The Plan of God in Luke-Acts

This work shows that the plan of God is a distinctively Lucan theme which undergirds the whole of the Third gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.

John T. Squires (Author)

9780521616126, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 December 2004

244 pages
21.5 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.33 kg

This study examines one significant theological theme in Luke-Acts, that of 'The plan of God'. It traces the way this theme is developed throughout Luke-Acts, both through direct statements by the writer and through various associated means such as divine appearances, signs and wonders, the fulfilment of prophecy, and indications of fate as of necessity. Dr Squires locates Luke's use of this theme in the context of the history-writing of the Hellenistic period, noting numerous passages in those works which illumine Luke's theological purposes. His book shows how the notion of the plan of God is used by Luke as he writes to confirm his readers' faith, encouraging them to bear witness to this faith, and equipping them for the task of defending it.

Abbreviations
1. The plan of God in Luke-Acts
2. The programmatic role of providence in Hellenistic historiography
3. Providence: God at work in human history
4. Portents: signs of divine action in human history
5. Epiphanies: inspired indications of the Plan of God
6. Prophecy: foretelling and fulfilling the Plan of God
7. Fate: the necessity of the Plan of God
8. Conclusions
Endnotes
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]