From the context of Col. 4:4 we learn that he was “not of the circumcision” and, therefore, a Gentile.  From his preface (Lu. 1:1) we learn that he was not an eye witness of what he wrote.  He is thought to be “the brother” whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches (2 Cor. 8:18), and, by tradition, is always declared to be a Gentile and proselyte.  As is indicated by the gospel itself, he was the most cultured of all the gospel writers.

Characteristics and Purpose.

1.  It Is a Gospel of Song and Praise.  There are a number of songs such as the song of Mary (1:46-55), the song of Zacharias (1:68-79), the song of the angels (2:14) and the song of Simeon (2:29-33).  There are many expressions of praise such as (2:2; 5:29; 7:16; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43; 23:47).

2.  It Is a Gospel of Prayer.  Jesus prays at his baptism, (3:21), after cleansing the leper (5:16), before calling the twelve (6:12), at his transfiguration (9:28), before teaching the disciples to pray (11:1), for his murderers as he was on the cross (23:34), with his last breath (23:46).  Luke gives us Christ’s command to pray (21:36) and two parables, the midnight friend (11:5-13) and the unjust judge (18:1-8) to show the certain and blessed results of continued prayer.

3.  It Is a Gospel of Womanhood.  No other gospel gives her anything like so large a place as Luke.  Indeed, all of the first three chapters or a greater part of their contents may have been given him, as he “traced out accurately from the first” (1:3), by Mary and Elizabeth.  He gives us the praise and prophecy of Elizabeth (1:42-42), the song of Mary (1:46-55).  Anna and her worship (2:36-38), sympathy for the widow of Nain (7:12-15), Mary Magdella the sinner (7:36-50), the woman associates of Jesus (8:1-3), tender words to the woman with an issue of blood (8:48), Mary and Martha and their disposition (10:38-42). sympathy and help for the “daughter” of Abraham (13:16), the consolation of the daughters of Jerusalem (23:28).  These references have been collected by others and are the most conspicuous ones and serve to show how large a place woman is given in this gospel.

4.  It Is a Gospel of the Poor and Outcast.  More than any other of the evangelists Luke reports those teachings and incidents in the life of our Savior which show how his work is to bless the poor and neglected and vicious.  Among the more striking passages of this character are the oft repeated references to the publicans (3:12; 5:27, 29, 30, etc.), Mary Magdella, who was a sinner (7:36-50), the woman with an issue of blood (8:43-48), the harlots (15:30), the prodigal son (13:11-32), Lazarus, the beggar (16:13-31), the poor, maimed, halt and blind invited to the supper (14:7-24). the Story of Zacchaeus (19:1- 9), the Savior’s business declared to be to seek and save the lost (8:10), the dying robber saved (23:39-43).