Consecutive Gospel
Luke’s careful narrative was written “in consecutive order” so
that his reader would know the “exact truth” about the life and
teachings of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4, Acts 1:1-2). Chronology was
important to Luke. Events in Luke were often accompanied by
datable references to historic figures (Luke 1:5, 2:1-2, 3:1-2).
Key Verse
Luke 19:10
Key Words
Pray, Holy Spirit, Son of Man
When was Luke written?
Luke was written between 59 and 63 A.D. It begins with John the
Baptist’s birth, around B.C. 6 or 5. It ends with Jesus’ death
and resurrection in A.D. 33.
Author of Luke
Luke was a Greek doctor. He was the friend of the Apostle Paul,
who referred to Luke as the “beloved physician” (Colossians
4:14). Medical details are often introduced in this gospel (Luke
4:38, 5:12, 6:6, 9:39-42, 18:25, 22:44).
Luke was an educated physician and an inspired historian. Some
scholars consider Luke to have the best literary writing style
of all New Testament authors. His account was compiled from
eyewitnesses to the ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:2).
Audience
Luke wrote the third gospel and the book of Acts. Both books
were addressed to a nobleman whose name meant “one who loves
God.” Jewish customs and locations in Palestine are often
explained in Luke.