A Look at Luke: The Beloved Physician

by David Chadwick

As we continue to learn more about Luke in order to further appreciate this New Testament author, let's turn our eyes back to Luke 1:1-4. What else does Scripture teach us about him?

Luke was a physician. In fact, Paul called him "the beloved physician" in Colossians 4:14.

Apparently, Dr. Luke joined Paul in his missionary journeys in Acts 16:10-11, and they obviously became close friends. He may have even cared for Paul physically when he was imprisoned and/or in peril. We all know that Jesus, the Great Physician, is the ultimate supernatural healer. But it is clear through the life of Luke that God also uses gifted and competent doctors to provide exceptional care.

Why is knowing that Luke was a physician so important to fully comprehending his writings? Because doctors, by nature and practice, are aware of details. They see things that others may not see. They pay attention to intricacies that others may overlook. Having an understanding of the brilliance of medical professionals should remind us that Luke wrote this book with painstaking detail.

Luke described this Gospel as being "a narrative of all things" and an orderly account (Luke 1:1, Luke 1:3). Then in verses 3-4, Luke wrote that his desire was "to write an orderly account" for his friend, Theophilus, so that Theophilus could have "certainty concerning the things [he had] been taught."

From the beginning of Jesus's birth narrative in chapters 1-2 to Jesus's resurrection in chapter 24, Luke tried to make sure that everything he wrote was true, specific, and detailed. His writings were carefully documented, checked, and rechecked to ensure accuracy.

God used all kinds of people from all different professions in order for his purposes to be accomplished on this earth. In the case of Luke, God chose a brilliant physician to document a crucial account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Let's keep leaning into Dr. Luke's wisdom as his writings teach us more about Jesus!