"In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God."
Acts of the Apostles by Saint Luke
Saint Luke not only wrote the Gospel after his name, but also the Acts of the Apostles and parts of Hebrews. Although he was not one of the twelve apostles, he did as much, if not more, than most in his day to spread the Good news of Jesus, particularly in Antioch where Christ's followers were first called Christians. Luke had a very close association with Saint Paul, and travelled extensively with him through the whole course of his ministry which concluded in Rome. In fact, in Paul's letter to Timothy, which was written during his imprisonment, mention is made of Luke being at his side.
Also mentioned in Paul's letter to Timothy are a few other people like Demas who deserted Paul for what is described as the love of this life, and Alexander, the coppersmith, who apparently did Saint Paul some harm. The mentioning of these adversaries tell us of the strength of Luke's character who stuck by Paul during some very difficult and dangerous times. Despite being in dangerous circumstances which would eventually claim Paul's life by beheading, Luke hung in there to support Paul, ignoring any danger that might be brought upon himself. Luke, like Saint Paul was steadfast in his mission to bring the light of Christ to the world. He knew that he was called for this very purpose and worked in his mission of spreading the Gospel of Christ with little concern for personal inconvenience to himself. It is for this reason that Saint Luke is often referred to by the name "Evangelist".
What can we learn from this person of Saint Luke? The question that came to my mind while reflecting on Luke was: "What is my attitude towards the mission to which I am called?
Many of us have read the book "Purpose Driven Life". Its author, Rick Warren, reminds us that the reason we experience division and confusion, the reason why we begin to argue and fight over matters in church, is because we have turned our focus away from our common mission and turned it towards opinions, rules, procedures and personalities. When we change our focus to these things, we lose our way because we begin to focus on what divides us, and not on what unites us. Rick Warren reminds us that, as Christians, we should not be competing or fighting with one another, because we are all here for the same reason; and that reason is to bring Christ's light to the world. Luke and Paul worked well together for both were in touch with their mutual mission in Christ.
Although Luke would often have been looked upon as being subordinate to Paul, Luke still became one of the most extensive writers of the New Testament. His Gospel is considerably longer than Matthew, his two books are as long as Paul's fourteen Epistles. The writing style of his Gospel is superior to any of the New Testament books, except perhaps Hebrews, parts of which have been attributed to Luke's authorship.
History revealed that Luke died at Boeotia Greece at the age of seventy-four filled with the Holy Spirit. His feast day is celebrated on October 18.
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