Coherent Chiastic Oeuvre in the Unity of Luke-Acts: Two Volumes Conjoined as a Single Book
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
This book expands on scholarly arguments that the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles was originally intended as a single, unified work. It offers fresh insights by addressing overlooked perspectives and further exploring the literary, theological, and historical connections between the two volumes. Central to this study is the argument that the ascension narratives at the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts form a chiastic structure uniting and conjoining both volumes. Rather than redefining Luke-Acts as First and Second Luke, this study affirms their distinct literary genres: Luke’s Gospel rightly belongs among the canonical Gospels, and Acts bridges the Gospels with the Epistles acting similar to a historical narrative. It does not seek to alter their canonical separation but asserts that Luke deliberately composed them as a continuous, interdependent account. By examining how this pivotal event structures the text, it provides compelling evidence of Luke’s intentional design, demonstrating that the ascension is the hinge that seamlessly connects both volumes.
This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.
This insightful study builds on prior scholarship to illuminate the seamless continuity between Luke and Acts. With meticulous detail, the author unveils a compelling chiastic structure linking Luke’s conclusion to Acts’ opening, persuasively arguing for their unity as a single work. A helpful contribution to biblical studies, this analysis deepens our understanding of these texts’ intentional design.
——Adam McClendon, Associate Dean, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, Liberty Theological Seminary
Coherent Chiastic Oeuvre in the Unity of Luke–Acts establishes and supports the premise that Luke intended for his Gospel and the book of Acts to be treated as one complete composition rather than separate distinguishable works. It’s perfect study for aspiring Bible scholars and those with at least a requisite knowledge and understanding of Gospel theology and the Holy Spirit’s role in establishing the church.
——Al Cambric, Department of the Army Instructor/Writer of Information Technology
Even lifelong students of the New Testament benefit from fresh guides through the ancient texts. Powell excels in this role by extending our journey past established scholarly literature on the unity of Luke–Acts to the very core of Luke’s writing—the ascension. The author demonstrates Luke’s artful use of the ascension thread to join the two volumes in a way that calls contemporary readers to participate in God’s redemptive mission.
——James A. Littles Jr., Professor Emeritus, Urshan Graduate School of Theology
- Title: Coherent Chiastic Oeuvre in the Unity of Luke-Acts: Two Volumes Conjoined as a Single Book
- Authors: John Powell, Ron C. Fay
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2025
- Logos Release Date: 2025
- Pages: 376
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Acts Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Luke Criticism, interpretation, etc; Biblical Commentary; Biblical Studies; Christian Theology; New Testament; Religion
- ISBNs: 9798385245567, 9798385245550, 9798385245543
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385245567
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-12-18T11:14:32Z