Luke the Physician

Luke was an early Christian.  He is mentioned as being Greek and a follower of the Apostle Paul.  Some scholars think Luke was a Hellenistic Jew.  Hellenistic Jews combined Judaism with some parts of Greek culture.  Luke wrote over a quarter of the New Testament:  both The Gospel of St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Luke the Physician

(new drawing)

Luke was an artists and tradition says he illustrated a Gospel book with  miniature drawings; and he painted one of, if not the first painting of Mary and baby Jesus.   Luke is the patron saint of artists.  He also is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons...since he was a physician.  I read that he is also the patron saint of bachelors, (he never married)... butchers, and students.  Greeks loved to learn so maybe that is why Luke is the patron saint of students.

Luke, according to tradition, was martyred by being hung on an olive tree.  Not all historians agree with this tradition.  One ancient document says the following:

      Luke was born in Antioch, by profession was a physician.  He had become a disciple of the
      Apostle Paul and followed him until Paul was martyred.  Having served the Lord continously,              unmarried and without children, filled with the Holy Spirit, he died at the age of 84.
          -From Anti-Marcionite Prologue to the Gospel of Luke from the 2nd Century A.D.

Paul Preaching on Mars Hill

(older drawing)

My drawing of Luke was inspired by several paintings done of Saint Luke.  Those paintings had a bull or cow behind him or looking over his shoulder, presumably because of Saint Luke being the patron saint of Butchers.  Since he was a prolific writer of holy scripture he is shown writing with a quill pen. 

Luke wrote what to me is the most readable of the four Gospels.  Luke chapter 2 is where we find the Nativity story that we read every Christmas morning before my family and I open presents.  

Mary and Baby Jesus

(older drawing)