A Look at Luke: The Certainty of Things Taught

by David Chadwick

Luke wanted Theophilus, and any future readers, to know the certainty of things taught (Luke 1:4).

How were truths passed on during these biblical times?

First, through oral tradition. Never underestimate the ability of people to remember what has been taught to them verbally. For some in Luke’s day, this was the only way to transmit truths to future generations. Therefore, people repeated truths through families, in public arenas, and within gatherings in order to both learn and pass on information. Without oral tradition, truths and generational realities were lost.

Secondly, through written tradition. As societies became more advanced, written transmission of information became more doable. There were scrolls, parchments, ink, pens, and other means of writing available to authors. Luke took advantage of means and made sure that the gospel truths were not just passed down orally, but through written word. He wanted writings to be available to other people to grow in personal discipleship and to pass down these truths to future generations.

The Gospel of Luke did this. Luke carefully, painstakingly, and proudly wrote down everything he saw and heard. He provided great certainty through eyewitnesses and gave intricate details that only a doctor would seek to find. I would surmise that Luke recorded with divinely inspired certainty, yes, for Theophilus, but also for his good friend Paul, and with future generations, including you and me, in mind!

Aren’t you grateful for Luke? I sure am! I am so glad that God called this amazing man and physician to give us this beautiful Gospel that we will study together over the coming months. This book of the Bible makes me love my Lord and my Savior, Jesus, with greater fervor. I pray it does the same for you!

Now that we understand the author named Luke, join me next week as we take a look at our first character at the cradle, Zechariah.

A Look at Luke: Friend to Theophilus

by David Chadwick

Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke as a letter to the “most excellent Theophilus” (verse 4). Who is Theophilus? This friend to Luke is another important piece in understanding who authored this book.

Luke was a Greek, undoubtedly impassioned to reach those like himself. This should inspire each of us. We, most likely, have been given keys by God to reach others like us as well. Maybe you are a businessman. You have skills and knowledge to reach other businessmen. Maybe you are a mom. Chances are you have unique insights to reach other moms. And so on and so forth.

Theophilus most certainly lived up to his description, “most excellent.” In ancient times, this term was most often used for people of great importance. He was probably a person of great cultural influence and someone of high-ranking social standing.

Yes, most of Jesus’s followers in the early church were people of no means. Converted slaves. Common people. Fishermen. But that doesn’t mean that Jesus does not love people of influence. He does! He loves all people! Joanna, wife of someone in King Herod’s inner circle, chose to follow Jesus. Barnabas had great wealth and decided to follow Jesus. Jesus will use anyone, rich or poor, young or old, Jew or Gentile, to make up his team and build his kingdom!

Sometimes, it’s actually important for high-standing people to be converted so that they can influence those around them toward the gospel of Jesus. Luke, as an outstanding doctor, probably had the ability to speak to people with means and bring them to Jesus. Could it be that Luke was responsible for Theophilus’s conversion to Jesus? Perhaps!

Finally, it is important to note that some scholars don’t think Theophilus was an actual person, but that he represented a general people. The name Theophilus means “lover of God” (“Theo” is God and “philus” is a form of “philea,” which is a Greek term for love). Ultimately, none of us will know the full truth until heaven one day, but whether Luke was writing to an individual or to a group of people who were lovers of God, the truths of his writings are timeless and apply to all of us.

A Look at Luke: The Importance of Eyewitnesses

by David Chadwick

The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the life of Jesus that is significant. Written by a physician with a tremendous attention to detail, Luke’s perspective was heavily focused on the important reality that God took on human flesh to accomplish his mission.

What else do we know about Luke? Let’s keep unpacking Luke 1:1-4.

Dr. Luke counted on the testimonies of actual eyewitnesses. He emphasized in verse 2 that his compilations included information delivered to him from “those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word.” It seems as though these eyewitnesses must have been the 12 apostles, minus Judas and then Matthias, and Paul. Luke must have spent countless hours talking with them, verifying their stories, and ensuring their accuracy. Since there are multiple accounts of the same stories between Matthew, Mark, and Luke, one can assume they talked and compared notes.

Luke had an especially close relationship with Paul. Surely, while traveling together on missionary journeys, as is outlined in Acts 16:22 and beyond, Luke must have taken copious notes from Paul about what he knew, what he had seen, and all he heard from those around him.

In case you didn’t know, Luke also wrote the book of Acts. Luke and Acts go together. In fact, it appears Luke wrote both as one volume. This will become evident as you read Luke 24 and then Acts 1.

Between the 12 apostles, Paul, and the others, Luke received a plethora of information about Jesus in order to pen this Gospel for his primary audience, the Greek people.

Trust the Gospel of Luke. It was Dr. Luke’s account of Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension after having spent countless hours with important eyewitnesses who saw these events.

Luke desired to pass on everything he knew of the life of Jesus both to the people of that day and to us as well. His careful study of all eyewitness accounts gives credence to the gospel. Luke recounts words of people who saw and experienced Jesus. We are grateful to Luke for the number of hours he spent making the stories come alive for us.