Why Is It Called “The Gospel of Luke”?
Quick Summary
Early Christian witnesses and internal clues point to Luke—the physician and companion of Paul—as the author of the third gospel. Addressed to Theophilus, Luke presents an orderly account grounded in eyewitness testimony and attentive to history, geography, prayer, the Spirit, and God’s great reversal. Together with Acts, Luke tells one unified story of Jesus and the early church.
Who Was Luke?
Luke is traditionally identified as a physician and a close coworker of Paul, named in several letters (Col 4:14; Phlm 1:24; 2 Tim 4:11). He was likely a Gentile believer. His training helps explain the careful research, polished Greek, and clinical precision that surface at points in Luke–Acts.
Authorship and Attribution
The gospel does not name its author. However, early church writers consistently attribute it to Luke, Paul’s companion. They received Luke’s work as an accurate, orderly record of the gospel preached in the apostolic era. Internally, Luke and Acts form a two-volume set addressed to the same recipient, Theophilus, suggesting common authorship: Luke opens with a historiographic prologue (Lk 1:1–4) and Acts begins, “In the first book, Theophilus…” (Acts 1:1).
Internal Evidence from Luke–Acts
Common addressee: Both volumes are written to Theophilus (Lk 1:3; Acts 1:1).
The “we” sections in Acts: First-person travel notes imply the author traveled with Paul at times (Acts 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16), which fits what we know of Luke.
Historical care: Luke dates events with rulers and places, locating Jesus and John in a precise setting (Lk 2:1–2; 3:1–2).
Educated Greek: The prologue’s style matches Hellenistic historical prefaces (Lk 1:1–4).
Attention to bodies and healing: At times Luke uses specific medical or observational detail (e.g., “high fever,” Lk 4:38; “dropsy,” Lk 14:2; descriptive healing reports, Acts 3:7–8; Acts 28:8).
Church Tradition
Second- and early third-century Christian writers refer to this book as “according to Luke” and associate it with Paul’s coworker. While they write decades after the apostolic period, their testimony shows how the early churches received and named the text.
Why the Title “Gospel of Luke”?
“Gospel” means “good news.” The title “according to Luke” reflects the church’s recognition of Luke’s orderly account of the good news about Jesus, distinguished from but harmonious with the other gospels. Over time, the short form “The Gospel of Luke” became standard.
Conclusion
When you combine early reception, the unified design of Luke–Acts, the “we” travel sections, and the book’s educated, historically grounded style, the longstanding attribution to Luke remains the most coherent explanation for why we call it “The Gospel of Luke.” More than a label, the title signals a carefully investigated proclamation of Jesus for Theophilus and for all who seek to know the truth of what has been fulfilled among us.
FAQ
Who is Theophilus, and why does Luke write to him?
He is likely a real patron or representative reader. Luke aims to give him “certainty” about the events he has heard (Lk 1:3–4).
Did Luke personally know Jesus?
There is no indication he did. Luke relies on “eyewitnesses and servants of the word” (Lk 1:2) and on his own careful investigation.
How is Luke’s Gospel distinct from Matthew and Mark?
Luke highlights the Spirit, prayer, table fellowship, the poor and outsiders, women as key witnesses, and the great reversal where the last become first.
Why do Acts and Luke go together?
They share an author, recipient, and purpose. Luke narrates Jesus’ ministry; Acts continues with the risen Jesus’ work through the Spirit in the church.
What does “Gospel” mean here?
It is the announcement of God’s saving work in Jesus the Messiah—good news for all people (Lk 2:10–11).
Is the medical language proof Luke was a doctor?
It is suggestive, not conclusive. The precision of some descriptions fits what we would expect from a physician named in Paul’s letters.
