Social-Historical Readings of Literary, Theological, and Narrative Themes and Motifs in Luke-Acts
Ebook
Overview
This publication engages a broad set of narratives, themes, and motifs in Luke-Acts, many of which are treated with social-scientific criticism employing various social, political, historical, and economic paradigms to generate fresh and robust readings of ancient texts. Moreover, most essays contained in this book offer remarkably unique engagements, providing students and scholars the opportunity to further expand the material to make vibrant contributions to their own research projects. With thirteen diverse chapters, this book offers anyone interested in Lukan scholarship a vibrant introduction to various lesser explored elements within Luke’s writings.
Lukan studies have furnished contemporary readers with diverse methodologies and approaches for engaging with Luke-Acts, delving into the layers beneath the narrative surface. Michael Blythe delves deeper into the story, employing social-scientific analysis as a hermeneutical tool to unveil sociological and cultural undercurrents essential for a richer comprehension of Luke-Acts. Independent themes and narratives receive significant scrutiny through socio-scientific studies, sparking fresh conversations and dialogues with the text and its overarching narrative.
——Jason Valeriano Hallig, professor of New Testament, Alliance Graduate School
In this book Michael Blythe has teased out and highlighted crucial nuances and narrative nuggets pertinent to a theological understanding of the Lukan corpus. This book’s contribution is most notable for its utilization of a critical social-scientific lens to generate unique readings of Lukan theological themes and motifs. I highly recommend this book to any scholar looking for a fresh approach and understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.
——Daniel Mwailu, senior lecturer in theology and biblical studies, Africa Nazarene University
Michael Blythe is well-versed in Luke-Acts with academic work and teaching across multiple contexts. His social-historical approach brings out relevant background material necessary for interpretation. Readers will enjoy the rich, timely, and insightful conversation within Michael’s work.
——Halissone Jamissone Nefitala, principal, Seminário Nazareno em Moçambique
Michael Blythe’s academic excellence and continued pursuit of biblical scholarship are to be appreciated. In these pages, he has chosen specific passages in the Luke-Acts corpus with the goal of opening us to additional understanding that is not frequently seen. Whether one agrees or not is not the point, but seeing the need to be challenged to continue the study of the depths of God’s word is vital.
——Richard D. Youngblood, dean of faculty, NationsUniversity
Michael Blythe has written a second book focusing on the social-scientific background of the New Testament. This time he has applied this research perspective to the social-scientific background of Luke and Acts. In this work, he examines passages and topics in these two writings to help shed light on how this social-scientific interpretive grid allows the reader to find fresh perspectives and greater understandings of what Luke meant to convey in Luke and Acts.
——Tom Cribb, adjunct professor, Anderson University
- Title: Social-Historical Readings of Literary, Theological, and Narrative Themes and Motifs in Luke-Acts
- Author: Michael Blythe
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 190
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385211777, 9798385211753, 9798385211760
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385211777
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-23T00:25:32Z
Michael Blythe attended the South African Theological Seminary (Bryanston, South Africa) and is a graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, Mississippi) and Africa Nazarene University (Nairobi). He is a faculty member at Nations University (New Orleans, Louisiana) and his work on Luke-Acts is regularly presented at academic conferences including the British New Testament Society and the Society of Biblical Literature. Blythe has published multiple monographs on Lukan scholarship and has contributed to several peer-reviewed journals.