Identity, Memory, and Narrative in Early Christianity

by Baker, Coleman A.

• ISBN13: 9781608995141
• ISBN10: 1608995143
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-06-01
• Publisher: Pickwick Pubns

Summary

Social identity, social memory, and narrative theory intersect in this study of the characterization of Peter and Paul in the book of Acts. Baker argues that the authorial audience's memories of Peter and Paul are reinterpreted as their characters are encountered in the narrative, and as a result, the audience is to understand themselves as united by a superordinate in-group identity that transcends cultural boundaries. As prototypes of this common identity, the characters of Peter and Paul demonstrate the open, inclusive identity the audience is expected to embrace.

Author Biography

Coleman A. (J.C.) Baker received his PhD in New Testament from Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. He is Adjunct Professor of New Testament at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas, and a member of the Context Group, which studies the Bible in its sociocultural context.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	p. viii
Acknowledgments	p. ix
List of Abbreviations	p. xi
Introduction	p. xv
A Narrative-Identity Approach to Biblical Interpretation	p. 1
The Historical Context and Narrative World of Luke-Acts	p. 31
The First Narrative Block (1:1-8:1a)	p. 71
The Second Narrative Block (8:1b-12:25)	p. 109
The Third Narrative Block (13:1-19:20)	p. 138
The Fourth Narrative Block (19:21-28:31)	p. 173
Conclusion	p. 199
The Date of the Composition of Luke-Acts	p. 203
Bibliography	p. 207
Index of Ancient Sources	p. 243
Index of Modern Authors	p. 257
Index of Important Subjects	p. 261
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