Catholic Saints Podcast: St. Luke
Host: Taylor Kemp
Guest: Dr. Ben Akers (Chief Content Officer, Augustine Institute)
Release Date: October 18, 2025
Podcast: Catholic Saints by Augustine Institute
Episode Overview
This episode centers on St. Luke, exploring his life, background, writings, and distinct contributions to Christianity. Host Taylor Kemp and scholar Dr. Ben Akers dive into what makes St. Luke unique among the saints and evangelists: his Gentile heritage, medical background, literary artistry, and enduring legacy in both Scripture and Church tradition. The conversation brings out the historical, theological, and human elements of St. Luke’s story, encouraging listeners to appreciate his Gospel and approach Scripture with fresh insight.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Who Was St. Luke? [00:29–01:47]
- Gentile Evangelist: St. Luke wrote the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles—two major New Testament books. He’s notably the only non-Jewish writer in the New Testament.
- Dr. Akers: “He’s trained in the art of medicine. Paul, in Colossians 4:14, calls him the Beloved Physician.” [01:05]
- Background: Possibly from Antioch in Syria. It’s debated whether he was a Gentile convert to Judaism before Christianity, or converted directly from paganism.
- Healer’s Lens: Dr. Akers links Luke’s medical profession to his Gospel’s focus on mercy and healing miracles.
- Taylor Kemp: “It’s great to travel with a doctor.” [01:38]
2. St. Luke as Non-Eyewitness Gospel Writer [01:47–02:31]
- Luke didn’t meet Jesus during his earthly ministry.
- He compiled his Gospel from eyewitness testimonies and first-hand accounts, particularly those close to Mary, Mother of Jesus.
- Taylor Kemp: “Not all of the people who wrote the Gospels knew Christ… St. Luke didn’t.” [01:54]
3. Sources and Literary Approach [02:34–05:38]
- Orderly Account: Luke’s Gospel is addressed to Theophilus; he positions himself as a careful historian compiling stories from eyewitnesses.
- Dr. Akers (quoting Luke 1:1-4): “It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus…” [03:03]
- Detailed Infancy Narratives: Unique stories include the Annunciation to Zechariah and Mary, the Visitation, Jesus in the Temple at age twelve, and key canticles (Benedictus, Magnificat, Nunc Dimittis, Gloria).
- Luke’s Gospel deeply influences the Church’s liturgy and prayer life.
4. Sources for Luke’s Unique Material [05:38–06:14]
- Tradition holds that Luke received material from Mary or John.
- Dr. Akers: “I think he hears it from our Blessed Virgin...” [05:48]
- Documentarian Style: He openly tells his audience he did research and interviewed witnesses.
5. Distinct Lukan Stories & Parables [06:14–06:29]
- Only in Luke: Parable of the Prodigal Son, Parable of the Good Samaritan—both long, vibrant stories displaying his storytelling gift.
6. Theological Themes and Style [06:45–08:21]
- Jesus as a Man of Prayer: Luke emphasizes Jesus praying at key moments.
- Mercy: A central theme, often connected to Luke’s identity as a physician.
- Prominence of Women, Gentiles’ inclusion, focus on meals and table fellowship.
- Universal Scope: Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam, emphasizing salvation’s availability for all.
- Medical Insights: Example—Luke describes Jesus sweating blood at Gethsemane, a detail only a doctor would note.
7. Acts of the Apostles: Luke's “Part Two” [08:21–09:43]
- Luke is the only Gospel writer to provide a sequel: Acts, addressed again to Theophilus.
- Taylor Kemp: “He’s saying there is this continuation of Jesus’ ministry, but Jesus isn’t there… Jesus’s work is continuing in the world… through the church.” [09:06]
8. The Church as Christ’s Mystical Body [09:43–12:01]
- Acts shows Jesus’ ministry continuing through the apostles by the Holy Spirit.
