Doctor Luke The Writer
Hi Theophilus! Wait, who is Theophilus? When you read the book of Acts, the first line is 'To Theophilus, the lover of God.'
I used to skip all the names and didn't care who they were. But, somehow, this name captures me. So I'm glad I do some digging. And it leads me to get to know more about the author of this book, Doctor Luke. Hopefully, this will help you when you read the book of Luke and Acts. So you know more about the background story and the author itself.
Sources
I didn't ask Google to do my research. Instead, I use only two sources: the Youversion app from TPT translation and NIV Study Bible. If you read TPT, they provide the introduction of every book. So you know more about the author, the background story, the purpose, and so on. And all that information is for free, so try it! The NIV Study Bible shares even more detailed information, but you need to buy that book.
Who is Luke?
Luke is a gentile (non-Jewish) doctor. However, you might know more about his famous best friend and companion, Paul, the author of several books in the New Testament. They traveled together for the ministry to spread the gospel outside Israel and be with him until Paul went to prison in Rome.
Luke wrote two books in the New Testament (Luke and Acts) without mentioning his name. But all evidence showed that was his writing.
The book of Acts is actually the second volume from the book of Luke. In the first book, the main spotlight is Jesus. But in this second part, Holly Spirit gets the spotlight with two leading characters, Apostles Peter and Paul.
Doctor and Writer
Luke uses his physician skills in writing. He writes like doing an 'autopsy.' He compiles stories as accurately as possible. It is like a deep investigation of that period. He narrates the small details. His books show that he has an extensive vocabulary compared to all other authors in New Testament. He was also writing in several languages, depending on the area and the situation.
The purpose of his writing is so clear. He offers us a vivid portrait of Jesus and the birth of the church. So, one day we could continue the life and work of Jesus through us.
Ancient Documentary
His writing style is as a documenter; to record as much detail as possible, historically accurate. He carefully drafted the narrations and speech. From one plot to another plot of the story, to make seamless continuity. In total, he covers around sixty years of history!
So, when you read these two books, imagine you are watching Netflix documenters - the ancient version. I think Luke already made the best ancient documentary ever.
Fresh Perspective For The Outsiders
Luke was possibly the only non-Jewish writer of the New Testament! Yes, he is a gentile. And as we know it, that his target audience is also not Jewish. He wrote for an outsider like himself. He knows that these revelations about Jesus and His kingdom are still limited to the Israelites or people who have business or travel to Israel.
He brings a fresh perspective to writing. The other author wrote for Jewish people, and he wrote for the outsiders - the gentile. He embraces his identity as non-Jewish and this effecting how the way he writes and investigates the story. How do I know? From his curiosity.
His Curiosity
He didn't know Jesus personally! Most probably, Luke becomes the follower of Jesus after He dies on the cross. Yet, he could write in such details. How does the way he finds all the facts? Luke didn't just copy what the other author said. But he does his research and investigation by himself. Luke has the opportunity to meet up and interview many key living witnesses about Jesus' life and teaching because they are still alive.
He is curious about all the details. That's why in the book of Luke, you will find more stories, parables than in the other Gospel book. That's how he wrote the first book. Capture the story from the birth of Jesus until His resurrection.
But when he wrote the second part - The Book of Acts, he became part of the witnesses. He experienced what was going on during that time. How was the follower of Christ after the Holy Spirit with them? How the way the early church was built and reached other nations. And, he also experiences the persecutions, the conflict - church politics internal and external - The Jewish and the gentiles. He sees it as the first sight eye witness. On several occasions in the book, he used the term 'we' - refers to Paul and Luke.
Role of women in ministry
I love the part that he purposely and carefully writes the role of women in ministry. He writes a story of a man, continues to a woman, and back again to others. He put it seamlessly and elegantly.
Of course, we need to remember that women don't have a voice or right during that time. But he showed us that Jesus cares about women's role in the church.
Who is Theo?
Back again to Theo. So, who is he? Most probably, there's no real character named Theophilus! Or at least the scholar could not find any strong evidence, who is Theo. They agree that Luke creates this name to represent his audience, all the believers, including you and me. The meaning of Theophilus is 'friends of God' or 'lovers of God.' Yes, you and I are the friends of God. So, Luke wrote this book for us!
Hopefully, you will enjoy this writing and give you more insight into the book of Luke and Acts. Remember to read it just like watching an ancient 'Netflix' documentary.
This post is my personal notes from the Westmark Bible Study assignment. So, every week we read two chapters together and share what we learned or found from them. Let’s learn and grow together.
About the writer