St Luke, also known as Saint Luke, is a commonly used term in Christian tradition referring to the third evangelist in the New Testament. The spelling of this term is often confused, as the pronunciation of the "saint" part is frequently dropped. The correct spelling is "St Luke," with the "saint" component abbreviated. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the correct pronunciation is /sɪnt ˈlu:k/, with the emphasis on the second syllable of "Luke."
St. Luke refers to a prominent figure in Christian religious tradition. According to tradition, St. Luke was one of the four evangelists who wrote the biblical New Testament books, the Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. These texts hold significant importance within Christianity, as they offer insights into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian community.
St. Luke is believed to have been a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul, playing a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. He is often venerated as a saint and is considered the patron saint of artists, physicians, surgeons, and writers due to his diverse talents and the skills he possessed. Furthermore, St. Luke's Gospel is notable for its focus on compassion, emphasizing the themes of universal love, mercy, and the inclusion of marginalized communities.
Throughout history, St. Luke has been depicted in religious art, particularly in paintings and icons. These visual representations frequently depict him with a winged ox, which symbolizes the sacrificial nature of Christ and the theological themes presented in his Gospel. Additionally, celebrations and observances are held in honor of St. Luke on October 18th, commemorating his life and contributions to the Christian faith.
The word "St. Luke" is derived from the name of the saint himself, who is commonly believed to be the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. The name "Luke" has Greek origins and is derived from the Greek name "Loukas" (Λουκᾶς). It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "loukḗ" (λουκή), meaning "light" or "bright". The title "St". is an abbreviation for "Saint", which is used to designate a person who has been recognized as holy or has achieved sainthood within Christian tradition.