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.