RELS 118 Introduction to the New Testament The Gospel of Luke March 12, 2012 Itinerary & Housekeeping

Quiz #2 Housekeeping, Midterm Review Guide Questions, comments about our last class Close reading of Stowers article on Matthew and Stoicism Lecture on Luke Class Goals & Objectives Compare the Synoptics in order to assess their differing portrayals of Jesus Grasp Lukes unique approach to the Jesus story, outline the structure of his gospel and begin to hypothesize about his influences

ca. 9th c CE MSS featuring an image of Luke

Reflection: Gospel of Matthew Unique emphases in Matthew (contra Mark) include: the genealogy, narratives on Jesus life before his baptism, persistent quoting of scripture, Jesus as a New Moses, prophecy fulfilled, Jesus is less angry, he is usually solo, Messianic secret is scaled back. The genealogy: the inclusion of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and the wife of Uriah (Bathsheba) was highly unusual and likely points to a particular strategy on Matthews part to appropriately explain Mary/the circumstances of Jesus peculiar birth. Structure: two differing view: 5 major speeches = Torah; Tripartite (1) bios (life story), (2) Kerygma (preaching/teaching), (3) Crucifixion and aftermath Portrayal of Jesus (ch. 5): Sermon on the Mount = New Moses; Law is still valid until heaven and earth pass away (5:17-20); Law is intensified (cf. 5:27) Gospel Parallels (close reading group work): The Gerasene Demoniac (Mat 8:28-34/Mar 5:1-20): Matthew lacks an in-depth description of the demon and/or what happens when someone is no longer in control of their passions/emotions (cf. 5:3-5) Walking on Water (Mat 14:22-23/Mar 6:45-52): Matthew offers more dialogue (Jesus and Peter), scene in which faith is tested, disciples are trying to understand (contra Messianic Secret)

What Defiles a Person (Mat 15:1-20/Mar 7:1-23): Matthew does not provide the same explanation of Jewish Law (as does Mark), Matthews Jesus directly challenges the oral Law of the Pharisees (blind leading the blind) and holds to the necessity of the Law (contra Mark who leaves the story with the phrase nothing outside a person can defile) First Prediction of the Passion (Mat 16:13-23/Mar 8:27-33): Matthew has no rebuke of Peterin fact, he is established as the rock of the church; Jesus therefore establishes his line of succession after he is gone Lecture: Gospel of Luke (a brief introduction) Luke as historian? A case study: the infancy narratives 70-90CE? Structure: Markan material in three large blocks: 3:1-6:19; 8:4-9:50; 18:15-24:11 Uses sources selectively

Lukan themes writ large (1) Holy Spirit (cf. Acts) (2) Prayer: Jesus prays at every critical turning point in the narrative (6:12; 9:18.28-29; 10:21; 11:1; 22:32, 41-46; 23:46) (3) Mission to the Gentiles: Jewish scripture expects inclusion of the gentiles (2:30-31; 24:4647) (4) Fulfillment of promise o use of literary prophecy (e.g. Lk 9:22,44; 18:32 with the fulfillment in 24:6-8,44) o Jesus as prophet (compare Birth of Samuel narrative at 1 Samuel 12) (5) Delayed eschatology (cf. 10:9-11; 12:38,48; 12:34-13:9; 21:2) o Christians should not be concerned about the delay of the parousia o Jesus as the midpoint of time (the kingdom of God is in the midst of you, 17:21) o Jesus as proleptic Lukes Portrayal of Jesus o Jesus as preacher surrounded by i) crowds; ii) opponents; iii) disciples o redaction of Marks passion source o Jesus a hero in a classical sense o truly this man was innocent (23:47) o compare with Mat on role of the populace: Mat 27:25 vs. Luke 19:4548 o mocking on the cross: Mark 15:29; Mat 27:39; Luke 23:35 Key Terms: bios/bioi