THE NARRATIVE UNITY OF LUKE-ACTS

A Literary Interpretation

Volume 1: The Gospel according to Luke

by

ROBERT C. TANNEHILL

Fortress Press

Philadelphia

Biblical quotations are the author’s own translation.

Copyright © 1986 by Fortress Press

First paperback edition 1991

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Tannehill, Robert C.

The narrative unity of Luke-Acts.

(Foundations and facets)

Bibliography: p.

Contents: v. 1. The Gospel according to Luke.

1. Bible. N.T. Luke—Criticism, interpretation,

etc. 2. Bible. N.T. Acts—Criticism, interpretation,

etc. I. Title. II. Series: Foundations and facets.

New Testament.

BS2589.T35 1986 226’.406 86-45224

ISBN 0-8006-2112-3 (cloth)

ISBN 0-8006-2557-9 (paper)

To Methesco with thanks.

Nourished by a gentle stream and caring people.

Contents

Preface

Abbreviations

Introduction

Luke 1:1–4

1. Previews of Salvation

The Repetitive Pattern in the Birth Narrative

The Angelic and Prophetic Disclosures in the Birth Narrative

The Annunciations to Zechariah and Mary

The Magnificat

The Benedictus

The Annunciation to the Shepherds and Simeon’s Oracles

Chart: Connecting Themes in the Angelic Announcements and Prophetic Hymns of the Birth Narrative (and in Luke 3:1–6)

2. John and Jesus Begin Their Mission

The Mission of John (Luke 3:1–20)

Jesus Discovers His Mission (Luke 2:41–52; 3:21–4:13)

Jesus Announces His Mission (Luke 4:14–21)

The Conflict with the Nazarenes (Luke 4:22–30)

3. Jesus as Preacher and Healer

Jesus as Preacher of Good News

Jesus’ Mighty Acts in Capernaum (Luke 4:31–43)

Jesus’ Mighty Acts as Manifestations of God’s Promised Salvation

Roles in Lukan Exorcism and Healing Stories

Jesus the Prophet

4. Jesus’ Ministry to the Oppressed and Excluded

The Release of Sins

Sayings and Parables of Reversal

Quest Stories

The Poor and the Rich

Women

5. Jesus and the Crowd or People

The Baptist and the Crowd or People

Luke 4–8

Luke 9:1–13:21

Luke 13:22–19:10

Luke 19:11–21:38

Luke 22–23

6. Jesus and the Authorities

Luke 5:17–6:11

Luke 7:29–10:37

Luke 11:37–18:27

Luke 19:39–23:43

7. Jesus and the Disciples

Luke 4:31–9:50

The Beginning

The Sermon on the Plain

The Parable of the Sower

The Twelve Receive New Authority and Insight

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Jesus Announces His Coming Death

The Transfiguration

The Disciples’ Failures in Luke 9:37–50

Luke 9:51–12:53 and Related Instruction of the Disciples

The Beginning of the Jerusalem Journey

The Mission of the Seventy-Two

Instruction in Prayer

Jesus’ Instructions to Disciples in Luke 12

The Disciples’ Defects and Their Role in the Passion

Rivalry over Rank

Premature Expectations of Messianic Salvation

Unwillingness to Face Death

8. The Risen Lord’s Revelation to His Followers

Review and Preview

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