Who Wrote Luke?
Quick Summary
The Gospel of Luke is traditionally attributed to Luke, a physician and close companion of the apostle Paul. Although the Gospel is formally anonymous, its opening prologue, its continuation in the book of Acts, and early church testimony together point to a single, educated author writing for a wider Greco-Roman audience. Most scholars date Luke to around 80–90 CE and understand it as a carefully researched account grounded in eyewitness tradition.
Introduction
Luke stands apart from the other Gospels in tone and method. It opens with a formal literary preface, continues as the first volume of a two-part work, and pays close attention to historical sequence, geography, and social detail. Luke presents Jesus not only as Israel’s Messiah but as the Savior whose story unfolds within the wider world of the Roman Empire.
Because the Gospel does not name its author, the question of authorship depends on internal evidence and early Christian memory. When these sources are read together, they form a coherent and historically plausible picture.
What the Gospel of Luke Says About Itself
Luke begins with one of the clearest authorial statements in the New Testament:
“Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:1–3, NRSV).
This prologue reveals several key features. The author distinguishes himself from the original eyewitnesses, relies on received tradition, and emphasizes careful investigation and order. The Gospel presents itself as researched history rather than personal memoir.
The connection to Acts further clarifies authorship. Acts opens by referring back to “the first book” addressed to Theophilus (Acts 1:1), indicating a single author for both volumes.
The “We” Passages and Authorial Presence
In the book of Acts, the narrative occasionally shifts into the first-person plural, most notably in travel sections describing Paul’s missionary journeys (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 27:1–28:16). These “we” passages suggest the author participated in some of the events described.
The Gospel of Luke itself does not use first-person narration, but its seamless continuation into Acts strengthens the case for common authorship. Together, the two volumes present a unified literary and theological project.
Luke in the Pauline Letters
The New Testament mentions a figure named Luke in connection with Paul. In Colossians, Paul refers to “Luke, the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14). In Philemon, Luke appears among Paul’s co-workers (Philemon 24), and in 2 Timothy, Luke is described as Paul’s only remaining companion (2 Timothy 4:11).
These brief references align closely with the profile suggested by Luke–Acts: an educated Gentile Christian, familiar with travel, medicine, and Greco-Roman literary conventions, and deeply connected to Paul’s mission.
Early Church Testimony
Early Christian writers consistently identified Luke as the author of both the Gospel and Acts. Irenaeus of Lyons wrote that Luke, a companion of Paul, set down the Gospel preached by Paul. This attribution appears across diverse regions of the early church, suggesting an established and widely accepted tradition.
The Muratorian Fragment, an early list of authoritative Christian writings, also affirms Luke’s authorship and explicitly links the Gospel to Acts. These witnesses do not claim Luke was an eyewitness to Jesus but emphasize his role as a faithful recorder of apostolic testimony.
Modern scholars treat these traditions as historically significant, even while recognizing that the Gospel reflects careful composition rather than dictated reminiscence.
Language, Style, and Sources
Luke is written in polished Greek and displays familiarity with historical writing conventions of the ancient world. The author adapts sources skillfully, incorporating material shared with Matthew and Mark, along with unique traditions often labeled “L.”
The Gospel shows particular concern for marginalized figures, including women, the poor, and outsiders, while maintaining continuity with Israel’s Scriptures. John J. Collins notes that Luke combines theological interpretation with historical awareness in a way unmatched by the other Gospels (Introduction to the New Testament).
Date and Historical Setting
Most scholars date Luke–Acts to around 80–90 CE. The work reflects knowledge of Jerusalem’s destruction and portrays the Jesus movement as a lawful presence within the Roman world.
The delay of the parousia and the expansion of the church into Gentile regions shape Luke’s theological emphasis on patience, mission, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Authorship and Inspiration
Luke offers a clear example of inspiration operating through research, testimony, and careful composition. The author does not claim prophetic vision or eyewitness authority. Instead, the Gospel presents faithful investigation as a means of preserving truth.
Brevard Childs emphasizes that Luke’s authority lies in its canonical role as a theological witness, not in the modern expectation of journalistic neutrality (The New Testament as Canon).
Conclusion
The Gospel of Luke is formally anonymous but consistently attributed to Luke, a companion of Paul. Internal statements, the structure of Luke–Acts, New Testament references, and early church testimony together support this conclusion.
Luke endures because it presents the story of Jesus with historical care, theological depth, and an expansive vision of God’s work in the world.
FAQ
Who wrote the Gospel of Luke?
Early Christian tradition attributes the Gospel to Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul.
Was Luke an eyewitness to Jesus?
Luke was not an eyewitness but relied on earlier testimony and careful investigation.
When was Luke written?
Most scholars date Luke to around 80–90 CE.
