Acts and the Isaianic New Exodus

by David W. Pao

New Testament scholars have long recognized the use of Isaiah in the Lukan narrative. While previous studies have focused on isolated quotations and allusions, Acts and the Isaianic New Exodus provides a fresh reading that examines the wider relationship between Isaiah and the Book of Acts. David Pao recognizes the "new exodus" program of Isaiah as a hermeneutical key that offers important clues to the structure and function of Acts and the entire Lukan narrative.

Genres: Biblical Studies

328 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2000

Reviews

[Dominic Venuso · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're teaching Acts, at least read a summary and skim the flow of this book. His argument that Isa 40 is key to the story of the book is right and helpful. Once the idea is on your radar, if you have familiarity with Isaiah's New Exodus, you will uncover many of the connections yourself as you read.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of the links between Luke's writings and the New Exodus of Isaiah

[David Couch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pao makes a big thing out of the ‘Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, end of the earth’ agenda as being more than simply geographical. Instead, he says, we should also see them as theological. He contends that each one aligns with the New Exodus laid out in Isaiah 40-55. This gives explanatory power to a number of confusing passages.

His connection of ‘the way’ in Acts back to Isaiah 40 was very interesting and makes a lot of sense.

His final chapter seems somewhat incomplete, and could have benefited from some reference to Deuteronomy. He focuses mainly on Isaiah, and overlooks the influence of Deuteronomy on Isaiah’s writing. This would have provided a stronger framework for his conclusions, in my opinion.

Overall though, a stimulating and interesting read!

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seminal work! A must read for all those studying Acts!