In this highly readable and engaging commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Diane Chen introduces her readers to the particularities of the world of Jesus, steeped in Jewish history and convictions yet threatened by Roman power and hegemony. In story after story, Chen brings to focus the diligence of a faithful historian, the artistry of a masterful storyteller, and the courage of an insightful theologian behind this well-loved Gospel. In it Luke presents God’s plan of salvation in the birth and death, word and deed, and identity and mission of Jesus of Nazareth—a plan that is unapologetically counterintuitive: the proud is humbled and the lowly is lifted up; the ostracized is embraced and the religious elite is rejected. Modern readers will receive more than a lucid explanation of the biblical text; they will be challenged to find their own place in Jesus’ story, one that encourages self-reflection and necessitates a personal response.
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“Her intrinsic value in God’s eyes and place among God’s people should not be denied. It is all the more appropriate for God to set her free on the Sabbath, a day of rest created for the rejuvenation for God’s people. Even if her healing involves violating the detailed stipulations of purity and Sabbath laws, in the grand scheme of things, her physical, social, and spiritual restoration represents the most authentic expression of honoring the Sabbath. By the end of Jesus’ water-tight defense of his action, his opponents are shamed into silence (13:17). Against wholeness there can be no refutation.” (Page 195)
“The hard part is to genuinely and ungrudgingly wish for the wellbeing of an enemy. Love is not sentimentalism, but a decisive action that runs counter to the natural vindictive response of fallen human nature.” (Page 89)
“Jesus’ empowerment and access to divine help. The passive imperfect verb, ēgeto, conveys a continual sense of the Spirit’s presence, leading and guiding Jesus throughout this time, rather than simply bringing him to the place of testing and leaving him there to fend for himself. Third, Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness parallel Israel’s forty years of wandering (Neh 9:21; Amos 2:10). Fourth, the nature of all three tests/temptations and Jesus’ responses take us back to specific experiences of Israel in their desert wanderings. Where Israel failed, Jesus prevails and shows himself worthy of the dual roles as the faithful representative of God before Israel and the obedient leader of Israel before God.” (Page 58)
This new commentary on Luke further establishes Diane Chen’s credentials as scholar committed to the church. While sensitively attending to the interaction of text and context, she is also attuned to the impact of the text upon faith and praxis. The work deftly balances exegetical, historical, and pastoral insights, and is a readable and reliable guide to the Gospel of Luke. More than that, her love for this gospel and her passionate commitment to its narrative of salvation shines through the pages of this commentary.
—Marianne Meye Thompson, George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
Like Luke, who portrays Jesus as the Messiah on a journey to seek and save the lost, Diane Chen, a knowledgeable and delightful ‘tour guide,’ takes her readers on an exciting journey to discover the meaning of the gospel for all in the Gospel of Luke. She asks important questions of text and contexts, and provides the best scholarly research judiciously and lucidly. Her personal and critical reflection of theological themes exemplifies the best practice of biblical interpretation—fusing scriptural and modern horizons, and articulating life and ministry applications. This engaging commentary informs and inspires.
—John Yieh, Molly Laird Downs Professor of New Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary
The Logos edition of Luke and each volume in the New Covenant Commentary Series equips you for better study with cutting-edge functionality and features. Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use your digital library effectively and efficiently, searching for verses, finding Scripture references and citations instantly, and performing word studies. Additionally, important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, theology texts, and other resources in your library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. With most Logos resources, you can take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
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