The Spirit and Suffering in Luke-Acts


Book Description

This work illuminates the tension between divine empowering and the neglected element of the work of the Spirit in contexts of opposition. This lacuna, not addressed in previous Pentecostal scholarship, is at the heart of Mittelstadt's exegesis. Thus, Jesus not only lives and ministers in the power of the Holy Spirit, but also experiences opposition and persecution as a man of the Spirit. Further, the Lukan Jesus not only transfers the Spirit to his disciples, but also anticipates a similar fate for his followers. Finally, Luke forecasts that this divine enablement of the Spirit, also available for future witnesses, brings with it a similar anticipation of the same rejection and opposition as was experienced by Jesus and the disciples. While Pentecostals owe a debt of gratitude for the pioneering work of Pentecostal scholars, this book furthers their efforts by exploring the implications of Spirit-led witness in Luke-Acts.




Mighty in Word and Deed


Book Description

A challenging and comprehensive study of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts; of special interest to those studying Lucan pneumatology or New Testament pneumatology.




The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles


Book Description

Introduces literary, historical, and theological issues of Luke and Acts. Biblical texts create worlds of meaning, and invite readers to enter them. When readers enter such textual worlds, which are often strange and complex, they are confronted with theological claims. With this in mind, the purpose of the Interpreting Biblical Texts series is to help serious readers in their experience of reading and interpreting by providing guides for their journeys into textual worlds. The controlling perspective is expressed in the operative word of the title--interpreting. The primary focus of the series is not so much on the world behind the texts or out of which the texts have arisen as on the worlds created by the texts in their engagement with readers. In keeping with the goals of the series, this volume provides an introductory guide to readers of the New Testament books of Luke and Acts. It focuses on both the synchronic and diachronic dimensions of the literature in an effort to acquaint readers with literary, historical, and theological issues that will facilitate interpretation of these important books. F. Scott Spencer is Professor of New Testament at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.




Power from on High


Book Description

Power from on High offers the first critical survey of scholarship on the subject of Luke's view of the Spirit, assessing the rival theories by means of three criteria: continuity with Luke's background, relationship to other aspects of Luke's theology, and Luke's place in the development of more general New Testament thinking about the Spirit. Turner provides fresh insight on specific Lukan concepts and favored terms (including such phrases as "full of the Holy Spirit" and "baptize with the Holy Spirit") that have been of significance not merely for the discipline of New Testament studies but also for confessional theologies of major streams of Christianity today, and seeks to advance a more coherent understanding of the general shape of Luke's pneumatology than has hitherto been offered.




The Acts of the Apostles


Book Description

Acts is the sequel to Luke's gospel and tells the story of Jesus's followers during the 30 years after his death. It describes how the 12 apostles, formerly Jesus's disciples, spread the message of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean against a background of persecution. With an introduction by P.D. James




The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke


Book Description

What is the meaning of the Holy Spirit's activity in Luke-Acts, and what are its implications for today? Roger Stronstad offers a cogent and thought-provoking study of Luke as a charismatic theologian whose understanding of the Spirit was shaped wholly by his understanding of Jesus and the nature of the early church. Stronstad locates Luke's pneumatology in the historical background of Judaism and views Luke as an independent theologian who makes a unique contribution to the pneumatology of the New Testament. This work challenges traditional Protestants to reexamine the impact of Pentecost and explores the Spirit's role in equipping God's people for the unfinished task of mission. The second edition has been revised and updated throughout and includes a new foreword by Mark Allan Powell.




The Fiery Holy Spirit


Book Description

The baptism with the Spirit and fire has been a major area of study by theologians and has been pursued by the historical church seeking God’s holiness and power; yet its relationship to judgment has often been ignored. This book explores the Holy Spirit’s relationship with judgment in Luke-Acts through seven texts: Luke 3:16–17; 12:8–10; Acts 5:1–11; 7:51; 8:18–23; 13:9–11; 28:25–28. In these texts, the Holy Spirit is connected with fire, unforgiveness, deception, resistance, greed, blindness, or condemnation. In each instance, Luke’s presentation is examined to determine the Spirit’s role in the process of judgment. Through the Spirit, Jesus judges, cleanses, purges, and divides his people from the world. Luke portrays the Spirit as the executive power of Jesus’ reign as judge, exposing, opposing, and condemning those who reject the gospel.




The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke


Book Description

"The meaning of this book is that the walls must come down between Pentecostals and evangelicals. If canonical Luke has a charismatic theology as Stronstad proves, we cannot consider Pentecostalism to be a kind of aberration born of experiential excesses buta 20th century revival of New Testament theology and religion. It has not only restored joy and power to the church but a clearer reading of the Bible as well." --




The Spirit in Luke-Acts


Book Description

"Odette Mainville's...book, The Spirit in Luke-Acts, is a most careful, enlightening, and fresh interpretation of the Holy Spirit's Role in Luke and Acts, from the surprising starting point of a single verse, Acts 2:33...I wholeheartedly endorse this book...." -William S. Kurz, S.J., Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Marquette University "...As someone who has devoted a whole book to a theological exposition of Acts 2:33, I regard this as a most worthwhile endeavor. What emerges is a work that engages fully with the Spirit's vitality in the life of Jesus and in the mission of the church...." -William P. Atkinson, PhD, Senior Lecturer, London School of Theology "...I warmly recommend this insightful reading of Luke-Acts to you. It is filled with interesting exegesis and challenging observations....I trust that you will find this book as enjoyable, enriching, and edifying as I did." -Robert P. Menzies, PhD, Missionary-Scholar (China), from the foreword "Mainville's...work...integrates the central theme in Luke-Acts, in a way that traditional systematic theology does not, viz, Jesus's experiences with the Spirit toward the end of creating a 'community of prophets'..." -Jon Mark Ruthven, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Regent University School of Divinity "...Using a redactional and literary approach, Mainville demonstrates that the role of the Holy Spirit is not to be relegated to a mere appendage of Pauline soteriology..." -James B Shelton, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Oral Roberts University Mainville's work is helpful both for its engagement with traditional approaches and for its fresh contributions and insights....This is surely a welcome study." -Craig S. Keener, PhD, Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary




In the Shadow of the Temple


Book Description

Oskar Skarsaune gives us a new look into the development of the early church and its practice by showing us the evidence of interaction between the early Christians and rabbinic Judaism. He offers numerous fascinating episodes and glimpses into this untold story.