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Luke: An Introduction and Study Guide: All Flesh Shall See God's Salvation
Greg Carey's guide equips readers to develop their own informed assessments of Luke's Gospel. The book begins with an inductive exposition of Luke's singular approach to composing a story about Jesus, examining its use of Mark, clues to its social setting, and its distinctive literary strategies.
Recognizing that many readers approach Luke for theological and religious reasons, while many others do not, a chapter on 'Spirit' addresses Luke's presentation of the God of Israel, how the Gospel ties salvation to the person of Jesus, and how the problems of sin and evil find their resolution in the kingdom of God and in community of those who follow Jesus. A chapter on 'Practice' examines the Gospel's vision for human community. While many readers find a revolutionary message in which women, the poor, Gentiles and sinners find themselves included and blessed in Luke's Gospel, this volume calls attention to inconsistencies and tensions within the narrative. Luke does speak toward inclusion, Carey argues, but not in a revolutionary way. Could it be that the Gospel promises more than it delivers? Carey suggests that Luke speaks to people of relative privilege, challenging them toward mercy and inclusion rather than toward fundamental social change. An Epilogue reflects upon contemporary readers of Luke, most of whom enjoy privilege in their own right, and how they may respond to Luke's story.
Recognizing that many readers approach Luke for theological and religious reasons, while many others do not, a chapter on 'Spirit' addresses Luke's presentation of the God of Israel, how the Gospel ties salvation to the person of Jesus, and how the problems of sin and evil find their resolution in the kingdom of God and in community of those who follow Jesus. A chapter on 'Practice' examines the Gospel's vision for human community. While many readers find a revolutionary message in which women, the poor, Gentiles and sinners find themselves included and blessed in Luke's Gospel, this volume calls attention to inconsistencies and tensions within the narrative. Luke does speak toward inclusion, Carey argues, but not in a revolutionary way. Could it be that the Gospel promises more than it delivers? Carey suggests that Luke speaks to people of relative privilege, challenging them toward mercy and inclusion rather than toward fundamental social change. An Epilogue reflects upon contemporary readers of Luke, most of whom enjoy privilege in their own right, and how they may respond to Luke's story.
112 pages, Paperback
Published January 12, 2017
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September 16, 2019
From the Bloomsbury website: “T&T Clark’s tradition of publishing books by world-class scholars stretches back to 1821. ... Now T&T Clark draws upon its tradition of excellence to publish ground-breaking books by some of the most creative voices in theology and biblical studies today.” This assertion stands up under independent assessment.
At just over one hundred pages, “this brief guide … moves beyond the most basic level of introduction in language accessible to undergraduates and theology students, to pastors and informed laypersons.” The author plainly states: “While I will advance my own interpretation of controversial matters, I also indicate significant points of disagreement.” (p. ix) For the sake of concision the author eschews footnotes; let the reader be the judge of the felicity of this. Indices of subjects and authors and a bibliography serve the book well.
The epilogue (especially p. 92), entitled “Luke, Acts, and Luke’s Legacy; Privilege in Interpretation,” makes the following striking contentions. Luke focuses on the more prosperous members of the gospel’s audience—and never escapes their point of view. While speaking of the poor, the gospel embodies the perspective of slave owners and alms givers. The gospel is inclusive of women—but their complementary status in re men is unquestioned. While individual Gentiles are rarely featured, they are embraced in the gospel—by (in part) discrediting Israel. Jesus dines with sinners—who quickly disappear and are largely erased in Acts.
All in all, a brief but provocative take on Luke!
At just over one hundred pages, “this brief guide … moves beyond the most basic level of introduction in language accessible to undergraduates and theology students, to pastors and informed laypersons.” The author plainly states: “While I will advance my own interpretation of controversial matters, I also indicate significant points of disagreement.” (p. ix) For the sake of concision the author eschews footnotes; let the reader be the judge of the felicity of this. Indices of subjects and authors and a bibliography serve the book well.
The epilogue (especially p. 92), entitled “Luke, Acts, and Luke’s Legacy; Privilege in Interpretation,” makes the following striking contentions. Luke focuses on the more prosperous members of the gospel’s audience—and never escapes their point of view. While speaking of the poor, the gospel embodies the perspective of slave owners and alms givers. The gospel is inclusive of women—but their complementary status in re men is unquestioned. While individual Gentiles are rarely featured, they are embraced in the gospel—by (in part) discrediting Israel. Jesus dines with sinners—who quickly disappear and are largely erased in Acts.
All in all, a brief but provocative take on Luke!
Displaying 1 of 1 review