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Saint Luke was the first Christian physician. He was born a Greek and became the only Gentile to write books in the Bible. He was the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Scholars have found his writings to be historically accurate and whenever his writings were brought into question, the facts were always resolved in his favor.

Luke was a close companion of Paul of Tarsus and accompanied him on his missionary journeys. It is quite possible that Luke administered medical aid to Paul when he was beaten, stoned or nearly drowned while evangelizing in the Western Roman Empire. For this reason, Luke is considered the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.

It is believed that Luke lived a long life and died of natural causes. His feast day is October 18th. He is often portrayed painting a picture of Mary but has also been portrayed with a pen in hand, since he is known for recording the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. An ox, the symbol of sacrifice, is often standing near him, representing the sacrifice Jesus made for the world.

Saint Luke is the patron saint of bachelors, bookbinders, brewers, butchers, Capena, Italy, glassmakers, glass workers, gold workers, goldsmiths, Hermersdorf, Germany, lace-makers, lace workers, notaries, sculptors and stained glass workers.