Archives February 2025

Was Luke a Jew or Gentile?  His ethnicity is not stated explicitly. However, the idea that Luke was a Gentile can be supported based on several pieces of biblical and historical evidence. Here are the key points supporting the view that Luke was a Gentile:

Paul’s Distinction Between Jews and Gentiles (Colossians 4:10-14)

• In Colossians 4:10-14, Paul lists several people sending greetings and makes a distinction between those “of the circumcision” (Jewish believers) and others.
• He first names Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, stating that they are “the only ones of the circumcision” (i.e., Jews).
• Then, Paul names Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, without identifying them as Jews. Since Paul explicitly identifies Jewish Christians in the first group, many scholars infer that Luke, being in the second group, was likely a Gentile.

Luke’s Writing Style and Perspective

• The Gospel of Luke and Acts show a strong concern for Gentiles:
  • Luke frequently highlights Jesus’ ministry to Gentiles (e.g., Luke 2:32, Luke 4:25-27, Luke 7:9, Luke 24:47).
  • In Acts, he emphasizes the spread of the Gospel to Gentiles (e.g., Acts 10, Acts 13:46-48, Acts 28:28).
• His Greek is more polished and sophisticated than the other Gospel writers, suggesting he was highly educated and possibly Greek-speaking from birth.

Luke’s Interest in Medical and Greek Culture

• Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14: “Luke the beloved physician”).
• Ancient Jewish culture did not emphasize Greek-style medicine, whereas Greek and Roman traditions did. This suggests Luke may have had a Hellenistic background.
• His writing includes detailed medical descriptions (e.g., the bleeding woman in Luke 8:43-44) that reflect a Greek medical perspective.

Lack of Jewish Genealogy

• Unlike Matthew, who begins his Gospel with Jesus’ genealogy to establish His Jewish lineage, Luke traces Jesus’ lineage differently, going back to Adam rather than focusing on Abraham. This broader approach may indicate a Gentile audience.

5. Luke’s Knowledge of the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint)

• Luke’s Gospel frequently quotes the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
• This suggests he was more familiar with the Greek version of the Old Testament rather than the Hebrew text, which was more commonly used by Jewish scholars.

Counterarguments: Could Luke Have Been a Hellenistic Jew?

• Some argue that Luke may have been a Hellenistic Jew rather than a Gentile. Many Jews in the Diaspora (living outside Israel) spoke Greek and used the Septuagint.
• However, the Colossians 4:10-14 passage remains a strong argument that Luke was not considered Jewish.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly state that Luke was a Gentile, the evidence strongly suggests it. His placement in Paul’s greetings (Colossians 4:10-14), his polished Greek, his Gentile-focused Gospel, and his use of the Septuagint all support the view that Luke was a Gentile, likely a Greek-speaking physician from a Hellenistic background.

Method 1 — Repetition & Recitation (The Traditional Method)

How it works:

Read the verse out loud multiple times. By reading the verse out loud you are engaging multiple areas of the brain in the activity. When more neurons are involved you are more engaged and you are more likely to remember and understand what you are reading. Here’s is a breakdown of how the brain is involved in out-loud reading:

1. Visual Processing (Occipital Lobe) – Both silent and aloud reading require the brain’s visual cortex to process written words and recognize letters and symbols.
2. Language Comprehension (Wernicke’s Area, Temporal Lobe) – Understanding the meaning of words and sentences engages Wernicke’s area. This part of the brain is involved in language processing and comprehension.
3. Speech Production (Broca’s Area, Frontal Lobe) – Unlike silent reading, reading Scripture out loud requires Broca’s area. This part of the brain controls the muscles needed for speech production and articulation.
4. Motor Control (Motor Cortex & Cerebellum) – Speaking requires the coordinated movement of the tongue, lips, vocal cords, and diaphragm. The motor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum all work together to produce fluent speech.
5. Auditory Processing (Temporal Lobe, Auditory Cortex) – When you hear your own voice reading a passage from the Bible, your auditory cortex processes the sound. You automatically become more engaged because your brain self-monitors pronunciation and fluency.
6. Working Memory (Prefrontal Cortex) – Reading aloud requires you to keep track of what you’re saying, process the next words, and maintain overall coherence, engaging working memory functions more intensively. This extra effort means that more of your brain is involved when you read out loud than when you read silently.
7. Emotional & Expressive Areas (Limbic System, Right Hemisphere) – When reading aloud with intonation and expression, emotional centers and prosody-processing areas of the brain are more active than in silent reading.

