Community and Gospel in Luke-Acts
The Social and Political Motivations of Lucan Theology

Always observing the established techniques of New Testament analysis, especially redaction criticism, Professor Esler makes extensive use of sociology and anthropology to examine the author of Luke-Acts' theology as a response to social and political pressures on the Christian community for whom he was writing. Various themes such as table-fellowship, the law, the temple, poverty and riches, and politics are examined to determine how they have been influenced by the social and political background of Luke's audience. This book offers a New Testament paradigm and warrant for those interested in generating a theology attuned to the social and political realities affecting contemporary Christian congregations.

Reviews & endorsements

'Esler's thesis is undoubtedly one of the freshest to appear on Luke-Acts in recent years, clearly and compellingly written, complementing bold hypotheses with a wealth of detailed research and observation, and providing a careful justification of the sociological approach and an interesting application of sociological techniques and models … provocative and challenging [it] represents a significant new approach to Lucan studies.' Journal of Theological Studies

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Product details

• Date Published: November 1989
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521388733
• length: 288 pages

• dimensions: 216 x 138 x 24 mm
• weight: 0.355kg
• availability: Available