When the title before a person’s name is “doctor,” it usually causes us to give more attention to their words than we would to the average person, especially if we are sick. Our person of interest today is Luke the physician. We find this truth about him in Colossians 4:14 where Paul refers to him as the beloved physician. Paul is writing to the Colossian church from a Roman prison and sends greetings from Luke also. Luke was not an eyewitness to our Lord Jesus, but his gospel was the most complete writing of the life of Christ. He writes in detail about the birth, crucifixion, miracles, teachings, and about the ascension. His writings included the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Luke wrote more verses in the New Testament than any other writer. However, Luke did not write about himself. Yet, Paul makes it very clear that he was a valuable beloved companion to him.
When Luke is mentioned by Paul, it appears that he is attending to Paul. A dear friend and co-laborer would have been a valuable tool for anyone who traveled like Paul or was sitting in a prison cell. It would have been easy for loneliness to creep in, especially when in a hostile environment. It would also have been an asset to Paul to have had a doctor traveling with him. Paul was beaten many times and would have needed assistance. Paul’s feelings for Luke are noted in Colossians 4:14 as he calls him the “beloved” physician. Paul cared deeply for Luke, and the feeling must have been mutual because Luke continued to travel with Paul.
Colossians 4:14 “Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”
The book of Luke was another book of the gospel, the “good news” of Jesus Christ. He was an evangelist for the cause of Christ. The book of Luke gives us the most accounts of Jesus’ healings. This would have been right in line with Luke’s interest since he was a doctor. His gospel is the longest, showing us his attention to detail, another attribute of a good doctor. Luke would have been someone who lived as Paul wrote about in Ephesians 5:15. He would have “walked circumspectly,” being careful and paying attention to all around Him.
Ephesians 5:15 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,”
Luke was a yielded servant. There is no doubt Luke left a noble position in society as a doctor, and whatever wealth that would have came with it. We are not told about his former lifestyle except that he was from Antioch, but we know he was a doctor. Following Christ and serving others was more important than what his training and career could bring him. When he became a follower of Christ, he became a true servant. He wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and he accompanied Paul on many journeys. Sometimes those days were spent in a jail cell.
Luke’s writings lead us to believe he was a humble person. He never refers to himself as an educated person or a physician, but we know he was. He does not address himself as the author of the gospel of Luke, or the book of Acts. Paul is the one who reveals to us that Luke was a traveling companion with him. Most doctors of today would put so much stock in their training that it would have been difficult for them to believe the miracles of healing that Jesus did, but not Luke. Instead of talking about himself as a physician, he gives much attention and glory to the miracles of healing by Jesus.
Paul teaches us that his friend Luke was a loyal companion. In II Timothy 4, Paul is writing to Timothy. It is the first time he has heard from Paul since his first letter to the young preacher almost four years earlier. Timothy had been ministering to the church at Ephesus. Paul talks about the ones who had been serving with him and where they are at the present time. He mentions Demas and how he had left him and gone back because he loved the world. The very next verse reveals his situation, “only Luke is with me.” Luke was loyal and would not leave Paul especially when Paul was in great need. He chose to suffer with his friend.
II Timothy 4:10-11 “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica: Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
The character traits we see in Luke would serve each of us well. He was educated and had a position of prominence. Yet, he did not allow this to lead him. Instead, he used all the abilities and opportunities it afforded him to serve the Master and others. He was a servant instead of seeking to be served. He was humble. He doesn’t vault himself and seek recognition. He seeks to promote others. He was loyal, a friend in all circumstances. These character traits should be at the core of every believer. Luke was a great companion and friend to Paul, but he is an example to us all.
