Community-Forming Power: The Socio-Ethical Role of the Spirit in Luke-Acts
Overview
In past years the controversy over Luke’s concept of the Spirit has centered on the ethical dimension of his pneumatology. Community-Forming Power sets out to address the issue by assessing the Lukan writings in the light of evidence from Second Temple Judaism and by applying speech-act theory to prophetic utterances. Wenk argues that the Spirit’s role in prophecy cannot be limited to the content of the speech, separating it artificially from the intention behind the speech. He further argues that the anointed church continues the liberating work of the anointed messiah in embracing the marginalized and thus is instrumental in “realizing Good News for the poor.”
Top Highlights
“A few are willing to admit some connection between Pentecost and the community life described in Acts 2:42–47.159” (Page 45)
“Most of the scholars who are critical towards a link between ethics and the Holy Spirit must admit at one point or another an ethical connotation within Lukan pneumatology.” (Page 45)
“Büchsel agrees with the notion that the Spirit is given to the disciples to accomplish their task as witnesses of Jesus” (Page 21)
“negative conclusion in regard to the Spirit as a source for the community’s religious life, Gunkel refers to Acts 8:18” (Page 16)
“(1) speaking in other languages; (2) prophetic speeches; and (3) religious, moral effects.43” (Page 22)
Product Details
- Title: Community-Forming Power
- Author: Matthias Wenk
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Publication Date: 2004
- Pages: 368
