The True Identity of the People of the Way: The Referent and Function of “The Way” in Acts
Ebook
Overview
The True Identity of the People of the Way demonstrates that Luke alludes to the book of Proverbs when Luke, in Acts 9 and following, calls the Church “the Way.” Consequently, this study shows that Luke identifies the people of the Way as followers of the one and true God depicted in Proverbs. Within Acts, Luke’s claim was likely shocking to the Jewish people, which relates directly to the function of “the Way.” This fresh perspective on “the way” metaphor in Acts provides a more natural and fitting referent than previous proposals and finds its function as a polemic between Jesus’ followers and others.
This research identified allusions and motifs in literature to determine that Luke uses “the way” metaphor to describe Christ’s followers. The study first shows the need for research concerning Luke’s motive or referent for calling the Church “the Way.” Second, the study examines the probability of Proverbs’ influence on Luke. Third, the study provides an in-depth analysis of “the way” metaphor in Acts, concluding that Proverbs is the referent of “the Way” when referring to the Church.
In a modern world full of alternative ‘ways’ of living, God’s people are called to walk a different path. Dr. Ross Harmon carefully and thoroughly helps us see how the book of Acts defines God’s people using the metaphor of the ‘Way’ of wisdom laid out in the Proverbs. Dr. Harmon’s work offers a fresh perspective on the ongoing connection of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament to the identity of God’s people in the New Testament. Ultimately, this work offers a fresh challenge to God’s people today— will we live as God’s pilgrim people, devoted to following the counterculture ‘way’ of wisdom found in Christ? Over the years, I have been grateful as a pastor for Dr. Harmon’s faithful service in our local church. Today, I am also glad to commend Dr. Harmon’s work of biblical scholarship in service of the greater body of Christ throughout the world.
——Mark Vance, lead pastor, Cornerstone Church of Ames
Harmon takes a biblical theological look at an underdeveloped theme in the book of Acts—the Way. Christians are not first called ‘Christians’ but ‘the Way.’ My hope is that after reading Harmon’s book people will more quickly claim their distinct status as Jesus followers in a world where there are two paths to choose from.
——Patrick Schreiner, associate professor of New Testament and biblical theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, from the foreword
- Title: The True Identity of the People of the Way: The Referent and Function of “The Way” in Acts
- Authors: Patrick Schreiner, Ross D. Harmon
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 206
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781498217903, 9781498217897, 1498217893, 9781498217910, 1498217915, 1498217907
- Resource ID: LLS:9781498217903
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-23T00:26:21Z
Ross D. Harmon is adjunct professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as the book review editor for the Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies. He is the Iowa State Director for Capitol Ministries. He has presented at various conferences and serves in other ministries, including his home church, Cornerstone Church of Ames.