Spirit and Kingdom in the Writings of Luke and Paul
Overview
The relationship between Spirit and Kingdom is a relatively unexplored area in Lucan and Pauline studies. This book offers a fresh perspective of two biblical writers on the subject. It explores the difference between Luke’s and Paul’s understanding of the Spirit by examining the specific question of the relationship of the concept of the Spirit to the concept of the Kingdom of God in each writer.
Top Highlights
“I will maintain that Paul develops the role of the Spirit more fully than Luke, understanding the Spirit as the means by which all may participate in the blessings of the kingdom in the present. Ultimately, for Paul, life in the Spirit becomes his way of speaking about the blessings of life in the kingdom in the early church (Synoptics). Luke, however, presents the Spirit in a more limited way in relation to the concept of the kingdom of God. For instance, the Spirit inspires the proclamation of the kingdom of God and in this way, the Spirit makes it possible for people to enter the kingdom of God.” (Page 12)
“As will be shown in detail, Paul extensively relates the qualities of kingdom life to the role of the Spirit: for him, life in the kingdom is life in the Spirit.” (Page 60)
“Dunn asserts that its primary purpose should not be in ‘empowering for service’ but rather ‘it is only a corollary to it … its function is to initiate the individual into the new age and covenant’.” (Page 5)
“For Luke, the Spirit primarily functions as the source of the inspired preaching of the kingdom which provides the occasion for people to enter the kingdom. The Spirit inspires Jesus to proclaim the kingdom to Israel, the disciples to proclaim it beyond Israel, Philip to proclaim it in Samaria, and Paul to proclaim it to the wider Gentile community. For Luke, where the Spirit is at work there the kingdom is being proclaimed.” (Page 197)
“Luke’s connection of the Spirit to the kingdom is represented in a specific or restricted manner: the Spirit is depicted as the source by which the kingdom of God is proclaimed. Paul’s understanding of the connection is more fully developed by expressing the concept of the kingdom in terms of the Spirit. The Spirit becomes a vehicle by which the benefits of the kingdom-life are wholly operative in believers’ hearts.” (Page 197)
- Title: Spirit and Kingdom in the Writings of Luke and Paul
- Author: Youngmo Cho
- Publisher: Paternoster Press
- Publication Date: 2005
- Pages: 227