Today, we are going to be taking a look at Luke, and his books. Yes, I said books as in multiple books. I apologize in advance as this post will be longer then the others. Luke wrote the book of Luke which is in the gospel, which is the third book of the gospels, and he wrote the book of Acts. The probable dates of his writing was 60-61 AD.

Luke was born in Antioch, which is located in Syria. He was a physician and a majority of historians believe that his hobby was painting. He is sometimes referred to as Luke the Physician. After the resurrection of Jesus, he spent time with Paul, whom he accompanied on parts of his journeys around the known world. Luke and Paul became very close during their travels, and Paul referred to him as “the beloved physician”.

Luke also preached the gospel when he didn’t travel with Paul. He traveled into Egypt, and Greece. Luke’s preaching outraged the idolatrous priests. It is believed that after he wrote the book of Luke and the book of Acts, they put him to death by hanging him from the branch of an olive tree.

Let’s take a look at the Book of Luke. It is believed that it was written between 60 and 61 AD, covering the time period of 7 BC and 26 AD. The major claim to fame of this book, is that it contains the special Christmas story of the shepherds watching over their flock by night..

Some of the famous stories include:

1. Story of John the Baptist’s birth to Elizabeth and Zechariah
2. Shepherds watching over their flocks by night, who saw the host of angels at the birth of Jesus
3. First miraculous catch of the fish on the Lake of Gennesaret
4. Raising of the widow’s son from the dead in Nain
5. Parable of the good Samaritan
6. The rich man and Lazarus meet different fates after death
7. The conversation between Jesus and the robbers as they are dying on the cross

The book of Luke is famous for the following verses:

Luke 19:10 ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 23:34 ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”^[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

There are two interesting points about the book:

1. Much of Luke’s gospel involves Jesus’ dealings with individuals. His gospel is considered extremely good news- for the common man.

2. While Matthew attempts to prove Jesus kinship, Luke shows him as the one who offers salvation to all humanity, both Jew and Gentile.

Let’s start the discussion on the book of Acts. I again apologize for the length of this post, but it is important that we discuss all the books that Luke has written. It is believed that Luke wrote Acts in 62 AD. it covers the period between 30-62 AD. It is the 5th book in the New Testament.

It covers the works of the Apostles in the early days after Christ’s death. Acts is considered to be the only book in the New Testament that is historical.

Famous stories include:

1. The Ascension
2. The Day of Pentecost
3. Paul’s conversion
4. Peter’s move to preach to the Gentile world and not just the Jews

Most famous verses:

1. Acts 1:8 ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
2. Acts 4:12 ¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Important points of the book of Acts

1. Is the only book in the bible that tells us how the early church was born
2. Chapters 1-12 primarily follow Peter until his belief in preaching to the Gentiles is fulfilled.
3. Chapters 13-28 primarily follow Paul and his missionary journey far and wide
4. The book ends before either man is martyred (killed) for their faith, which is why it is dated in the early 60’s AD.

I hope that you have enjoyed this one, as much as I have. Please leave a comment below. Thanks