Thematic interrelation is an underdeveloped field of inquiry in Lukan studies. The
design and elegance of Lukan theology begs for guided investigation into a possible
system of organisation that governs history and theology, that is, narrative and theme.
Based on the Greimasian Actantial Model, morpho–syntactical structural–critical
analysis of Luke and Acts reveals that the covenant concept in its operative aspect of
service functions as an organising principle, structuring the narratives and facilitating
thematic interrelation.
A survey of representative Lukan research consisting of five methodologically
determined approaches shows a commonality regarding Lukan purpose. These all share
the “plan of God” as a fundamental concept, thus intimating its plausibility as a
common organisational principle in the text. This observation encourages further
analysis of Lukan narrative and meta–narrative as relevant subject matter.
Investigation into the purpose and goals of Ancient Jewish and Ancient Greek literature
suggests that the concepts of piety/holiness and justness combined with a notion of
divine order and expectation demonstrates organisational capacity.
Under the terms and conditions of the Old Covenant three non–exclusive
themes/concepts hold organisational functionality and ability to facilitate thematic
interrelation: Exodus typology, the covenant concept and the eschaton idea. Exodus
typology connects narrative with theme, developing Israel’s story. The covenant idea
frames stories using parallelism and gives the meta–story progression. The eschaton
idea presents the Day of YHWH as an organisational principle guiding the story of
judgment to restoration. It is observed that the covenant concept is the most prevalent
of these themes/ideas.
Assuming the conceptual unity of Luke and Acts and adopting a morpho–syntactical
structuralist approach, it was observed that the covenant concept in its operative aspect
of service occurred as Helper at ten places, determining the development and structure
of the meta–narrative. According to the Greimasian Actantial Model, Israel failed to
fulfil its covenant–based mandate to serve God and shine God’s light of mercy to the
nations. Jesus, Israel’s new Helper, becomes the Subject and by his covenant–based
ministry, characterised as the greatest service, resolves the problem that prevents Israel
from carrying out its divine mandate and sets the stage for its fulfilment. In Jesus Israel
is given new leaders, an ethical platform of discipleship and the Holy Spirit. The
apostle Paul as the epitomised and exemplary witness and servant of Jesus fulfils what
Israel could not. He is vindicated in righteousness and shares in the Isaianic ministry of
Jesus, to bear witness to leaders and to shine God’s light to the nations. Paul is
unhindered in this ministry. Additionally, in thematic–critical terms, the key placement
of the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service at plot–defining junctures
features its catalytic dynamic as a “template” concept advancing the re–conceptualising
of themes and providing a platform for meaningful relation.
The evidence thus suggests that the covenant concept in its operative aspect structures
the conjoined narratives of Luke and Acts. It also provides a basis for relation between
the divine and humans in the context of the history of God’s salvation, linking history
and theology, and makes possible a discernible means to thematic interrelation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/7619 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Kovács, Frank Zoltan |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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