St. Luke is traditionally believed to have died at the age of 84.
The Enduring Legacy of Saint Luke
According to tradition, Saint Luke, the esteemed author of one of the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, passed away at the advanced age of 84. His final years were spent in Boeotia, a region in Greece, where he settled specifically to dedicate himself to writing the significant religious texts attributed to him.
Key Details of Saint Luke's Passing
The historical understanding of Saint Luke's death and burial provides insights into the early Christian era's veneration of important figures. His life concluded in Boeotia, Greece, after a period of intense literary work.
Here are some key aspects related to the traditional accounts of his passing:
- Age at Death: Saint Luke is traditionally understood to have lived to be 84 years old.
- Location of Death: He is believed to have died in Boeotia, Greece, a region where he had taken residence.
- Purpose of Settlement: Luke chose to settle in Boeotia with the specific aim of writing the Gospels, contributing immensely to Christian scripture.
- Believed Tomb Location: Initially, his tomb was thought to be located in Thebes, Greece, another significant city within the same region.
- Relics Transfer: Centuries after his death, in the year 357 CE, his relics were transferred to Constantinople, marking an important event in the veneration of saints.
This rich tradition highlights not only the longevity attributed to Saint Luke but also the enduring reverence for his contributions to Christianity, particularly his literary works that form a crucial part of the New Testament.
