This study investigates the relationship between eschatology and ethics in Luke-Acts. Scholars have frequently noted an apparent relationship between these two themes, but none have traced the themes and their relationship throughout Luke's two volumes. Both of Luke's volumes begin with an emphasis on eschatology and ethics. John the Baptist announces the imminent day of judgment. When the crowds ask what they should do, he exhorts them to share their possessions. Peter announces that Pentecost signifies the last days. When the people ask what they should do, he exhorts them to be baptized. Luke then recounts how they all shared their possessions. Two objectives drive the analysis of Luke-Acts. The first is to investigate whether Luke demonstrates an emphasis on eschatology and ethics not only at the beginning of his two volumes, but throughout them. After considering the travel narrative in Luke's Gospel and the mission to the Gentiles in the book of Acts in addition to the beginning of these t[w]o volumes, this study concludes that Luke does indeed relate these two themes. The second objective is to ask why Luke brings these two themes together. This study resists an attempt to find a systematic, reductive reason why Luke relates eschatology and ethics, but finds that at least part of the connective tissue between these two themes is the making ready of “a people prepared for the Lord” (Lk 1:17).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:680979 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Lear, Joseph M. |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=228596 |
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