An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts / Edition 2

by V. George Shillington

Overview

V. George Shillington introduces readers to the text, texture and context of Luke-Acts in this tried and tested introduction, now in its second edition. Using various approaches currently practiced by biblical scholars Shillington outlines the methods of biblical interpretation and then shows how they might be applied to the texts in question.

Through historical criticism Shillington looks at and explains questions of authorship, the time and setting of the composition, sources and historical background. Taking a social-science approach he examines the society and culture of the time. Literary readings include narrative, socio-rhetorical, and audience-response approaches, while a theological reading asks how the literary texture and themes of Luke-Acts shape the convictions of Christian communities, past and present. Incorporating modern approaches in the field, Shillington looks at postcolonial and feminist criticism and how they have changed our understanding of these books. Each chapter concludes with a list of further relevant resources, and pertinent review questions. The text is accompanied by charts and diagrams to illustrate key points of language and structure.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567656414
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/24/2015
Series:	T&T Clark Approaches to Biblical Studies
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

V. George Shillington is Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Theological Studies, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Canada.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 1. Luke-Acts: An Aerial View
2. Historical Inquiry: Composition, Context and Intention
3. Historical Inquiry: Events and People Inside the Text
4 Social Science Scenarios: Where People Think and Live
5. Socio-Rhetorical Texture: Membership in the New People of God
6. Narrative Discourse: Poor and Rich in Christian Community
7. Postcolonial Engagement: Missionary Attitude and Activity
8. Feminist Praxis: 'Both Men and Women'
9. Theological Interchange: 'Saying to One Another'
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

All too often Acts is studied after and separately from the four Gospels, so that the distinctiveness and consistency of Luke's message, developed across his two volumes, is lost. This new edition of George Shillington's Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts remedies that neglect. The book continues but amplifies its predecessor's value in opening up Luke's two-part work, especially for those commencing university or college. Based on a deep grasp of the New Testament texts in their social context, Shillington introduces his readers to the engaging content of the Lucan message and the latest critical methods for understanding it. Written with verve and clarity, this book should feature on any reading list for undergraduate New Testament courses but will also provide enlightenment to those at more advanced stages in biblical interpretation.” —Philip Esler, University of Gloucestershire, UK

“As this book presents historical, social scientific, socio-rhetorical, narrative, postcolonial, feminist, and theological interpretation of the foundational New Testament story of the emergence of Christianity in Luke and Acts, the reader richly experiences the range of interpretive modes that currently dominate biblical interpretation. Readers of this book should not be surprised if at the end they feel a desire to learn more both about emerging Christianity and about how these approaches yield new insights into all of New Testament literature.” —Vernon K. Robbins, Emory University, USA

From the Publisher

As this book presents historical, social scientific, socio-rhetorical, narrative, postcolonial, feminist, and theological interpretation of the foundational New Testament story of the emergence of Christianity in Luke and Acts, the reader richly experiences the range of interpretive modes that currently dominate biblical interpretation. Readers of this book should not be surprised if at the end they feel a desire to learn more both about emerging Christianity and about how these approaches yield new insights into all of New Testament literature.

Vernon K. Robbins

All too often Acts is studied after and separately from the four Gospels, so that the distinctiveness and consistency of Luke's message, developed across his two volumes, is lost. This new edition of George Shillington's Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts remedies that neglect. The book continues but amplifies its predecessor's value in opening up Luke's two-part work, especially for those commencing university or college. Based on a deep grasp of the New Testament texts in their social context, Shillington introduces his readers to the engaging content of the Lucan message and the latest critical methods for understanding it. Written with verve and clarity, this book should feature on any reading list for undergraduate New Testament courses but will also provide enlightenment to those at more advanced stages in biblical interpretation.

Philip Esler