What advantage has the Jew? Romans 3:1
While there is no solid evidence in Scripture that Luke was a Jew or Gentile, some scholars have asserted that Luke was a Gentile because of Paul’s letter to the Colossians where he includes a list of those “of the circumcision or Jews” that were with him at the time the letter was written.
It is here he lists Epaphras, (an intercessor) and purposely points out that he is a Gentile. Paul then mentions the presence of Luke, his physician and historian not calling him either a Gentile or listing him among the circumcised.
Scholars argue that Luke was not active in the preaching ministry and the list of “the circumcised” was a list of only those that had gone out to teach and instruct the churches. Paul deliberately left Luke out of that group but mentioned his presence and function.
This is weak evidence to conclude Luke was a Gentile, yet I can see the possibility.
During the 1st century we can rightly assume that since Luke is introduced as a disciple of Yeshua, that he, like other righteous Gentiles took on the yoke of Judaism. There was no “Church” in the nations yet since the gospel had not gone forth yet. It is highly likely that he was converted to the only True God and became a “Jew.” Luke functioned in the way and customs of the Jews, following his Jewish teacher, Yeshua.
Paul asks the question in Romans 3:1,2 “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.”
With this admonishment it is doubtful that Luke was a Gentile or Paul would have made an exception or he was simply considered converted and therefore – Jewish!
I lean more toward the possibility that Luke was a biological Jew. But, like all of believers from the nations– aren’t we all Jewish in heart?
If the Messiah lives there- Absolutely!
