The Trial of the Gospel
An Apologetic Reading of Luke's Trial Narratives

Alexandru Neagoe sets out to examine Luke's writings as an apologetic work by focusing on the trial narratives.

Alexandru Neagoe (Author)

9780521809481, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 May 2002

268 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.49 kg

' … well-argued and convincing …' Perspectives in Religious Studies

For many years Luke-Acts has been studied as a work of history and theology. The Trial of the Gospel sets out to examine Luke's writings as an apologetic work, by focusing on those parts of Luke's story where the apologetic overtones seem most prominent - the trial narratives. By analysing the trials of all major Lukan characters - Jesus, Peter, Stephen, and Paul - Alexandru Neagoe argues that the narratives are best understood when viewed as part of Luke's apologia pro evangelio, a purpose which is in keeping with the author's declared aim to give his readers 'assurance' about the 'matters' in which they had been instructed (Luke 1:4). Neagoe concludes that the specific role of the trial narratives is to provide the framework within which important tenets of the Christian faith are themselves put 'on trial' before the reader, with the intended result of the gospel's confirmation.

1. Introduction
2. Narrative precedents of Jesus' trial
3. Luke's account of Jesus' trial
4. The trial of Jesus in narrative retrospection
5. The trials of Peter
6. The 'trial' of Stephen
7. The trials of Paul
8. Conclusions.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]