Description:

The value of narrative and canonical readings of Luke-Acts relates to the way these two books are unparalleled in the New Testament for their scope. This is truly the big picture portion of the New Testament! This will become clearer as we progress, but it is already evident when we consider the candidates for Luke’s major purpose. Here are some of the now standard themes.

• Luke emphasizes the kingship of Jesus (kingdom, Messianic language).
• Luke emphasizes the divine purpose in history (salvation-history) and the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations.
• Luke has a special interest in salvation, or the saving activity of God.
• Luke has a special interest in the work of the Holy Spirit and in signs and wonders.
• Luke has a special focus on the word of God: its announcement, its “good news” dimension and its spread.
• Luke’s central plot is the rejection of God’s agents by God’s people in connection with God’s sanctuaries.
• Luke has a special interest in previous outcasts in Jewish society: the Gentiles, the Samaritans, sinners, the poor, the sick and women. Linked to this is a focus on financial stewardship.
• Luke emphasizes praise and prayer and the human reaction of wonder.

About the Author

Derek Morphew is an itinerant bible teacher and theologian based in Cape Town, South Africa. He obtained his education at Michaelhouse, Balgowan (Matric and Post Matric A Levels), Rhodes University (BA with majors in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology) and obtained his PhD at the University of Cape Town in the field of New Testament Studies. His career has moved through three phases; first as a pastor and church planter, second as a pastor/mentor to pastors and third, focusing on theological training and education in the Vineyard association of churches. He developed and directed Vineyard Bible Institute from 1998 to 2009. He is married to Karin, an artist, and has two daughters, Shean and Jeanne.