Life of Christ- Luke 1 How Did Luke Do His Research?

Luke’s goal was to write an orderly account of Jesus’ life. How did he do this?  (Luke 1:1-4)

Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, ² like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning. ³ So it seemed good to me as well, because I have followed all things carefully from the beginning, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ so that you may know for certain the things you were taught. (NET Bible)

Introduction to Luke’s chronology:

Luke was with Paul when they returned to Jerusalem from Paul’s ministry in Asia Minor and Europe in AD 58.

¹⁷ When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly. ¹⁸ The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were there. ¹⁹ When Paul had greeted them, he began to explain in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. ²⁰ When they heard this, they praised God. (Acts 21:17-20) (NET Bible)

Paul was in Jerusalem for 12 days.  He participated in a Jewish purification rite to show his adherence to Jewish Law. He was recognized by Jews from Asia Minor. After a riot he was taken to Caesarea on the coast. He was imprisoned there for two years. The “we” passages stop when Paul was in prison and resumed afterward.

Paul appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome. The “we” passages resume in Acts 27 and Luke is with Paul for the voyage to Rome and his early preaching there in AD 62. These are the last events recorded in Acts.

Paul was beheaded by the Emperor Nero in AD 68.

How Did Luke Do His Research?

Luke was in Judea from Paul’s arrest in AD 58 until Paul left for Rome two years later.  James, Jesus’ brother, was there.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that Jesus appeared to 500 followers after he rose from the dead and half of them were still alive. He wrote this letter about five years before Luke was researching his gospel.

Luke wrote some intimate recollections by the Virgin Mary in Luke, chapters one and two. Mary would have been in her mid-70’s at this time. Luke may have spoken to her or she may have confided her thoughts to her son James.

Most of the Christians left Jerusalem during the Jewish rebellion against Rome between AD 66-70 so many of the witnesses to Jesus’ life would have still been there.

Luke died between AD 90 and 100, traditionally at 84 years old.

In conclusion, Luke had access to the leaders of the Jerusalem Church and others who had seen Jesus when he wrote his gospel.