Lukan Literature (BN2144B)

Content

This unit explores key questions related to the study of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. It pays particular attention to the content of Lukan Literature, its literary forms, as well as important exegetical methods for its study including historical, religious, cultural, and social contexts. Luke-Acts will be considered as a significant example of the relationship between ancient historiography and early Christian theology for understanding of the New Testament. Students will engage with theological themes of Christology, soteriology, discipleship, and mission, and will touch upon Lukan issues of inclusion, social justice, gender, and holiness. Critical and practical implications of these themes for life and ministry will be considered.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

18 points BN

Pedagogy

The course will facilitate student learning and achieving LOs in face-to-face or online environments through a set of appropriate learning activities, e.g. engagement with a variety of visual aids, divers forms of group work and presentations, tutorials, discussions, online forums, blended approaches, individual reflections, etc.

Indicative Bibliography

• Bock, Darrell L. A Theology of Luke and Acts: God’s Promised Program, Realized for All Nations. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012.
• Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. The Acts of the Apostles. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2003.
• Green, J. B. (ed.) Methods for Luke. Methods in Biblical Interpretation. Cambridge: CUP, 2010.
  
• Green, J. B. The Theology of the Gospel of Luke. Cambridge: CUP, 1995.
• Jervell, J. The Theology of the Acts of the Apostles. Cambridge: CUP, 1996.
• Johnson, Luke Timothy. Prophetic Jesus, Prophetic Church: The Challenge of Luke-Acts to Contemporary Christians. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 2011.
• Longenecker, Bruce W. The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
• Malina, Bruce J. & John J. Pilch. Social-Science Commentary on the Book of Acts. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008.
• Marshall, I.H. Luke: Historian and Theologian. Exeter: Paternoster Press, 1984.
• Neyrey, J. H. (ed.) The Social World of Luke-Acts. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1990.
• Shillington, V. George. An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts. London: T&T Clark, 2006.
• Tannehill, Robert C. Luke. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1996.
• Spencer, F. Scott. The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Nashville: Abingdon, 2008
• Winter, Bruce W. and Gill, David W. J. (eds.) The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting. 5 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993.
• Witherington, B., III (ed) History, Literature and Society in the Book of Acts. Cambridge: CUP, 1995.

Assessment