The Four Evangelists are some of the most important figures in the Christian faith. Their Gospels immortalised the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and enabled the churches he inspired to spread around the world. Of these four chroniclers Luke is often described as the most historically accurate in his accounts of places and events and is regarded by many scholars as the first chronicler of the Christian Church.

This reputation as an ancient historian mainly comes from Luke’s supposed authorship of the Acts of the Apostles. While the Gospel according to Luke is a chronicle of the life and teachings of Jesus the Acts tells of the founding and growth of the Christian church. Beginning with the ascension of Christ this work largely follows the lives of the Apostle Peter and, later, the Apostle Paul as they bring Christianity to Europe and Asia Minor.

This mapping of Christianity’s growth in the 1^st century AD is one of the best accounts, if somewhat questionable, of how this Semitic religion came to be rejected by its initial Jewish following and welcomed by the Gentiles of Europe.

Widely believed to have been a disciple of Paul and a Greek Gentile from Antioch, Luke embodied the new European audience on which the early Christian church was built. A practicing physician hailing from the ancient city of Antioch Luke also had intimate knowledge of the sufferings of the poorest members of society. This background saw Luke focus a great deal on women, the poor, and marginalised in his writings.

Patrick and a panel of experts look back on the life and writings of Luke the Evangelists. Join ‘Talking History’ as we delve into the life of the patron saint of artists, surgeons, students, and butchers. What distinguishes Luke from the other three Evangelists? Why is he remembered as a historian and artist? How have his writings shaped the Christianity? And what was his life like?

Patrick also spoke with Marcus Cowper of Osprey Publishing about 'The Battle of Waterloo: A Series of Accounts by A Near Observer', a reproduction he commissioned of a book first published just months after the famous battle. A full list of 'Talking History' book recommendations can be found here.