The Gentiles and the Gentile Mission in Luke-Acts

by Stephen G. Wilson

• ISBN13: 9780521018692
• ISBN10: 0521018692
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-22
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

A theological and historical study of the Gentiles and the Gentile missions in Luke and Acts. Dr Wilson examines Jesus' attitude to Gentiles and concludes that not only did he fail to anticipate a historical Gentile mission, but that his eschatological expectations logically disallowed it. Luke's views are then set against the tradition on the subject from Jesus up to and including Mark, and his theology is compared in detail with that of Paul. Dr Wilson goes on to consider the historical reliability of Acts and finds that most earlier assessments have been marred by oversimplification; Luke, he concludes, does intend to write good history but for a variety of reasons is not always successful. There has in recent years been a growing interest in the theology of Luke and this is a substantial addition to the literature on the subject. It will be of interest to all theologians and New Testament scholars.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Preface

1. Jesus and the Gentiles

2. The Gentiles in Luke's Gospel

3. Lukan eschatology

4. The early chapters of Acts

5. Stephen and the Hellenists

6. Paul's conversion

7. Cornelius and the Apostolic Council

8. Paul's speech on the Areopagus

9. Jewish and Gentile missions

10. Summary and conclusions

Bibliography

Index of passages

Index of authors

Index of subjects.