1. THE 511 NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY CLASS III: THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS AND THEOLOGY OF SYNOPTICS & ACTS

2. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS 1.1 Introduction to theology of Luke-Acts Luke or Luke-Acts? Two separate stories or a unified work in two volumes? Single story of redemptive history rooted in Israel’s history What about the canonical order? Luke-John-Acts… Acts as a bridge b/w Gospels and epistles

3. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (Lk 1:1-4) The first account composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 1:1-3)

4. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Important connections b/w Luke & Acts Redemption of Israel & David’s throne (Lk 1-2/Acts 1-3) “promise of the Father” (Lk 24:47-49/Acts 2:1-4) “baptism in Holy Spirit and fire” (Lk 3:16/Acts 2:1-4; cf. 1:5) “taken up” & ascension (9:51/Acts 1:9-11) Salvation-historical scheme (Israel-gentiles) Preaching to all nations (24:47/Acts 1:8)

5. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS 2.1 Theology of Luke Salvation history & God’s plan Jesus’ birth inaugurates a new era of salvation Reversal of fortunes (1:46-55) Salvation of Israel & Davidic throne (1:32-33, 55; 71-73; 2:38) Inclusion of Gentiles announced (2:32; 3:5-6) Jesus’ ministry of the kingdom (4:18-19, 43; 6:20; 7:22-23; 8:9-19) Division of salvation history “Law and prophets…until John” & kingdom now & future (16:16) Two/three partite salvation-historical scheme (1:1; 7:26-27; 16:16; 24:50) ?  Two parts w/ second further divided [promise-Jesus+gentiles]

6. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Present and future aspects of the kingdom Already present (10:9-11; 11:20; 17:20-21; cf. 13:18-21) Waiting for final fulfillment (11:2; 19:11-27; 21:31) Plan and purpose of God & Israel’s scripture Gk. boule; dei; horidzo; pleroo*  divine necessity 2:49; 4:43; 13:33; 17:25; 19:5; 22:37; 24:7, 26, 44 Divine plan prophesied in the scripture (e.g. 1:69-70; 24:44)  “Messiah must suffer” “kingdom must be preached”  “compels” Jesus to action (19:5; cf. 13:16)

7. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Israel and the people of God Relationship b/w Israel and the people of the Messiah Promises to Israel (1:54-55, 68-70, 72-3; 2:32, 34, 38) “Covenant [Abraham & David]”, “redemption of Israel” Messiah & “rise and fall of many in Israel” (2:34; cf. 3:15) Israel’s response varies (4:15, 28-29; 5:26; 6:11, 13; 7:16, 31-5) 12 disciples - also “evil generation” (11:29; 12:56; 11:53-3; 13:1-9)  “vineyard given to others” (20:9-19; cf. 19:44) Kingdom offered to Israel but most reject it Israel as people of the Messiah constituted around the twelve  So what about the promises in Lk 1-2?*

8. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Christ and the Spirit Jesus’ identity paraded in the infancy narrative Jesus Son of God, Messiah, Lord & Savior Son of God on David’s throne who rules over “Jacob” (1:32-5) Savior/redeemer, Messiah, Lord & light to gentiles (2:11, 30-32, 38) Jesus as the promised Messiah & Son of God (4:41; 10:22; 22:70) Suffering and glorious Son of Man (9:22, 26; 12:8; 17:24; 22:70) Righteous and innocent man (23:4, 14, 22, 41, 46-47)  True identity needs to be taught by the risen Messiah (24:45)

9. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Spirit’s role (1:15, 35, 41; 2:25-6; 4:1, 18; 10:21; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49) Conception, empowerment & anointing of Messiah Filling, prophecy, revelatory insight, inspired prayer, baptism of HS; connected to kingdom & miracles; joy, teaching  Promise of the Father (24:49 cf. 11:13)

10. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Salvation Focus on salvation – Jesus as Savior only in Luke (2:11) Restoration of Israel and inclusion of gentiles Salvation as the present reality – “TODAY” (4:21; 13:32; 19:9; 23:43) Restoration & healing (4:18-19; 6:9-10; 17:19; 18:42; 19:9) Salvation from enemies (1:71, 74; 10:19-20; 13:16; 19:43-44) Forgiveness and peace (1:77; 5:24; 7:47, 50; 8:36; 24:47) Salvation as future reality Kingdom & eternal life (10:25-37; 13:33-35; 16:19-31; 18:29)

11. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Salvation as reversal of fortunes Poor and lowly lifted & rich and haughty brought low Magnificat (1:51-53) & Beatitudes and Woes (6:20-26) Banquet guests (14:12-24); Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31) Arrogant self-righteous and humble/lowly vs. “sinners” Levi and the sinners (5:24-30; 7:34 cf. 15:1-2) Tax collector and Pharisee; children; Rich Ruler (18:9-34)

12. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Significance of the ‘reversal’ Kingdom – ‘reversal’ – salvation connected Salvation/kingdom for everybody but esp. for poor and excluded Poor, sick, ‘sinners’, unclean, Samaritans, women & children Critique of rich, powerful, arrogant  Kingdom becomes reality ‘on earth…as in heaven’ (cf. 14:12-14) Less emphasis on salvific significance of Jesus’ death Allusion to Jesus’ redemptive death (22:37/Isa 53:12)*

13. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Repentance and kingdom conduct Need for repentance (3:3, 8; 5:32; 10:13; 13:3-5; 15:7-10; 24:47) Gracious offer of salvation to all – esp. outcasts Demands everything (14:25-33) Danger of greed & possessions (6:20-26; 14:33; 16:19-31; 18:18-30) Kingdom calls for new actions & attitudes (19:1-10) Esp. toward possessions, “sinners”, outcasts Sermon of the plain (6:20-49)* Be merciful; love enemies; denial of reciprocity (6:27-36)

14. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Place of Law and the prophets (16:16-17; cf. 7:28; 11:42) Piety of Zechariah, Elizabeth etc. (1:6; 2:22, 27, 41; 2:21-25) Law & salvation (10:25-29; 16:29; 18:18-20)  Following Jesus and believing the gospel of the kingdom (18:20) Does Law need to be obeyed to the least stroke? (16:16-18) Divorce permissible (Deut 24:1-4) according to Law but not according to Jesus (16:16-18)  Law is valid as interpreted through Jesus & kingdom

15. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Parousia of the Son of Man (21:5-33; 17:22-37; 12:41-48) Final manifestation of the kingdom Great banquet & reversal (13:28-30; 14:15-24) Delay of parousia (19:12-27) Coming of the Son of Man and Kingdom (9:26; 12:8; 21:26-27) signs b/f the end (21:8-24) Destruction of Jerusalem (21:20-24; cf. 19:43-44) “Times of gentiles” (21:24) Roman armies AD 66-70 or salvation-historical period? Call for vigilance (21:34-36; 12:41-48)

16. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS 2.2 Theology of Acts Salvation history & God’s plan Resurrection, ascension & coming of the Spirit (1:1-11; 2:1-4, 14-36) Inauguration of the “last days” (2:14-17; cf Lk 3:16; 16:16-17) Restoration of the twelve (1:15-25) Gospel “first to Jews and then to gentiles” (1:8; 13:46) Jews reject the gospel (3:25-26; 7:51; 13:46-47; 28:25-28; cf. 2:41, 47, 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 21:20)

17. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Timing of the kingdom & restoration (1:6; cf. Lk 1-2) Eternal “throne of David” & “rule over Jacob” (Lk 1:32-33) And so, because he was a prophet and knew that G OD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that H E WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO H ADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. 32 This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. (2:30-32; cf. 2:36)  Messiah’s enthronement (ascension & resurrection)

18. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Time of “refreshing…and restoration of all things” (3:19-26) Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, 21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time. (3:19-21)  Final restoration and Christ’s coming Moses, prophets & covenant w/ Abraham announced “these days”  Does this include/exclude political/national restoration? (cf. 2:30- 36; Rom 11:1-12, 28-29)

19. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Divine necessity – Gk. boule and dei Suffering and death of Jesus Plan of God foreseen by Scriptures (2:31; 3:18-26; 4:9-12, 24-31) Times, seasons & history (17:26, 31) Sovereignty in salvation & calling (13:48; 16:14; cf. 22:10, 14; 26:16) Human decision (2:38-9; 10:34-5; 13:43; cf. 26:19) Sovereignty in life and death (12:1-11) Sovereignty of God & guidance (16:6-10; 20:22; 21-28) Visions & prophecies AND human decisions (15:28, 36)  Tension b/w sovereignty and human decisions not solved logically

20. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Israel and the people of God Witness of the disciples (1:8) Jerusalem; Samaria; ends of the world (2:1-5:52; 6:1-9:43; 10-28) Repentant Israel “new/true” Israel (2:41, 47, 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 21:20) Observe the Law, worship in Temple (1-5; 21:20)  Messianic community of adelphoi (1:15; 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 6:3; 15:7) Opposed by “corrupt generation” (2:40; 3:25-26; 7:51; 13:46-47; 28:25-28) Reestablished Israel = church; physical Israel “recalcitrant” (2:40; 28:24-28) Church (Gk. ekklesia; 5:11; 8:1; 9:31; 11:22; 12:1, 5; 15:4, 22; 18:22)  Gentiles incorporated in reestablished Israel (1:8; 10-11; 11:20; 15:13-29)*

21. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Christ and the Spirit Jesus as the risen Lord & enthroned Messiah (2:36, 38; 5:42; 8:5) Exaltation & enthronement per Ps 110; 16 (2:34-35) Son of God & Son of Man (9:22; 7:56) “Holy and Righteous One”, “author of life”; “Lord of all” (3:14-15; 10:36) Servant (3:13, 26; 4:27, 30; 8:26-35) “Prophet like Moses” (3:22/Deut 18:18) “Name” theology* – “in the name of Jesus” (2:38; 3:6, 16; 4:10-12, 17, 30; 5:34, 40-41; 8:12; 9:13-16, 21-28; 10:43-48; 15:26; 19:5; 26:9) “name of the Lord” – Jesus and God (2:21, 34-36, 39; 15:14-18)

22. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Enthroned Lord & Messiah but close to his people (3:21) Appeared and commissioned Paul (9:1-9) “stood near” & guides (23:11; 16:7-10) Dispenses the Spirit (2:33) Holy Spirit – Guidance & power Spirit and last days – sign of the new covenant (Ezek 37) Last days began w/ resurrection & coming of the Spirit

23. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS HS’s crucial role in Acts Empowers the church – testimony & resurrection (1:8) Peter (2:4, 14ff.); Stephen (6:10); Paul (9:17, 20) HS’s power & persecution (4:8-9, 31; 7:55; 13:9-10) Power, wisdom, faith, miracles (4:8-9; 6:3, 5, 10: 7:55; 11:28; 13:9-11; 16:6-8) Specific guidance – church & individuals (8:29, 39; 10:19; 13:2;15:28; 16:6- 8; 20:22; 21:4, 11) HS - Spirit of God and Jesus (5:3, 11; 16:7) Theological emphasis of Spirit in Luke-Acts Empowerment & guidance of church and individuals Less emphasis on conversion & ethical transformation (cf. Paul)

24. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Theological controversy & Spirit in Acts Promise of the HS (Lk 3:16; 1:5, 8; cf. Lk 24:49) Meaning of the “coming of HS”? “baptism in HS” 1:5; “Filling” 2:4; “gift” 2:38 HS is given before, during, or after conversion? HS is given once, twice, many times? Is there a “second blessing” of the Spirit? Evangelical; classical Pentecostal; historical churches Controversial passages (esp. 8:15-16; 19:2, 5-6) Interpretation of John 20:22

25. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Repentance and kingdom conduct Repentance theme Requirement for entering the community (2:38; 3:23) Repentance of Jews and gentiles Killing/delivering the Messiah (2:23, 38, 40; 3:13-19; 4:10-12; 5:30-31)  Jews must acknowledge the Messiah Gentiles “repentance toward God and faith…Lord Jesus” (20:20-1)  Turn away from idols, magic, immorality (13:4-12; 26:20)

26. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Community life in unity and Spirit Importance of right use of possessions Sharing possessions Koinonia of “one heart, mind…wallet” (2:44-45; 4:32-35) Widows & the Seven (6:1-6) Barnabas (4:36-37); Tabitha (9:36); Cornelius (10:1-2, 31) Famine relief (11:27-30; 24:17) Paul’s speech to elders (20:33-35) Dangers of possessions Judas (1:18); Ananias and Saphira; Simon (Acts 5:1-11; 8:18) Gospel as socio-economic offence (16:16-21; 19:21ff.) Corrupt Felix (24:25-26)  Continuity w/ Jesus’ teaching on possessions (e.g. 12:33-34; 14:33)

27. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Violence & persecution - Opposition to God’s people “We must go through…hardships to enter the kingdom ” (14:22) “They have had too much wine” (2:13) Threats, jail, violence (4:1-22; 5:17-42; 8:2) Martyrdom of Stephen & James (Acts 7; 12) Jews want to kill Paul (9:22-25) Paul & others persecuted (14:2, 14:19, 16:16-19, 17:5ff., 19:23ff.) Paul the prisoner (21:27-23:23; 24-28)  Gospel advances despite persecution & oppression

28. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Election, ethnocentrism & Law Attitudes of disciples (Lk 9:51-54; Acts 10:14-28, 44-45) Law of Moses and gentiles (Acts 11:1-3; 15:1, 11) Progressive Hellenists (Acts 7-8) Apostolic council Acts 15 (cf. 21:20-25)

29. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Salvation Based on Jesus’ resurrection (2:21, 38-42; 3:19-25; 5:31) Fulfillment of promises (2:17-21) Salvation first offered to Jews (3:19-25; 5:31; 13:46-47; 18:6) Gentiles (11:17-18; 15:11, 19) Forgiveness of sins (2:38; 5:31; 10:43; 13:38; 26:18) Healing & deliverance from magic/demons Gift of the Spirit (2:38) Time of refreshment & renewal (3:19-22) Exclusive in Jesus’ name (4:11-12) Salvific significance of Jesus’ death hinted (20:28; cf. 8:32-3; 5:30; 10:39)

30. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Eschatology and Restoration of all things Inauguration of last days – resurrection & Spirit (2:16-21, 32-33) Final day of judgment – God & Jesus “God fixed a day” (17:21; 23:6; 24:15, 21, 25; 26:6) Resurrection of the just and unjust Return of Jesus, Judgment (1:11) ; “Restoration of all things” (3:21)

31. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Summary and conclusion Framework of Acts Jewish & Greco-Roman world – reality of spiritual forces/magic Main theme God has raised Jesus from the death – he now offers Forgiveness, HS, and deliverance to all who repent & believe Disciples spread the Gospel and form kingdom communities around the hostile Roman empire

32. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS 3.1 Theology of Acts and Synoptic Gospels Preliminary Issues Essential similarities and differences b/w the gospels Continuity and discontinuity b/w gospels and Acts Salvation-historical shift Earthly Jesus – risen Jesus Shifting roles of The disciples & community Role of the Holy Spirit Israel & the Law

33. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Christology & Jesus’ role Similarities & differences b/w synoptic gospels Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man Infancy stories in Mt/Lk Jesus as kyrios/Lord (Mt & Lk) Immanuel & proskyneo worship (Mt) Compassionate & anointed Messiah (Lk) Messianic secret & suffering Servant & Son of Man (Mk)  Proclamation of God’s rule (Kingdom)

34. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Acts & synoptics Resurrection and discovery of the empty tomb Empty tomb & “journey to faith” motif (Mk) Jesus’ “all authority” & disciples of all nations (Mt) “burning hearts”, waiting for the power to proclaim (Lk) Resurrection, ascension, exaltation, enthronement  Suffering & resurrection per Scripture fulfillment From proclaimer of the kingdom to the heavenly throne Earthly Jesus embodied proclaimed and embodied the kingdom Through resurrection acknowledged as exalted Messiah  Gospel of the kingdom now includes exalted Messiah (Acts 28:31)

35. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Heavenly Messiah on the throne according to promise (Acts) Universal mission of the church instead of “redemption of Israel” Son of Man title almost disappeared (7:56) Prayer to Jesus (7:59) Exalted Lord & Messiah (2:33; 3:13; 5:31; 7:55-56) Judge (17:31) Prophet like Moses (3:22-23) Servant & “name of Jesus” (3:6; 4:10, 30; 16:18) Jesus & the Spirit  Less emphasis on earthly Jesus (cf. 10:37-39)

36. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS God and His plan God as Father (Mt-Lk) Infrequent in Acts (1:4, 7; 2:33) God’s sovereign plan in Scripture Suffering and death of Messiah Rejection of Messiah by Israel Prayer to Jesus (Acts 7:59) God’s power & obstacles in gospels and Acts Human sin & failure (e.g. disciples) Power of Satan and magic Power of money and wealth Human prejudice Violence & persecution

37. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Salvation and discipleship Proclamation of the kingdom (Gospels) Forgiveness, wholeness, healing, liberation, inclusion Repentance and uncompromising demand Variations in the gospels Healing, forgiveness, restoration (Mt-Lk) “now” benefits of salvation (Lk) Righteousness & importance of obedience + judgment (Mt) Acts – more emphasis on forgiveness of sin Healing, deliverance & salvation from judgment

38. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS 12 disciples following Jesus Ekklesia as anticipation in Matthew for post-resurrection church Jesus’ death/resurrection as focal point of fulfillment (Gospels) Divine purpose to inaugurate the New Covenant Death as redemptive highlighted in Mt – less in Mk Lk focuses on resurrection - hints as redemption (Acts 20:28) Acts focuses on resurrection & vindication of Messiah Scandal of the cross overcome – testimony of Scripture Promised Spirit poured out per Scripture

39. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Holy Spirit Gospels agree on HS’s role though Luke emphasizes it Jesus’ baptism & help to persecuted believers (Mt-Lk) Conception of Jesus (Mt & Lk) In-filling, empowerment, prophecy, liberation (Lk)  Promise of the coming Spirit by John the Baptist (Mt-Lk) Acts & the coming of the Spirit per promise (cf. Lk 24:49) Jesus’ as the baptizer in the Spirit (Acts 2:33) Pentecost & outpouring of the Spirit (1:5; 2:1-4; cf. Lk 9:1) In-filling, empowerment, prophecy, liberation, guidance

40. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Israel & Gentiles Gospels present Jesus’ mission to Israel Mk & Lk wrote to gentile audience – from Jews to all nations Mt to Jews – from exclusive mission to Israel to all nations Importance Law & criticism pf Jewish leaders Lk also emphasizes Law & prophets (cf. 16:16)  Theme of Scripture fulfillment Israel’s rejection of God’s Messiah (Mt-Lk) Remnant of Israel – Messiah and the twelve

41. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Acts and synoptics Crucifixion of Messiah & rejection of God’s plan Remnant of Israel (12 & early Jewish believers) Developing understanding of Law & gentiles Expansion of the gospel per 1:8 in the power of HS Gentiles not required to become Jews to be saved  What extent Law obeyed by gentiles? (cf. Acts 15:28-29)  People of God – believing Jews and gentiles  Is there a future plan for ethnic Israel?

42. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Eschatology Synoptics – focus on eschatological discourse (Mk13/Mt24/Lk 21) Signs of the end (destruction of the Temple) False Messiahs, tribulations & final judgment  Glorious coming of the Son of Man  The timing and meaning of “coming”(?) Shift of emphasis in Acts Restoration of Israel --- gospel to ends of the earth (1:6-8) Resurrection & the Spirit = inauguration of the last days (2:17)

43. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Return of Jesus still important Restoration of all things (3:21) Final judgment at God-appointed time by Jesus (10:42; 17:31)  Task of God’s people – bring the Gospel and live life in the new community

44. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS Conclusion Gospels & Acts – two theologies w/ connection & development Gospels & the kingdom Jesus announcing & embodying the kingdom Presence of Jesus Response of faith & repentance Acts and the risen Messiah Disciples announce Jesus’ enthronement & God’s power in salvation Presence and outpouring of the Spirit Response of faith & repentance

45. THEOLOGY OF LUKE-ACTS j