Commentary on the Gospel of Luke
Blessed Theophylact (Archbishop of Bulgaria).
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.
St. Luke belongs to the seventy disciples of Christ. 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 Holy 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.
From ancient times, there has been a statement that the Gospel of Luke was approved by the holy Apostle Paul.
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 are certainly many who have compiled 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 Perfectly Known Among 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 very 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."