This essay addresses the question: “How does Luke develop his defence of Paul’s mission to the Gentiles? Can this teach us anything today for our understanding of our practice of cross-cultural mission?” In addressing the aforementioned question, this essay follows various stories and assertions in Luke-Acts that show his (Luke) development of the defence of Paul’s Gentile mission. The literary and narrative study of the accounts on Peter, the Jerusalem Council and Cornelius, significantly help resolve the imminent and crucial theological and missiological approach to the Gentile mission. Luke develops the Gentile motif, which begins earlier on in the Gospel of Luke through Acts. He is without question setting up a platform for a Gentile mission agenda, even before Paul appears on the scene. Luke systematically addresses the vivid and crucial cosmographic and trans-historical movement of the missio-dei. This paper follows these arguments to see how Luke validates and defends Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. Lessons learnt from Luke’s validation of the Gentile mission will be applied for present day hermeneutical and cross-cultural missional approach. A conclusion will then be drawn.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Luke and the foreshadow of the Gentile mission
- Luke on Peter and the Gentile mission (Acts 10-11:8)
- Luke on Paul's Gentile mission
- The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15-16:1-5)
- Old Testament citations supporting Paul's Gentile mission
- Can this teach us anything today for our understanding of our practice of cross-cultural mission?
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines Luke's portrayal of Paul's mission to the Gentiles, analyzing how Luke constructs a defense of this mission and exploring the relevance of this narrative for contemporary cross-cultural mission. The study focuses on specific accounts in Luke-Acts, including those concerning Peter, the Jerusalem Council, and Cornelius, to understand Luke's theological and missiological approach.
- Luke's literary and narrative techniques in constructing a defense of Paul's Gentile mission.
- The role of key figures like Peter and the Jerusalem Council in shaping Luke's narrative.
- The theological implications of Luke's portrayal of the Gentile mission for understanding God's plan of salvation.
- The use of Old Testament citations to support Paul's mission to the Gentiles.
- The relevance of Luke's narrative for contemporary approaches to cross-cultural mission.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay by establishing the central research question: How does Luke defend Paul's mission to the Gentiles, and what lessons can be learned for contemporary cross-cultural missions? It highlights Luke's Gentile background and audience, suggesting a context of existing tension between Jewish and Gentile believers. The chapter also points to the early emergence of the Gentile mission debate, even before Paul's conversion, emphasizing the socio-political and religious ferment within Judaism that fueled this controversy. The author positions Luke's work as a response to this ongoing dispute.
Luke and the foreshadow of the Gentile mission: This chapter explores how Luke foreshadows the Gentile mission even before Paul's appearance. The Magnificat (Luke 2:31-32) and John the Baptist's proclamation (Luke 3:6) are presented as early indications of God's universal plan of salvation, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. The chapter also discusses Jesus' actions and teachings in Luke 4:18-30 and Luke 7:2-10, showing how Luke portrays Jesus' interactions with Gentiles, like the Roman Centurion, as further evidence of God's inclusive plan. These narratives, according to the author, are carefully chosen by Luke to lay a groundwork for the acceptance of the Gentile mission. The inclusion of the Roman Centurion highlights the faith of Gentiles compared to the Jews of the time, signifying God's mercy towards all who believe.
Luke on Paul's Gentile mission: This section details Luke's account of Paul's mission to the Gentiles, focusing on the significant events of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15-16:1-5) and the Old Testament citations used to support it. It further analyzes how Luke uses these events and scriptures to build a compelling narrative for the acceptance of Gentile converts into the early Christian community, thus supporting and defending Paul's missionary work. The careful selection and presentation of these events demonstrate Luke's deliberate efforts to establish a theological and missiological framework for this crucial development in early Christianity.
Keywords
Luke-Acts, Gentile mission, Paul, Peter, Jerusalem Council, Cornelius, cross-cultural mission, missio Dei, Old Testament citations, theological interpretation, narrative analysis, hermeneutics.
Frequently Asked Questions: Luke's Portrayal of the Gentile Mission
What is the main focus of this essay?
This essay examines Luke's portrayal of Paul's mission to the Gentiles, analyzing how Luke constructs a defense of this mission and exploring the relevance of this narrative for contemporary cross-cultural mission. It focuses on specific accounts in Luke-Acts, including those concerning Peter, the Jerusalem Council, and Cornelius, to understand Luke's theological and missiological approach.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include Luke's literary and narrative techniques in constructing a defense of Paul's Gentile mission; the role of key figures like Peter and the Jerusalem Council; the theological implications of Luke's portrayal of the Gentile mission for understanding God's plan of salvation; the use of Old Testament citations to support Paul's mission; and the relevance of Luke's narrative for contemporary approaches to cross-cultural mission.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an Introduction, sections on Luke's foreshadowing of the Gentile mission, Luke's portrayal of Peter and the Gentile mission (Acts 10-11:8), Luke's account of Paul's Gentile mission (including the Jerusalem Council and Old Testament citations), a discussion on the relevance of this narrative for contemporary cross-cultural mission, and a Conclusion.
How does the essay analyze Luke's portrayal of the Gentile mission?
The essay analyzes Luke's narrative techniques, examining how he uses specific events and Old Testament citations to build a case for the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community. It looks at how Luke presents key figures like Peter and the Jerusalem Council to support this narrative. The analysis also considers the theological implications of Luke’s account for understanding God's plan of salvation.
What is the significance of the Jerusalem Council in Luke's narrative?
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15-16:1-5) is a crucial event in Luke's narrative, serving as a pivotal moment in the acceptance of the Gentile mission. The essay analyzes how Luke uses this event to support Paul's missionary work and to establish a theological framework for the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church.
How does the essay connect Luke's narrative to contemporary cross-cultural mission?
The essay explores the relevance of Luke's portrayal of the Gentile mission for contemporary approaches to cross-cultural mission. It considers what lessons can be learned from Luke's narrative about engaging with diverse cultures and contexts in mission work.
What are some of the key figures discussed in the essay?
Key figures discussed include Paul, Peter, and Cornelius. The essay explores their roles in shaping Luke's narrative about the Gentile mission and how Luke uses their actions and experiences to build his argument.
What is the role of Old Testament citations in Luke's narrative?
The essay examines how Luke uses Old Testament citations to support Paul's mission to the Gentiles. This analysis helps to understand how Luke connects the Gentile mission to the broader narrative of God's plan of salvation as revealed in the Old Testament.
What are the chapter summaries provided?
Chapter summaries provide overviews of the Introduction, Luke’s foreshadowing of the Gentile mission (including analysis of the Magnificat and Jesus' interactions with Gentiles), and Luke’s account of Paul’s Gentile mission. These summaries highlight key arguments and interpretations presented in each section.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include Luke-Acts, Gentile mission, Paul, Peter, Jerusalem Council, Cornelius, cross-cultural mission, missio Dei, Old Testament citations, theological interpretation, narrative analysis, and hermeneutics.
- Quote paper
- Simba Musvamhiri (Author), 2014, Luke's gentile motif. The defense of Paul's mission to the gentiles, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/277990
