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Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
This study examines the influence of the narrative structure of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles on the composition of Luke-Acts. The core contention is that Luke used Samuel-Kings and Chronicles—considered together as a unified two-part narrative—as a literary model for Luke-Acts in ways that are detectable and significant. Using a unique methodology that combines narrative criticism with concepts drawn from philosophy and argumentation theory (including Bayes’ Theorem and inference to the best explanation), I will argue that Luke models the Gospel of Luke on the books of Samuel and 1 Chronicles, presenting Jesus as the promised, ultimate Davidide. He likewise models the Book of Acts on Kings and 2 Chronicles, presenting the disciples of Jesus as the heirs of the kingdom of David—that is, in a manner analogous to the kings who are the main figures of those OT books. Luke’s portrayal of the disciples in Acts, however, involves a strong element of eschatological inversion, insofar as he characterizes them as victorious and faithful end-time kings, rather than failed and faithless ones (as the OT kings generally were). The evidence of this influence consists of verbal, thematic, structural, and other parallels, many of which have not been noticed or sufficiently appreciated before.
This study introduces a new term: the Samuel-Kings Narrative Arc (SKNA), which refers to the unified plotline contained in the OT books of Samuel-Kings and Chronicles. I will present evidence that reading these OT books as a single integrated narrative was common in the Second Temple period, as was understanding them in terms of a two-part “arc” with David as a high point and exile as a low point. Luke transforms this OT narrative in Luke-Acts into a story that points to ongoing kingdom victory (despite suffering and opposition). In addition to the new claim concerning the extent of Luke’s use of the SKNA as a literary model, this study advances understanding of these OT books in the context of Second Temple Jewish literature, refines the notion of imitational mimesis, and offers a new methodology for presenting arguments in biblical studies.
Abstract
It is commonly acknowledged that blindness and seeing play an important role in the theology of the Gospel of Mark. Typically, readers interpret “spiritual blindness” as the moral thrust of the discipleship discourse in Mark 8:22–10:52. While the disciples fail to see their teacher as the Christ, blind Bartimaeus appears to identify Jesus as the “Son of David” (10:46–52). However, centering blindness-as-vice not only plays on an unfortunate ableist binary but also renders Mark’s more marginal characters as insignificant. Research on blindness in antiquity demonstrates how socioeconomic status was a leading factor in determining social perceptions of the blind. This article contends that Mark’s Bartimaeus pericope should be read accordingly. Instead of serving as a metaphor for “spiritual blindness,” physically blind characters are raised to the status of insider as a condemnation of mistreatment of the poor—a motif found within the broader terrain of Mark’s moral landscape (6:30–44; 8:1–10; 12:38–44; 14:1–11).