A bit more of Luke's life and personality can be pieced together with the aid of his writings - Luke and Acts of the Apostles - and some outside sources. Tradition records that he came from Antioch in Syria. This is possible, because Antioch played a significant role in the early Gentile mission which Luke described in Acts of the Apostles, chapter 11, 13, 14, 15, 18. Luke was a Gentile - Col.4:10-17 - and the only non-Jewish author of a New Testament book. A comparison of 2Corinthians 8:18 and 12:18 has led some to suppose that Luke and Titus were brothers, but this is a guess.
Apostle Luke accompanied apostle Paul on parts of his second, third, and final missionary journeys. At three places in the Acts of the Apostles, the narrative changes to the first person ("we"). This probably indicates that Luke was personally present during these episodes. On the second journey (A.D. 49-53). Luke accompanied Paul on the short voyage from Troas to Philippi - Acts 16:10-17 - On the third journey (A.D. 54-58). Luke was present on the voyage from Philippi to Jerusalem - Acts 20:5 to 21:18 - Whether Luke had spent the intervening time in Philippi is uncertain, but his connection with Philippi has led some to favour it (rather than Antioch) as Luke's home.
Once in Palestine, Luke probably remained close by Paul during his two year imprisonment in Caesarea. During this time, Luke probably drew together material, both oral and written, which he later used in the composition of his gospel. - Luke 1:1-14 - A third "we" passage describes in masterful suspense the shipwreck during Paul's voyage to Rome for his trail before Caesar. Each of the "we" passage involves Luke on a voyage, and the description of the journey from Jerusalem to Rome is full of observations and knowledge of nautical matters.
Luke apparently was a very humble man, with no desire to sound his own horn. More than one-fourth of the New Testament comes from his pen, but not once does he mention himself by name. He had a greater command of the Greek language and was probably more broad-minded and urbane than any New Testament writer. He was a careful historian, both by his own admission and by the judgment of later history.
Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have taken place among us, exactly as these were handed to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus, so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received. - Luke 1:1-4 -
Luke's gospel reveals his concern for the poor, sick, and outcast, thus offering a clue to why Paul called him "the beloved physician." - Col. 4:14 - He was faithful not only to Paul, but to the greater cause which he served - the publication of "good tidings of great joy."
The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, 'Do not be afraid.Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour.' - Luke 2:9-14 -
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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