The Gospel According to Luke

Introduction
The book of Luke has many things in common with Mark and Matthew. He addresses his writing to a non-Jewish community; his message is more immediately accessible to pagan readers. He wants to write as a historian and presents himself as a historian in the Greek style. 
His gospel is the first part of a more extended work that continues with the Acts of the Apostles. In this, his gospel is positioned between the announcement and preparation of the Old Testament, and the time of the Church, beginning at Pentecost.
Luke interweaves his writing with dates taken from the historical happening of the time. He retells the origins of Jesus, the life of Jesus starting with his infancy.
His gospel has a strong ethical and social agenda, in favor of the poor and oppressed. Of primary importance is his message on mercy and the teaching about prayer. He gives particular attention to the role of women.
The old tradition has identified the author with the medical doctor Luke of Colossians 4:14.

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