When Was Luke Written?
Quick Summary
The Gospel of Luke was most likely written between 80 and 90 CE, a decade or more after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 CE. Luke reflects a mature stage of early Christian reflection, drawing on earlier sources while addressing a predominantly Gentile audience. The gospel situates the story of Jesus within world history, emphasizing God’s faithfulness, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusion of outsiders. Knowing when Luke was written clarifies its tone of reassurance, its careful historical framing, and its concern for continuity between Israel, Jesus, and the early church.
Introduction
Luke is expansive and deliberate. It slows the story down, sets it within the sweep of empires, and lingers with characters often passed over in other accounts. The gospel opens not with urgency but with assurance, promising an orderly account so that readers may know the certainty of what they have been taught (Luke 1:1–4).
This is not the voice of a community in immediate crisis. Luke writes after the first shock of the temple’s destruction, when questions of meaning, identity, and future direction have moved to the foreground.
Asking when Luke was written helps explain why the gospel feels reflective rather than frantic, confident rather than defensive. It speaks to a church learning how to live faithfully over the long haul.
Luke’s Relationship to Mark
One of the clearest indicators for dating Luke is its use of the Gospel of Mark. Luke follows Mark’s basic narrative outline while reworking, expanding, and reordering material.
Since Mark is typically dated around 65–70 CE, Luke must have been written later. Luke also incorporates additional traditions, often referred to as shared material with Matthew and unique Lukan sources.
This literary dependence places Luke firmly in the post-70 CE period (Collins, Introduction to the New Testament, pp. 186–189).
The Destruction of the Temple in Luke
Luke reflects a world in which the destruction of Jerusalem is a known reality. Jesus’ predictions of Jerusalem’s fall are presented with clarity and detail, suggesting hindsight rather than anticipation (Luke 21:20–24).
Unlike Mark, Luke removes some of the urgency and ambiguity surrounding these events. The focus shifts from immediate catastrophe to long-term faithfulness and mission.
This treatment strongly supports a date after 70 CE.
Luke–Acts as a Two-Volume Work
The Gospel of Luke is the first volume of a two-part work that continues in the Book of Acts.
Acts traces the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, portraying Christianity as a legitimate movement within the Roman world rather than a destabilizing force.
Most scholars date Acts to the same general period as Luke, reinforcing a late first-century setting for both volumes.
Audience and Purpose
Luke addresses a predominantly Gentile audience. Jewish customs are often explained, and the gospel emphasizes themes of inclusion, hospitality, and God’s concern for the marginalized.
Luke portrays Christianity as a movement that fulfills Israel’s story while extending God’s salvation to all nations.
This perspective reflects a period when Gentile believers made up a significant portion of the church and questions of continuity with Judaism were being actively negotiated.
Historical Framing and World Empires
Luke situates Jesus’ story within the broader context of Roman history. References to emperors, governors, censuses, and political events are woven throughout the narrative.
This historical framing suggests a desire to present Christianity as credible, rooted, and compatible with life under Roman rule.
Such concerns are consistent with a church seeking stability and legitimacy in the late first century.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Luke places strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit, from the opening chapters through Jesus’ ministry and into Acts.
The Spirit guides, empowers, and sustains the community over time.
This focus reflects a church transitioning from eyewitness memory to ongoing life shaped by divine presence rather than physical proximity to Jesus.
Social Concerns and Ethical Emphasis
Luke gives sustained attention to wealth, poverty, hospitality, and justice.
These concerns reflect a settled community grappling with how to live faithfully within existing social structures.
Rather than calling for withdrawal or revolt, Luke emphasizes generosity, compassion, and patient endurance.
Language and Style
Luke is written in polished Greek, more refined than Mark and stylistically varied.
The gospel includes hymnic material, speeches, and carefully constructed narratives.
This literary quality suggests time for composition and a level of education consistent with a later first-century author.
Relationship to Matthew and John
Luke is often dated around the same time as Matthew, though the two address different audiences and concerns.
John, typically dated later, reflects more developed theological reflection.
Luke occupies a middle position, balancing historical narration with theological interpretation.
Why the Date of Luke Matters
Dating Luke to the 80s or early 90s CE helps explain its calm confidence and expansive vision.
Luke writes for a church no longer expecting immediate resolution but committed to faithful witness across generations.
The gospel reassures believers that God’s purposes remain steady even as history unfolds unpredictably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Luke written after the destruction of Jerusalem?
Yes. The gospel reflects knowledge of the events of 70 CE.
Did Luke use Mark as a source?
Yes. Luke depends on Mark while also incorporating additional traditions.
Is Luke written for Gentiles?
Primarily, though it remains deeply rooted in Israel’s Scriptures.
Why is Luke more historical in tone?
It aims to situate Jesus within the broader story of the world.
Does the date affect interpretation?
Yes. It frames Luke as a gospel for long-term discipleship.
Works Consulted
John J. Collins, Introduction to the New Testament, Yale University Press. Raymond E. Brown, An Introduction to the New Testament, Yale University Press. Luke Timothy Johnson, The Gospel of Luke, Sacra Pagina. The New Oxford Annotated Bible, NRSV.