Silent reading primarily involves visual and comprehension centers, while reading out loud also activates speech, motor, auditory, and emotional regions. This added engagement makes reading aloud a more complex neural task, which is why it often improves memory retention and language learning.

Also, write the Scripture down repeatedly. Why? Earlier I mentioned that reading out loud is more engaging than reading silently. More engagement leads to higher retention and better comprehension. The same concepts are involved when you write down a passage from memory.

• Say it from memory and check yourself.

Example:

• Read Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – NKJV) five times each morning and night.
• Gradually remove words and recall from memory.

📌 Tip: Use index cards or sticky notes around your home.

Method 3 — Visualization & Association (Storytelling Method)

How it works:

• Create mental pictures or a story based on the verse.
• Imagine scenes where the Scripture applies.

📌 Tip: Pairing imagery with verses makes them stick better.

🖼 Example:

• Ephesians 6:17 (“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – NKJV) → Picture yourself in God’s armor, wielding a glowing sword (Scripture).

Method 4 — Digital & Interactive Tools (Technology-Assisted Learning)

How it works:

• Use Bible memory apps like Verses, Bible Memory, or Scripture Typer.
• Set daily reminders for verse practice.
• Record yourself reading the verse and play it back.

📌 Tip: If you prefer hands-free memorization, listen to Bible audiobooks or recite verses during daily activities.

It is more than a little cool to hear someone recite Scripture as they answer a question, deliver a sermon, or when praying. (Sometime it is done in a way that is showy and with the aim of drawing attention to themselves. Those times are not more than a little cool. At other times, though, the word-for-word recalling of Scripture in conversations can be helpful in unpacking an argument, encouraging the listener, or ensuring that the language and aims of prayer are in line with the will of God.) Consistently memorizing scripture offers several spiritual, mental, and other day-to-day practical benefits. Here are five:

Reason 1 — Strengthening Faith and Promoting Spiritual Growth

Memorizing Scripture helps internalize God’s Word. When the words of the Bible are readily available, they becomes easier to apply in daily life. Memorizing Scripture also helps to deepen our understanding of God’s promises, increasing trust and faith. How? In meditation we should talk out loud about Scripture with God and ourselves (Psalm 1; Joshua 1:8-9; 1 Timothy 4:15). This is what the writers have in mind when they use the word meditate. When Scripture has been memorized we are able to ruminate over it to ourselves and with the Lord without having to have a physical Bible on hand. This could be while walking, during exercise, or in the midst of chores around the house (yard work, dishes, or cleaning).

Reason 2 — Provides Strength in Trials and Temptations

When faced with challenges, having Scripture in our hearts provides comfort, wisdom, and encouragement. Jesus Himself used Scripture to resist temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). As the enemy of all mankind attacked Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, responded with quotes from Deuteronomy. He had memorized those passages and was able to readily recall them in His moment of need. The Spirit was also involved; He assists believers in using and wielding the Scriptures as a sword (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). Memorized Scripture will help us in the ongoing effort of pursuing holiness. Hear King David on the matter:

Psalm 119:11 – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (NKJV)

Reason 3 — Enhances Prayer and Worship

Memorized scripture allows you to pray more effectively, aligning your prayers with God’s will. It enriches personal and corporate worship, as scripture-filled prayers and songs become more meaningful.

Reason 4 — Equips for Sharing the Gospel and Encouraging Others

Knowing scripture makes it easier to witness to others, defend your faith, and offer biblical encouragement. Dr. Kyumin Whang, a godly man and friend of mine were reconnecting yesterday. After catching up I reached out this morning to ask him for a reason for Scripture memorization. This is what Dr. Whang had to say:

[Scripture Memorization] helps substantiate what you are saying to people.

Dr. Whang has served as a pastor, currently teaches medicine, and is a solid thinker. I appreciate is clear and brief reason on a practical reason for Scripture memorization for people who want to be effective in giving an answer for the faith that is in them; it is part of being ready to share our faith (1 Peter 3:15).

It allows you to give wise, scriptural advice in conversations. Whether offering words of biblical teaching (doctrine), reproof of ungodly attitudes or actions, or guidance for godliness, the Scriptures should be a primary source. Paul put it this way

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)

Reason 5 — Improves Mental Focus and Cognitive Health

• Memorization is an excellent exercise for the brain, improving mental discipline, focus, and memory retention.
• Studies suggest that engaging the mind in memorization helps with mental clarity and long-term cognitive health.
• Example: Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (NKJV)

References