Synopses & Reviews
These essays use an interdisciplinary approach for recent Book of Acts scholarship. Insights from the social sciences, narratological studies, Greek and Roman rhetoric and history, and classics, set Acts in its original historical, literary and social context. These methods of interpretation have only recently been applied to Acts in a systematic way. This is a valuable overview of some of the chief preoccupations of current biblical studies from leading scholars in Old and New Testament studies and the history of antiquity.
Review
"This is an indispensable collection for scholars dealing with the Lucan writings." Religious Studies Review"This diverse collection of essays covers many major issues in the study of Acts....Though written by and for New Testament schoalrs, the book is of value for other Religious Studies profesionals interested in the Book of Acts." J. Christian Wilson, Christianity and Literature"...the articles in this volume are of good quality. Good biblical libraries will want to purchase this volume." Robert F. O'Toole, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly"What makes the present collection of essays essential reading is its conscious attempt to make the interdisciplinary connections that are often spoken of but rarely exemplified. This volume is one that can be read with profit by academics and clergy. It is highly recommended for all who wish to remain abreast not just of Luke-Acts studies, but of advances in utilizing interdisciplinary methodologies in biblical studies." Iain S. Maclean, ATR"...this volume deserves more than a single reading." Markus MÜller, Pro Ecclesia"No student of Acts should overlook these essays, which contribute much to the study of Acts." Edgar Krentz, Currents
Table of Contents
An invitation to the reader; Part I. Issues of Genre and Method: 1. In the shadow of Thucydides W. J. McCoy; 2. How history should be written C. K. Barrett; 3. The Acts of the Apostles: monograph or bios? C. H. Talbert; 4. The preface to Acts and the historians L. C. A. Alexander; 5. The future of the past J. Jervell; Part II. Historical and Theological Difficulties in Acts: 6. Acts 6.1-8.4: division or diversity? C. C. Hill; 7. James and the Gentiles (Acts 15.13-21) R. Bauckham; 8. Kerygmatic summaries in the speeches of Acts R. Bauckham; 9. The 'script' of the scriptures in Acts: suffering as God's 'plan' with the world for the 'release of sins' D. P. Moessner; 10. Luke's social location of Paul: cultural anthropology and the status of Paul in Acts J. H. Neyrey; Part III. Issues of Literary Criticism: 11. Internal repetition in Luke-Acts: contemporary narratology and Lukan historiography J. B. Green; 12. Luke's characterising use of the Old Testament in the Book of Acts B. T. Arnold; 13. Editing the Good News: some synoptic lessons for the study of Acts Ben Witherington, III; 14. The means of absent ends W. F. Brosend.