LUKE

The evangelist, probably the same person who is called by St. Paul, "the beloved physician," Col 4:14. The name Luke, or Lucas, Phm 1:24, is the same as Lucanus in Latin. Luke was the writer of the gospel, which bears his name, and of the Acts of the Apostles, having been the friend and companion of St. Paul in most of the journeys recorded in the latter book. Thus, in Ac 16:11, he first uses the word "we," and shows that he was with Paul at Troas and in his first Macedonian tour. After they reach Philippe, an interval of separation occurs; but they are again together at Philippi when Paul sails thence for Jerusalem, and from that time he continues with the apostle in his labors, voyages, and sufferings, to the close of his first imprisonment at Rome, Ac 17:1 20:5,6,13-16 21:1-28:31 Phm 1:24 2Ti 4:11. His personal history before and after this period of his companionship with Paul, is unknown, or rests on uncertain traditions. His own narrative contains the least possible mention of himself; yet we cannot doubt that he was eminently useful to the early church, by his learning, judgment, fidelity, and even his medical skill, besides leaving to the church universal the invaluable legacy of his writings.

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Luke. Luke
The evangelist, was a Gentile. The date and circumstances of his conversion are unknown. According to his own statement (Luke 1:2), he was not an “eye-witness and minister of the word from the beginning.” It is probable that he was a physician in Troas, and was there converted by Paul, to whom he attached himself. He accompanied him to Philippi, but did not there share his imprisonment, nor did he accompany him further after his release in his missionary journey at this time (Acts 17:1). On Paul’s third visit to Philippi (20:5, 6) we again meet with Luke, who probably had spent all the intervening time in that city, a period of seven or eight years. From this time Luke was Paul’s constant companion during his journey to Jerusalem (20:6-21:18). He again disappears from view during Paul’s imprisonment at Jerusalem and Caesarea, and only reappears when Paul sets out for Rome (27:1), whither he accompanies him (28:2, 12-16), and where he remains with him till the close of his first imprisonment (Philemon 1:24; Col. 4:14). The last notice of the “beloved physician” is in 2 Tim. 4:11.

There are many passages in Paul’s epistles, as well as in the writings of Luke, which show the extent and accuracy of his medical knowledge.

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Luke. luminous; white

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LUKE. → (A disciple) → A physician Col 4:14 → Wrote to Theophilus Lu 1:1-4; Ac 1:1,2 → Accompanies Paul in his tour of Asia and Macedonia Ac 16:10-13; 20:5,6 → To Jerusalem Ac 21:1-18 → To Rome Ac 27; 28; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24

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author of the gospel Lu 1:3; Ac 1:1; Col 4:14; 2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24

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Luke (?), a. [[Prob. fr. lew, perh. influenced by AS. wlæc warm, lukewarm, remiss. Cf. Lew.]] Moderately warm; not hot; tepid. — Luke″ness, n. Nine penn'orth o'brandy and water luke. Dickens.