Prayer and Vindication in Luke - Acts: The Theme of Prayer within the Context of the Legitimating and Edifying Objective of the Lukan Narrative

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This is a comprehensive study of the literary function of prayer in Luke-Acts, employing narrative critical methodology and focusing on the theme's relation to Luke's historiographical aims Holmas asserts that the distribution of strategically-placed prayer notices and prayers throughout Luke-Acts serves a twofold purpose. First, it is integral to Luke's project of authenticating the Jesus-movement as accredited by Israel's God. Holmas shows that Luke presents a consistent pattern of divine affirmation and redemptionm attending the tenacious prayers of the faithful ones throughout every major phase of his narrative - in turn demonstrating continuity with the pious Israel of the past. Secondly, most importantly the 'ultimate' purpose of Luke's emphasis on prayer is didactical. In Luke's gospel Jesus summons his disciples (and implicitly his readers) to confident and persistent prayer before the Eschaton, assuring them of God's readiness to answer their entreaties. Luke's historical account as a whole provides narrative reinforcement of this affirmation. Just as God has been consistent in responding to the diligent prayers of his faithful ones in recent history, satisfying and fulfilling Israel's hopes for redemption in the Jesus movement, he will assuredly secure ultimate vindication at the end of time for those who persist in prayer. It was formerly the Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement, a book series that explores the many aspects of New Testament study including historical perspectives, social-scientific and literary theory, and theological, cultural and contextual approaches. The Early Christianity in Context series, a part of JSNTS, examines the birth and development of early Christianity up to the end of the third century CE. The series places Christianity in its social, cultural, political and economic context. European Seminar on Christian Origins and Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus Supplement are also part of JSNTS.

Reviews

Holmss work is particularly noteworthy for its analysis of German scholarship; this volume will ably familiarize many non-German readers with the significant body of German literature on the topic...the volume is the new must read for people interested in prayer in Luke-Acts. -- Thomas E. Phillips * Religious Studies Review *
Holms study is no doubt of great value. It contains both deep textual analysis and consideration of previous exegetical efforts. It relies on existing studies and yet presses on to forge its own original contributions. * The Biblical Annals *

Author Bio

Geir Otto Holms is Associate Professor of New Testament at MF Norwegian School of Theology, Oslo, Norway. His recent publications include articles on narrative-critical methodology and theological hermeneutics.