Behind | The “We” Passages in Luke

The author of the Gospel of Luke does not identify himself within the text. Tradition tells us that the Gospel of Luke and Acts were both authored by “Luke the beloved physician,” who is mentioned in Colossians 4:14. 

Scholars have attempted to discern Luke’s origins based on the use of “we” in the book of Acts. These are known as the “we passages.” (They are located in Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-8 and 27:1–28:16.)

One ancient manuscript of Acts also includes a “we” passage as early as Acts 11:28. This has led to speculation that Luke was originally from Antioch, since this passage occurs there. 

Aside from the speculation involving Antioch, what do we know about Luke? 

He was an associate of Paul’s in Philemon, Colossians and 2 Timothy. In several of those instances, he is mentioned as being with Paul at the time the letter is written. It’s possible Luke accompanied Paul on parts of his missionary journeys if the “we passages” are taken into account.

Most scholars agree that the author of the Gospel of Luke was a Gentile believer and well educated. His use of Greek language suggests a Hellenistic mindset and background. He was thus well prepared to speak into the Greek-influenced world of the Roman Empire, providing an orderly account of the most important and transformative stories ever told.