Full Description
Employing a historically-informed narrative-critical approach to Luke-Acts, this work illuminates Luke's portrayals of Roman officials in light of the Jewish portrayals of Gentile rulers in both the Old Testament and in Second Temple literature. It explores the intertextual relationship of Luke-Acts with preceding Jewish literature, going beyond quotations and clear allusions.
Luke's worldview is holistic: both Jewish and Roman authorities are under the authority of the Roman emperor, who is in turn under Satan's authority. False dichotomies such as those between Jewish and Roman, political and religious, and supernatural and earthly must be avoided. In this interpretative framework, five Roman provincial governors and three Herodian rulers are examined. Luke's portrayals of Roman and Herodian rulers reflect certain patterns found in Jewish literature concerning the relationship between God, Israel and Gentile rulers. Luke's portrayals of Roman and Jewish rulers are shown as having several important narrative functions. They not only shed light on the political background of early Christianity, but also illuminate theology, Christology, and ecclesiology in Luke-Acts.
Contents
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION
Review of Literature
Methodological Issues
Outline of the Project
Chapter 2. GENTILE RULERS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT AND SECOND TEMPLE LITERATURE
Introduction
Purpose and Scope of This Chapter
Definition of Gentile Ruler
Portrayals of Gentile Rulers in the Old Testament
Portrayals of Genitle Rulers in Second Temple Jewish Literature
Summary: Jewish Portrayals of Gentile Rulers
Chapter 3. THE IMPERIAL AND COSMIC CONTEXTS OF LUKE-ACTS
Introduction
The Imperial Framework of Luke-Acts
The Cosmic Framework of Luke-Acts
Summary: Luke-Acts in the Roman Imperial Context
Chapter 4. THE LUKAN PORTRAYAL OF ROMAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS
Introduction
Pontius Pilate in the Lukan Passion Narrative
Roman Provincial Governors in Paul's Missionary Journeys
Roman Authorities in Paul's Trial
Excursus: Nero in the Shadow of the Narrative of Acts
Summary: Luke's Portrayals of Roman Provincial Governors
Chapter 5. THE LUKAN PORTRAYALS OF THE HERODIAN DYNASTY
Introduction
Herod Antipas
Agrippa I
Agrippa II
Summary: Luke's Portrayals of the Herodian Dynasty
Chapter 6. CONCLUSION
Summary of the Study Implications for Lukan Studies
