The Gospel of Luke does not identify its author. From Luke 1:1-4
and Acts 1:1-3, it is clear that the same author wrote both Luke
and Acts, addressing both to “most excellent Theophilus,”
possibly a Roman dignitary. The tradition from the earliest days
of the church has been that Luke, a physician and a close
companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote both Luke and Acts
(Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11). This would make Luke the only
Gentile to pen any books of Scripture. Date of Writing: The
Gospel of Luke was likely written between A.D. 58 and 65.
Purpose of Writing: As with the other two synoptic
gospels—Matthew and Mark—this book’s purpose is to reveal the
Lord Jesus Christ and all He “began to do and to teach until the
day he was taken up to heaven” (Acts 1:1-2). Luke’s gospel is
unique in that is a meticulous history—an “orderly account”
(Luke 1:3) consistent with the Luke’s medical mind—often giving
details the other accounts omit. Luke’s history of the life of
the Great Physician emphasizes His ministry to—