Matthew & Luke

All scripture is inspired by God

and profitable for teaching,

for reproof,

for correction,

for training in righteousness;

so that the man of God may be adequate,

equipped for every good work.”   ~II Timothy 3:16,17

Two men recorded the events that took place

concerning the birth of God’s Son, the Messiah.   

What an amazing honor and privilege

to be chosen by God to write His Story…

such a intense responsibility

to remain true to His Word. 

So, who were these men

who were moved by the Holy Spirit

to pen the Word of God? 

Matthew…

~ name means “gift of the Lord” (also called Levi)

~ one of the 12 apostles

~ was a tax collector

~ left his work to follow Jesus (Matt. 9:9-13)

~ wrote in Greek, mainly targeting Greek-speaking Jews

~ alluded to OT quotations more than any other NT author, many of them prophecies

~ wrote systematically with concern for detail

~ emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah

Luke…

~ author of both Luke & Acts,

~ written to Theophilus, who was wealthy and held a high position, possibly a publisher

~ was a physician

~ Gentile by birth

~ well educated in Greek culture

~ close companion to Paul (Philemon 24)

~ investigated eyewitness accounts to compose historical detail (Luke 1:1-4)

~ emphasis on Gentile Christians and preaching the Gospel to the world

From a human perspective,

it seems these men’s backgrounds,

social standings,

and circles of friends

were as different as apples and oranges. 

They both understood

their audience included both Jews and Gentiles,

but their passions for specific cultures

offered different perspectives

of the same message.

I am thankful

for the obedience of these two men of God,

for their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit,

and for the God-breathed message of Good News

conveyed by the grasp of their hands

to our hearts.

~ae