When was Luke written in the Bible? This is a question that has intrigued scholars and theologians for centuries. The book of Luke, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, is believed to have been written around the year 80-85 AD. Its author, Luke the Evangelist, was a companion of the Apostle Paul and is thought to have written this Gospel to provide a more detailed account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The dating of the book of Luke is primarily based on internal evidence found within the text itself. Luke makes several references to the reign of Emperor Claudius, who ruled Rome from 41 to 54 AD. He also mentions the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD, which is not recorded in any other contemporary sources. These references suggest that Luke was written after these events, indicating a date around 80-85 AD.
In addition to internal evidence, external evidence from early Christian writings also supports the dating of Luke. For example, Papias, a second-century bishop, is quoted as saying that Luke used the testimony of those who had actually seen the events of Jesus’ life. This implies that Luke was written at a time when such witnesses were still alive, further supporting the late-first-century date.
The purpose of the book of Luke is to present a comprehensive narrative of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Luke emphasizes the universal nature of Jesus’ message, reaching beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles as well. This is evident in his inclusion of Gentile converts and his focus on the Gentile cities of Antioch and Troas.
Furthermore, Luke’s Gospel is known for its detailed historical and geographical references, which suggest that he was well-informed about the events and places he describes. This meticulous attention to detail has led many scholars to believe that Luke was written by a traveling companion of Paul, who would have had access to a wealth of information about the early Christian movement.
In conclusion, the book of Luke is believed to have been written around 80-85 AD. Its author, Luke the Evangelist, sought to provide a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life and teachings, emphasizing the universal nature of His message. The dating of Luke is supported by both internal and external evidence, making it a reliable source for understanding the life of Jesus and the early Christian movement.
