Was Luke the Evangelist Rich?
By Peter Salemi
Luke was born a Greek and a Gentile in Antioch, Syria. Luke is a physician and a Greek-trained historian, who lived in Troas; he writes the longest gospel, which bears his name to this day. We know that Luke traveled with the Apostle Paul throughout the Mediterranean. Luke writes a second volume known as “The Acts of the Apostles,” writing more New Testament verses and words than anyone else — altogether, Luke writes 27.5% of the whole New Testament. Luke may also be the only Gentile contributor to the New Testament.
Luke’s background is largely reconstructed from the New Testament and early Christian writings. His profession as a physician is noted by Paul in the Epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 4:14), which indicates a level of education and social standing uncommon among early Christians, many of whom were of lower socio-economic status. Since he was from Antioch, “…he would have every advantage for cultivating the literature of Greece and such medical knowledge as was then possessed” (JFB Commentary).
While much focus is placed on his role as a physician and a companion of Paul the Apostle, there is a compelling argument to be made about his status as a wealthy individual. This article explores the evidence suggesting that Luke was indeed a rich man and examines how his financial standing may have influenced his contributions to the early Christian church.
Physicians in the Roman Empire
When, “Emperor Augustus established the first professional military medical corps, which attracted professional Greek doctors by granting rights of full Roman citizenship, tax exemptions and retirement pensions.” (Article: 8 Fascinating Facts About Ancient Roman Medicine, by Christopher Klein History.com, emphasis added).
“Physicians were mainly either slaves or freedmen, but there are freeborn among them as well.” (Article: Physicians in ancient Rome--and the attitude towards them by Petrine Bröchmann). Looking into Luke’s background and his two written works in the Bible, it is mostly likely that he was a freeman and was “…one of the most highly educated of the authors of the New Testament. The author’s conscious and intentional allusions and references to, and quotations of, ancient Classical and Hellenistic Greek authors, such as Homer, Aesop, Epimenides, Euripides, Plato, and Aratus indicate that he was familiar with actual Greek literary texts” (Article: Luke the Evangelist, Wikipedia, emphasis added).
With this freedom that Luke and the Apostle Paul had, for Paul was “free born” (Acts 22:28); they had special rights and privileges: “freedmen were offered greater opportunities for influence in local politics, especially in cities with high plebeian and freed populations, where the traditional hierarchies were somewhat disrupted.” (Article: Ancient Roman freedmen, emphasis added); and “could gain ready access to the Roman tribune; he was treated as a person of consequence by Felix, Festus, Agrippa, and Julius” (Robertson’s Word Pictures). This is what we see in the book of Acts, having access to people of influence and also having the freedom to travel throughout the empire, spreading the Gospel not just to the poor and destitute but also to the wealthy and powerful.
Luke’s Wealth
“Second, Luke was most likely relatively well-off himself. This occasional traveler with Paul was known as ‘the beloved physician’ (Col. 4:14), not a meager profession now or then. Moreover, Luke shows evidence in his writing of being well-educated, well-traveled, and well-connected—a cosmopolitan Gentile convert and probably a person of some means.
“Luke was not a poor man writing to poor people that together they might denounce the rich. It’s much closer to the truth to say Luke was a rich man writing to another rich man (and people like him) in order to show how the rich could truly follow Jesus.” (Article: Luke: Evangelist to the Rich by
Several aspects of Luke’s life and work hint at his wealth:
1. Education and Profession: In the Greco-Roman world, becoming a physician required extensive education, which was accessible primarily to those with significant financial resources or support from wealthy patrons. Luke’s ability to read, write, and compose complex theological narratives suggests he had access to considerable educational opportunities.
2. Patronage and Mobility: Luke’s association with Paul and his travels across the Roman Empire imply access to resources. Travel during that era was expensive and often dangerous, necessitating substantial funds or sponsorship. Luke’s ability to accompany Paul on his missionary journeys, as detailed in Acts, indicates he was not constrained by financial limitations.
3. Literary Contributions: The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are notable for their sophisticated Greek style and detailed historical context. Producing such works would have required not only intellectual ability but also financial means to afford materials like papyrus, ink, and the time to dedicate to writing. Additionally, the circulation of these texts would necessitate resources for copying and distributing manuscripts.
4. Medical Practice: As a physician, Luke likely enjoyed a relatively high social status and income. Medical practitioners in the Roman Empire could command substantial fees, especially if they served wealthy or influential clients. This profession would have afforded Luke both the means and the social connections to support his missionary activities.
The Gospel to the Rich
Why did Luke preach to the rich? Being rich himself and with no long lasting happiness no matter how much money he had-like our day, Luke realized that, “… the most ‘lost’ or lonely are often also the most wealthy. They may have worldly riches but spiritually exhibit bankruptcy. What’s worse, they know it, because money and status didn’t ‘achieve’ lasting satisfaction!” (Article: Principles for reaching ‘wealthy’ individuals, by Richard Borgonon, emphasis added).
Of the four Gospel writers Luke has the most to say about wealth and poverty. He chooses his material and organizes it in such a way that his audience would understand that how you handle your money has everything to do with following Jesus. His Gospel was a message for the Rich. Luke was Rich and wanted to share the Gospel with the rich. We make a profound mistake to see Luke as an evangelist against the rich. He is, more accurately, an evangelist to the rich.
