Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
LUKE
He is described in one of Paul's epistles as "my dear friend, Luke, the doctor" (Colossians 4:14). He traveled with Paul on several of his missionary journeys, using the first person plural in giving details. One journey was sailing from Troas to Samothrace and eventually to Phoenicia. Another was from Phoenicia to Jerusalem. Later they went to Rome together. Scholars estimate that much of his writing was done about the year 70. It seems clear that he was a Greek Gentile directing his message to Gentile Christians. During the two years Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea, Luke had ample time and opportunity to gather material and write his New Testament contributions (Acts 20, 21). He was indebted to Mark for a considerable part of the material that appears in his Gospel. (Etym. Latin Lucas, Greek Loukas.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
