The 'Finger of God' and Pneumatology in Luke-Acts (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)

by Edward J. Woods

Publisher:

Sheffield Academic Press

, 2001

Overview

Luke's interest in the Holy Spirit is well-known, so when instead of having Jesus say, “ If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God...” as Matthew has it, he writes, “If I by the finger of God...” Luke poses a question that has puzzled many commentators since. Woods argues that in fact the phrase “finger of God” holds the key to understanding the role of the Spirit in Luke-Acts. Taking into account the background to the phrase, Luke's larger theological interests within the Beelzebub section itself, the Travel Narrative, and the program of Luke-Acts as a whole, he offers a new solution to an old exegetical question.

Contents

Top Highlights

“contains the only three references to the word ‘finger’ in Luke-Acts (Lk. 11:20, 46; 16:24” (Page 16)

“theologically as God’s visitation in response to the promise-fulfilment scheme” (Page 16)

“Luke’s use of the ‘finger of God’ expression at Lk. 11:20 will not only allow us to shed important light upon the meaning of the Beelzebub pericope (Lk. 11:14–26) in which it is situated, but will provide an important interpretative key to the way in which we may understand the role of the Godhead and other important issues in Luke-Acts.” (Page 14)

“Josephus writes about ‘the Antiquities’ of the Jewish nation using prologues of a style that are also used in Luke-Acts” (Page 18)

“but also interpret exorcism in terms of ‘proclaiming’ and ‘announcing the good news’ of the kingdom of God” (Page 147)

Endorsements

This will be a necessary volume in any library supporting research work or higher degrees in New Testament studies.

-Feed the Minds

Product Details

• Title: The ‘Finger of God’ and Pneumatology in Luke-Acts
• Author: Edward J. Woods
• Series: Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement Series
• Volume: 205
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Print Publication Date: 2001
• Logos Release Date: 2008
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Luke › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Acts › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Holy Spirit › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9781841271750, 1841271756
• Resource ID: LLS:FINGEROFGOD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:43:27Z

About Edward J. Woods

Now retired, Edward J. Woods was formerly Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at the Melbourne School of Theology, Victoria, Australia (formerly the Bible College of Victoria), where he still teaches part time. He has also served as a moderator in Old Testament studies for the Australian College of Theology, as a pastor in Australia and as a theological teacher in Northern Zambia.