Both books he was writing to “Theophilus” (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1) Luke gives Theophilus the title “most excellent,” Most scholars figure that Theophilus was some kind of Roman official, or at least a person of some social standing who was recently converted and in need of firm grounding in the faith. To this rich man and others he was showing them that Jesus was not against the rich, but teaching the rich how to use, and put into proper perspective their riches.
Notice some examples:
When one examines Luke’s Gospel, one can see the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Here Luke is showing that Jesus is giving a message to rich people that they must use their riches wisely.
Luke’s Gospel uses the harshest language toward the rich and also includes the most about our obligations to the poor. For example, in Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, Jesus not only pronounces a blessing on the poor (Luke 4:20), he also pronounces curses on the rich. “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry” (Luke 4:24-25). Jesus is not condemning them for having money, it is what they do with it and their attitude towards it is the problem.
There are also examples of rich people getting it right like the Good Samaritan who helps the needy in chapter 10.
What about the rich young ruler (Luke 18 who got it wrong) and Zacchaeus in the following chapter (who did it right). The rich young ruler tries to buy his way into the kingdom of God whereas Zacchaeus, a rich man who demonstrates his conversion by showing an entirely new attitude toward money (19:8).
Zacchaeus didn’t literally give away everything he owned (like Jesus said earlier in 18:22 because that was not a universal prescription for all rich people but just for that particular rich man); but Zacchaeus does what the rich ruler does not do. He realizes that following Jesus means repenting of his cheating ways. Zacchaeus does not trade places with the poor, but he turns from his wickedness and turns to Christ with a new heart of obedience and generosity.
The book ends with a positive example-as Joseph of Arimathea a wealthy man, a member of the council, “a good and righteous man,” does not consent to the council’s decision and asks Pilate for the body of Jesus (23:50-53). This was just as the prophet Isaiah predicted, that the suffering servant would be buried “with the rich in his death” (Isa. 53:9).
To conclude, “…we look closer at Luke’s Gospel and then at Acts we see several instances—unique to Luke—of rich people ‘getting it’ and using their money well. Luke includes much material to warn and rebuke the rich. He also includes a surprising number of examples of wealthy persons who demonstrate genuine discipleship of Christ.
“A brief survey of the relevant material in Luke-Acts will bear out both [of] these points. Luke, more than any other biblical writer, wants us to see that the rich often get it wrong, but they can also get it right…the rich can be faithful with their wealth. They support Jesus and his ministry. They stand up for what is right. They use their money wisely for spiritual gain. The righteous rich in Luke are still rich, but they are also generous, repentant of any wrongs, and faithful to the cause of Christ.” (Article: Luke: Evangelist to the Rich by
(e.g., Lydia, house churches, Mary the mother of John Mark).
People had wealth and voluntarily gave to the church not being forced whatsoever (see Acts 5:4).
An example in Acts of the unrighteous rich is in Acts 8 where Simon the sorcerer tried to buy salvation and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts the 9th chapter we read of “Tabitha” a rich woman who, “…was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” (Acts 9:36).
Again, Lydia, another wealthy woman, She was a seller of purple goods (high-end retail clothing at the time) and had a house in which to host Paul and his companions (Acts 16:11-15). This rich person is a person of good works and understands what to do with her wealth.
But then in Acts 16:16-24 one reads of rich people blinded by their greed and willing to put anyone to death for the “love of money.”
In chapter 17 we are told that many leading women of the city believed (17:4, 12). More rich people turning to Christ.
So the book of Acts is replete with examples of the righteous rich and the unrighteous rich. These examples strongly suggest that Luke was trying to show Theophilus how he, as a rich member of the elite class, could sincerely and obediently follow Christ. Luke’s message was “Rich people can be saved and be faithful, rich Christians.” It requires a new heart toward God, a new generosity toward people, and a new attitude toward money. Please God and serve people like the richest man in his day King Solomon!
Impact on Early Christianity
Luke’s potential wealth would have had significant implications for the early Christian movement:
1. Support for Paul and Early Christians: Luke’s financial support could have been vital in sustaining Paul and other missionaries. Wealthy converts often played crucial roles in the spread of Christianity by providing the necessary resources for travel, evangelism, and community support.
2. Documentation and Evangelism: The production of the Gospel of Luke and Acts required substantial resources. Luke’s wealth would have enabled him to document the life of Jesus and the early church comprehensively, thereby preserving crucial teachings and events for future generations.
3. Philanthropy and Medical Care: As a physician, Luke’s medical knowledge would have been invaluable to the early Christian communities. His ability to provide medical care could have attracted followers and strengthened the bonds within these communities. Furthermore, his wealth may have allowed him to offer his services without charge, aligning with the Christian ethos of charity and service.
Conclusion
The evidence and the cumulative indications strongly suggest he was a man of considerable means. His educational background, profession, and the scope of his contributions to the New Testament underscore a level of affluence that played a crucial role in his ability to support and document the nascent Christian movement. Understanding Luke as a wealthy individual provides deeper insight into his life and the early church, highlighting how financial resources can profoundly influence religious and historical legacies, and should be an example for rich people in the church of God today!
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