City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

In the coming year the devotional team for our church will guide us through the Gospel of Luke. It is the gospel that connects best for those of us with western/Greek thinking. Luke the physician is very logical in his story of Jesus that is evidence based with extensive research being done before he sat down to write this book.

What we have in Luke is someone who presumably studied under Theophilus in the city of Antioch. He was a model for all future medical professionals and doctors who laid his skills at the feet of Jesus. We do not know exactly when Luke became a Christian as it could’ve been through Christians in Antioch or after having met with Paul in that same city. Others hypothesize that Luke became saved after having become Paul’s physician during his bouts with Malaria or other possible illnesses. Either way, his life changed and ended up following Paul during much of his journeys. We can see this in the book of Acts when Luke would refer to “we” in the stories that he wrote. It is also likely that Luke practiced his skills as a physician on the island of Malta after the shipwreck instead of Paul having done miraculous healing for all those who came to them. It is evident that God uses those who dedicate their skills and gifts to His kingdom for His glory.

According to A.T. Robertson, the most likely timeframe that Luke would’ve been written was around A.D. 57-61 with the book of Acts written shortly after around A.D. 63 or earlier. And Luke uses the Gospel of Mark as much of his source of information and this was written no later than A.D. 50. This means that Luke had quite a bit of time to speak to eye witnesses and gather necessary details regarding the life of Jesus which makes what he wrote as highly credible. There would be no time for legends to grow or exaggerations to take place because many would’ve spoken against such misinformation. There then is more trustworthiness in the Gospel of Luke itself than what one may find in other historical books like the Qu’ran.

Luke was loyal to the last. As everyone left Paul in his left few days, it was Luke who remained and attended to his needs. It would not be surprising that Luke penned many of the letters that Paul sent to the churches he had planted. He was also likely the one who oversaw the burial of Paul. There was no mistake that Luke showed courage and faith in the time of Emperor Nero and stood firm next to Paul as others stayed distant for the fear of their lives.

As we go into the Christmas season, we get to read the first few chapters of Luke which gives us the most accurate and historical view of the events that transpired. He made certain to include the relevant names of those in power so we can pinpoint the time of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and his upbringing.

Follow along with us in our devotionals through Luke as we make this journey together.

What is your favorite chapter or verses(s) in Luke? Or what part are you looking forward to the most? Make your comments below and let us hear your thoughts!