The Prophethood of All Believers: A Study in Luke's Charismatic Theology

by Roger Stronstad

For centuries Christians have had the concept of the priesthood of all believers firmly engrained in their minds. The prophethood of all believers, on the other hand, is, so Stronstad believes, the main focus of Spirit-baptism in Luke-Acts. A landmark study in Lukan pneumatology, this book is aimed at a mixed readership ranging from the scholar to the informed layperson. The role of the Spirit in Luke is clearly portrayed in terms of vocational empowerment. Traditionally, Lukan pneumatology has been viewed through Pauline or Johannine spectacles, but by interpreting Luke independently of the other Gospels and the epistles, Stronstad has cogently argued for the historical and contemporary relevance of Spirit-baptism. He challenges the reader to develop a new appreciation of Luke's theology of the Holy Spirit, and, in fact, to consider the role of the prophethood of all believers for today's world.

Genres: Religion

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Roger Stronstad (MCS, Regent College; DD, Christian Bible College) is director and associate professor in Bible and theology at Summit Pacific College in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He is the author of many articles and six books, including The Prophethood of All Believers: A Study in Luke’s Charismatic Theology. He also coedited Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary.

Reviews

[Mike Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong book from a pentecostal perspective that is both scholarly and accessible. In the past decade there has been a surge of Pentecostal scholarship as mainline culture and academia recognize the profound impact this movement has had upon the world. Stronstad writes as a Pentecostal believer, but within the parameters of scholarly research. This book is a book of Biblical theology, as in contrast to historical or systematic theology. It seeks to let the books of Luke and Acts speak for themselves, uncovering the structure, vocabulary, and particular emphasis within the text. The main thesis is that Luke wrote his Gospel and the book of Acts with the understanding that Jesus came to inaugurate His kingdom. This Kingdom is made up of Spirit empowered believers, who fulfill the prophetic role of proclaiming Gods truth, using God's words, doing God's acts, by Gods empowering. A very worthwhile read, though it is scholarly and uses academic vocabulary specific to theology.