The Reading and Transformation of Isaiah in Luke-Acts

(Hardback)

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An investigative study into where, how and why Luke interacts with Isaiah. References to Isaiah occur at key points in the narrative, typically introducing the mission of main characters and outlining or summarising the overall plot, suggesting that Luke utilises Isaiah as part of his interpretive framework. The overarching theme drawn from Isaiah appears to be the servant's mission to bring salvation to all people (Isa 49:6). Luke's careful selection and radical interpretation of Isaianic texts highlights surprising aspects of this theme. These include the nature and scope of salvation, the necessary suffering role of the Messiah and its connection with the proclamation of salvation, and the unexpected response to the message by Israel and the nations. Mallen's study rehabilitates the importance of the servant motif for Luke, not in terms of atonement or as a christological title but rather in supplying the job description for Jesus' messianic mission and that of his followers.

Reviews

"In terms of content, this study moves beyond previous studies in emphasizing the influence of Isaiah on the construction of Luke's Christology...and in doing so, he provides a helpful discussion of the relationship between Jesus the servant and the wider restoration program of Israel." -David W. Pao, Biblical Interpretation, Vol. 18, 2010
Mention - New Testament Abstracts, Vol. 52 No. 3, 2008
Mention - International Review of Biblical Studies, vol. 54:2007/08
'The reader owes Mallen a debt of gratitude.' Biblical Interpretation. -- David W. Pao * Biblical Interpretation *
"The variety of approaches used inanalysing Luke's interaction with Isaiah forms one of the strengths of this valuable study. Another is the author's readiness to explore the ways in which Luke both uses Isaiah to formulate his presentation of Jesus as Messiah and also interprets Isaiah's writings from a Christocentric perspective... The book effectively covers a lot of ground in a relativelyshort space and is eminently readable and understandable: it is warmly recommended by this reviewer." Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist 2009 -- Timothy Carter * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *

Author Bio

Peter Mallen is Director ofDiscipleship Education at the Uniting Church Centre for Theology and Ministry in Melbourne, Australia.