Jewish, but he could have been a Semite with extensive Old Testament background.50 Darrell Bock believes that his two books suggest that he is a Gentile Christian.51 Colossians 4:14 describes him as a medical doctor. Scholars consider Luke to be a careful historian who checked out facts from eyewitnesses. Of course, he was himself an eyewitness to many events in Acts, the second part of the story he told. Audience Both Luke and Acts were addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1-4). Date Scholars tend to date Luke either between A.D. 70 and 90, or during the 60’s. Purposes Luke describes his purpose as assuring Theophilus of the accuracy of the story of Jesus (Luke 1:3-4), but more can be inferred by w...