- Dr. Akers: “Some scholars even called Acts of the Apostles the Gospel of the Holy Spirit.” [10:39]
- Gospel starts in Jerusalem, ACTS ends in Rome: Highlights the universal mission.
9. Luke and Paul: Companionship & Fidelity [12:12–15:42]
- Luke joined Paul on missionary journeys and remained with him to the end.
- Dr. Akers (on 2 Timothy 4:11): “Luke alone is with me.” [14:38]
- A lesson in friendship and faithfulness—contrasting Luke’s loyalty with Damas’ abandonment.
- St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica: Iconography of Luke alongside Paul, with an empty pedestal (possibly for Damas).
10. Personal Application & Legacy [15:43–17:34]
- St. Luke used his talents—medical and literary—fully in service of the Gospel.
- Taylor Kemp: “How can we take what has been given to us naturally and spiritually and put them at the feet of Christ…?” [17:13]
- Gospel as healing: St. Luke “saw he could heal people… by sharing the good news of Jesus.” [17:17]
- Dr. Akers: Linking salvation to its root meaning (healing).
11. How to Begin Reading the Gospel of Luke [17:49–19:16]
- Pro tips for first-time readers:
- “Start at the beginning.”
- Or try Luke 10 (Good Samaritan) or Luke 15 (Prodigal Son).
- Accessible to Gentiles; assumes less knowledge of Jewish customs.
- Read Luke, then Acts for a continuous narrative.
12. Favorite Lukan Stories [19:16–22:13]
- Dr. Akers: Most moved by the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), especially its layered meanings and personal resonance at different life stages.
- Dr. Akers: “You want to celebrate when the sheep… coin… son… has been found.” [20:28]
- Possible allegorical reading: Jesus as the Son who leaves “heaven to become poor like us.” [20:32–21:15]
- Taylor Kemp: Also names the Prodigal Son for its continued power and depth through repeated readings.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Luke’s Method:
“He tells us at the beginning. He’s like, I talk to eyewitnesses… I’ve done my homework, I’ve done my research, and now I want to share with you the good news of Christ.” —Dr. Ben Akers [06:03] -
On Acts as “The Gospel of the Holy Spirit”:
“Some scholars even called Acts of the Apostles the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. So… how is the Holy Spirit animating the life of the apostles…?” —Dr. Ben Akers [10:39] -
On Luke’s Faithfulness:
“But Luke alone is with me. …Luke was faithful to his friend Paul… He was there at the end.” —Dr. Ben Akers (quoting 2 Timothy 4:11) [14:38] -
Application to Listeners:
“How can we take what has been given to us naturally and spiritually and put them at the feet of Christ…?” —Taylor Kemp [17:13] -
Meaning of Gospel & Healing:
“There’s a healing power to hearing the gospel. …We who are sick in both, you know, body and soul. It's really the message of Jesus who can. Who can heal us?” —Dr. Ben Akers [17:17]
Important Timestamps
- [00:29] – Who is St. Luke? Background and profession
- [03:03] – Luke’s orderly account and unique material
- [05:27] – Luke’s influence on Church hymns and liturgy
- [06:14] – Unique parables: Prodigal Son, Good Samaritan
- [08:21] – Acts of the Apostles as “Part Two”
- [10:39] – The Holy Spirit as central character in Acts
- [12:12] – Paul and Luke’s friendship; Luke’s fidelity
- [14:38] – “Luke alone is with me.”
- [17:13] – Using one’s gifts for Christ’s service
- [19:16] – Approaching Luke’s Gospel
- [19:22] – Parable of the Prodigal Son: deep reflections
Final Reflections
- St. Luke emerges as both historian and artist—faithful friend, keen storyteller, and meticulous chronicler. His Gospel and the Acts invite all, especially those at the “margins,” into Christ’s story. The episode encourages listeners to recognize the healing power of the Gospel and to use their own gifts, following Luke’s example, in the service of God’s kingdom.
- The hosts close with personal insights and encouragement to dive into Luke (and Acts), discovering the enduring relevance and depths of St. Luke’s message.