SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST

Saint Luke the Evangelist

By Edward Matulanya 

Saint Luke the Evangelist (Feast: 18 October)

Identity and Tradition of Saint Luke Evangelist 

Saint Luke (Latin: Lucas) is venerated in the Catholic Church as one of the Four Evangelists, traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles (together often called Luke–Acts). He is also honored as a companion of Saint Paul and is often referred to as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14).

According to tradition, he was a Gentile Christian (i.e. not ethnically Jewish), making him unique among the canonical Gospel authors in that regard (Franciscan Media, n.d.; Britannica, 2025).

Life and Ministry of Saint Luke

Origins and Background

Tradition places Luke’s origin in Antioch (in Syria), a major center of early Christianity.

His name “Lucas” likely derives from Lucanus. The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that “Lucas (Luke) is probably an abbreviation from Lucanus” (New Advent, n.d.).

Luke is understood to have been a physician by profession; this detail is drawn from Paul’s epistles, where he is called “the beloved physician.” (Catholic Online, n.d.; Franciscan Media, n.d.)

Association of Saint Luke with Paul and Missions

Luke is mentioned by Paul in several epistles: Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24, and 2 Timothy 4:11 (Catholic Online, n.d.; FaithND, n.d.).

In the Acts of the Apostles, the narrative shifts into “we” passages in certain sections, which many scholars interpret as Luke inserting himself among Paul’s travel companions (Britannica, 2025; New Advent, n.d.).

He is believed to have accompanied Paul on parts of his missionary journeys across Greece, Macedonia, and in his voyage to Rome (Britannica, 2025; Catholic Online, n.d.).

Writings of Saint Luke Evangelist 

Saint Luke Evangelist is the writer of Gospel and Acts.

The Catholic tradition holds that Luke authored both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, and that the two volumes are part of a single literary project (New Advent, n.d.; New Advent, n.d.).

The Acts of the Apostles itself begins with a reference to the Gospel: “The first account I composed … about all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), reflecting a continuity of purpose.

In 1913, the Biblical Commission affirmed the unity of authorship between the Gospel and Acts, based on literary style, language, and doctrinal coherence (New Advent, n.d.).

Luke’s Gospel is noted for its emphasis on themes of mercy, universal salvation, and concern for the marginalized. It preserves several parables not found elsewhere, such as the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Rich Man and Lazarus (Catholic Culture, n.d.; Britannica, 2025).

Later Tradition and Death of Saint Luke Evangelist 

Early tradition (e.g. Eusebius, via later Christian writers) states that Luke lived to an advanced age (often cited as about 84) and died in Achaia (Greece), possibly as a martyr or in peaceful death (Catholic Culture, n.d.; Catholic Online, n.d.).

A legend claims that Luke painted an icon of the Virgin Mary, and thus he is sometimes considered the first Christian iconographer (Anglican Compass, n.d.; Catholic Culture, n.d.).

In Christian art, Luke is frequently symbolized by the winged ox (or bull)—a symbol of sacrifice, service, and strength—derived from the four “living creatures” in Ezekiel and Revelation, associated respectively with the four Evangelists (Catholic Culture, n.d.; Britannica, 2025).

Liturgical Celebration and Patronage of Saint Luke 

The Catholic Church commemorates his feast on 18 October (Catholic Online, n.d.; CatholicCulture, n.d.).

He is regarded as the patron saint of physicians and surgeons, as well as artists, painters, and others involved in the visual arts (CatholicOnline, n.d.; CatholicCulture, n.d.).

In liturgical tradition, his writings (especially the Gospel) are read in the Church’s lectionary cycle (Franciscan Media, n.d.).

Summary of Saint Luke Evangelist 

Saint Luke stands out in Christian tradition as a learned physician, a meticulous historian of early Christian events, and as one deeply attentive to the compassion and universality of Christ’s message. His two-volume contribution (Gospel + Acts) constitutes a substantial portion of the New Testament and remains a key source for understanding the early Church.

References

Britannica. (2025). Saint Luke. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Luke 

Catholic Online. (n.d.). Saint Luke. Retrieved from https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76 

Catholic Culture. (n.d.). Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist — October 18. Retrieved from https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2022-10-18 

Franciscan Media. (n.d.). Saint Luke. Retrieved from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-luke/ 

New Advent (Catholic Encyclopedia). (n.d.). Gospel of Saint Luke. Retrieved from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09420a.htm 

New Advent (Catholic Encyclopedia). (n.d.). Acts of the Apostles. Retrieved from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01117a.htm 

FaithND (University of Notre Dame). (n.d.). St. Luke. Retrieved from https://faith.nd.edu/saint/st-luke/ 

Anglican Compass. (n.d.). The Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. Retrieved from https://anglicancompass.com/the-liturgical-home-the-feast-of-st-luke-the-evangelist/ 

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