The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke: Trajectories from the Old Testament to Luke–Acts

by Roger Stronstad

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2012

Overview

What is the meaning of the Holy Spirit’s activity in Luke-Acts, and what are its implications for today? Roger Stronstad offers a cogent and thought-provoking study of Luke as a charismatic theologian whose understanding of the Spirit was shaped wholly by his understanding of Jesus and the nature of the early church. Stronstad locates Luke’s pneumatology in the historical background of Judaism and views Luke as an independent theologian who makes a unique contribution to the pneumatology of the New Testament. This work challenges traditional Protestants to reexamine the impact of Pentecost and explores the Spirit’s role in equipping God’s people for the unfinished task of mission. The second edition has been revised and updated throughout and includes a new foreword by Mark Allan Powell.

The Logos Bible Software edition of this volume is designed to encourage and stimulate your study and understanding of Scripture. Biblical passages link directly to your English translations and original-language texts, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about the Word of God.

Key Features

• Examines the relationship between Luke and Acts and their connections
• Discusses the presence of the charismatic activity of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible
• Includes an extensive bibliography and indexes for further study

Contents

• The Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts: A Challenge in Methodology
• The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: The Charismatic Spirit of God
• The Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke: The Charismatic Christ
• The Holy Spirit at Pentecost: The Charismatic Community
• The Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles: The Charismatic Community in Mission
• The Charismatic Theology of Luke: Synthesis and Challenge

Top Highlights

“Interpreted against the background of Judaism, therefore, the outburst of prophetic inspiration that Luke reports in the infancy narrative heralds nothing less than the dawning of the messianic age.” (Page 42)

“I use the term ‘charismatic’ in a functional and dynamic sense. By ‘charismatic’ I mean God’s gift of his Spirit to his servants, either individually or collectively, to anoint, empower, or inspire them for divine service. As it is recorded in Scripture, therefore, this charismatic activity is necessarily an experiential phenomenon.” (Page 16)

“Therefore, since Luke has a theological interest, his narratives, though they are historical, are always more than simply descriptions or the record of brute facts.” (Page 9)

“Thus while Luke narrates the role of the Holy Spirit in the history of the early church, Paul teaches his readers concerning the person and ministry of the Spirit.” (Page 2)

“Fourth, the gift of the Spirit is attested by wonders and signs (Acts 2:19)” (Page 63)

Praise for the Print Edition

In my opinion, Roger Stronstad’s The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke is perhaps the most important biblical studies book ever written by a Pentecostal. Truly a seminal work, this slim volume caused a seismic shift in the terrain of Pentecostal biblical scholarship, changing forever its fundamental character while sending tremors beyond the tradition in all directions. I am delighted that this exceedingly important piece will continue its well-deserved shelf life, extending its availability for readers old and new. My commendation to Baker Academic for issuing this valuable new edition.

—John Christopher Thomas, Clarence J. Abbott Professor of Biblical Studies, Pentecostal Theological Seminary

The most influential work on Lukan pneumatology of this generation! 25 years ago, Stronstad solidified my earliest convictions about the activity of the Holy Spirit. Today, my students echo the same refrain. Those familiar with Pentecostal/charismatic teaching on the Spirit-filled life find fodder for fresh reflection and exploration. Those not familiar receive a challenging invitation for renewed pursuit of the Spirit. I could not be happier that this book has been revised and will remain in print.

—Martin Mittelstadt, associate professor of biblical studies, Evangel University

With the publication of Stronstad’s The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke in 1984, Pentecostal scholarship on Luke-Acts introduced itself to the academic community. Stronstad advanced a simple narrative approach to Luke’s writings: take the text seriously by following the storyline. By tracking plot patterns and considering Luke’s storytelling techniques, Stronstad found Luke’s understanding of the mission of Christ and the church, and the nature of Spirit empowerment to effect it. In our graduate curriculum, this book is the cornerstone of our ‘Pentecostal distinctives’ course.

—Van Johnson, dean, Master’s Pentecostal Seminary, Toronto

Product Details

• Title: The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke: Trajectories from the Old Testament to Luke–Acts
• Author: Rogert Stronstad
• Edition: 2nd
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2012
• Pages: 144

About Roger Stronstad

Dr. Roger J. Stronstad is a Canadian Pentecostal Bible scholar and theologian. He is an Associate Professor in Bible and Theology at Summit Pacific College (formerly Western Pentecostal Bible College) in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He has also published six books. In The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke (1984), he argues for a Pentecostal interpretation of Luke-Acts. He contends that Luke believed the gift of the Spirit was vocational, rather than soteriological or ethical, i.e.