What happened to Luke after Paul’s death?
What happened to Luke after the curtain fell in Acts 28?
The Book of Acts ends with Paul in house arrest—but it leaves another key figure unspoken: Luke. In this follow-up to Is There Life After Acts? For Paul, we trace the journey of Luke—physician, historian, disciple, and pastor—as he steps into a new role after Paul’s martyrdom.
This 10-session series brings together biblical text, historical sources, and early church tradition to explore the legacy of Luke after Acts: his roots in Cyrene, his travels with Paul, his authorship of Scripture, his leadership in Corinth, and ultimately, his quiet martyrdom.
Whether you’ve studied Luke’s Gospel or explored his “we sections” in Acts, this series offers a new view of his post-Acts ministry that is rich with discipleship, theology, and story.
What You’ll Learn
- Luke’s identity before joining Paul
- His possible early discipleship under Jesus
- The significance of his “we” narration in Acts
- His potential role in writing Hebrews
- Church traditions about Luke as a physician, bishop, and painter
- His legacy as a Christian martyr and faithful witness
Series
Session 1: Paul is dead…. Now What? 68 AD
As Paul’s final chapter closes, Luke finds himself alone in the shadow of martyrdom. This session explores the emotional, theological, and historical weight of that moment—and the legacy it launches
2 Timothy 4:6–22
Session 2: Luke Before Paul, Who is Luke
Before he was Paul’s physician and biographer, who was Luke? This episode investigates his early identity, education, medical training, and roots in Cyrene.
Acts 13:1; Colossians 4:14; Matthew 9:9; Mark 14:51–52; John 21:20–24
Session 3: Luke as a Follower of Jesus
Was Luke a follower of Jesus before meeting Paul? Discover the compelling case for Luke’s presence in the ministry of Christ and the early Church.
Luke 10:1–24; Luke 24:13–36; Acts 11:19–26
Session 4: Luke with Paul in Acts: Part 1: the Roadie 49-51 AD
Luke enters the story in Acts as a humble “we” narrator—but his journey is anything but small. This session traces Luke’s early travels with Paul, from mission work to a dramatic shipwreck.
Acts 16:10; Acts 21:17–36; Acts 27
Session 5: Luke with Paul in Acts Part 2: the Researcher and Author 60-62 AD
From physician to historian, Luke transforms into the inspired author of Luke-Acts. This episode explores his role during Paul’s Roman house arrest and his Gospel’s literary brilliance.
Colossians 4:14; Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1–2
Session 6: Luke with Paul After Acts
After the final words of Acts, Luke’s story continues across land and sea. This session follows his hidden journey with Paul, from Crete to Spain to Nero’s deadly reign.
2 Timothy 4:6–13; Titus 1:4–5
Session 7: Paul is dead… Luke on the Run 68 AD
With Paul martyred and Nero’s Rome in chaos, Luke flees as a hunted man. This episode follows his emotional and physical escape—grieving, remembering, and listening for God’s next call.
2 Timothy 4:10–22; Hebrews 11:37; Psalm 28:7
Session 8: Luke as a Church Leader
From physician to bishop, Luke shepherds the church in Corinth during a time of earthquakes and eruptions. This session highlights Luke’s role as pastor and first responder.
Romans 16:1; Acts 18:18; Luke 10:2
Luke’s artistry extended beyond words. This creative session explores early traditions that celebrate him as the first Christian iconographer and visual storyteller.
Exodus 35:31–35; Colossians 3:23; Acts 17:28
Session 10: Luke as a Christian Martyr and Hero of the Faith
Luke’s final chapter is one of legacy and courage. This session remembers him not just as a writer or doctor—but as a faithful martyr who finished the race.
Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 12:1–2
