in four books

2nd edition, revised

Russian translation from the Greek original

Book 3

Commentary on the Gospel of Luke

Preface

We do not know exactly who the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke was by birth. He was born in Antioch, and therefore it is generally accepted that St. Luke was, by birth, a pagan who converted to Judaism. By the nature of his occupation, he was a doctor, and church tradition adds to this that he was also a painter.

Some say that St. Luke was one of the seventy apostles. Ancient tradition testifies that the resurrected Lord appeared to him together with Cleopas (Luke 24:13-33). From the book of the Acts of the Apostles it is evident that, beginning with the second journey of the Apostle Paul, Luke became his constant co-worker and almost inseparable companion, not leaving him even in chains.

There is information that after the death of the Apostle Paul, St. Luke preached and died a martyr's death in Achaia.

St. Luke wrote his Gospel at the request of a certain noble man, "the venerable Theophilus," who lived in Antioch, for whom he later wrote the book of the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel, according to a number of researchers, was written in Rome no later than 62 A.D. Luke used not only eyewitness accounts of the Lord's ministry, but also some written records of the Lord's life and teachings that already existed at that time. In his own words, this narration and written records were subjected to the most thorough study by him, and therefore his Gospel is distinguished by special accuracy in determining the time and place of events and by a strict chronological sequence.

Chapter One

As many have already begun to compose narratives of events that are perfectly known among us, as those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word from the beginning have handed down to us, so it has been decided that I, after a careful examination of everything from the beginning, shall describe to you in order, venerable Theophilus, so that you may know the firm foundation of the doctrine in which you have been instructed.

Who were these many who began? False apostles. For there were certainly many who composed gospels, such as the gospel of the Egyptians and the gospel with the inscription "from the twelve." They have only begun, not finished. Since they began without the grace of God, they did not finish. Now, Luke well said, "Many have begun." In fact, a few, namely Matthew and Mark, not only began, but also finished, for they had the Spirit that created perfect things. "On the events that are completely known between us." For what pertains to Christ is not merely known by unsubstantiated tradition, but is true, absolutely true, and fully proved. Tell me, Luke, how is this proved? "As those who were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word from the beginning have handed it down to us." From this it is evident that Luke was a disciple not from the beginning, but later in time. For some were disciples of the Word from the beginning, for example, Peter and the sons of Zebedee (Matt. 4:18-22). It was they who gave Luka what he himself did not see or hear. "That thou mayest know the sure foundation of the doctrine in which thou hast been taught." I understand this in two ways, first, thus: Formerly I instructed you, Theophilus, without scripture, and now, handing over to you the Gospel in scripture, I strengthen your mind, so that it may not forget what has been handed down without scripture; Secondly, it is the custom of us men, when someone speaks to us without scripture, to suspect him that he may be lying, but when he writes his words, we believe that he would not have written if he had not been boldly convinced of the truth of his words. Thus the Evangelist says: "For this reason I have written the Gospel to you, so that you may contain with greater confidence that in which you were instructed without Scripture, having more confidence in me now, when I am so sure of what was handed down without Scripture that I have set it forth also in the Scriptures." He did not say, "That thou mayest know," but that thou mayest "know," that is, that thou mayest receive twice as much knowledge, and at the same time a bold assurance that I am not lying.