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...