The Scriptural Tradition in Luke-Acts

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the theological, historical, and scriptural foundations of the early Christian Church as depicted in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. It examines the ways in which Luke presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Israel's messianic promises and the foundational figure for the expansion of the Church to the Gentiles. Through a close analysis of Luke's theological engagement with the Hebrew Scriptures, the work delves into how the apostles—particularly Peter and Paul—interpreted the Old Testament, redefined Jewish expectations, and carried forward the mission of Jesus, spreading the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. The book highlights the early Church's struggle to define its identity as it navigates the complexities of Jewish traditions and Gentile inclusion, the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers, and the formation of Christian community life. It explores key moments in the development of Christian thought, such as the Jerusalem Council, the theological defense of Gentile inclusion, and the growing tensions between the nascent Christian community and surrounding religious, political, and cultural pressures. By tracing the theological development of the early Church's understanding of salvation, Scripture, and mission, this book provides a comprehensive study of the historical and theological forces that shaped the first generations of Christian believers. It emphasizes how the apostolic witness, grounded in the Old Testament and embodied in the life of Jesus, laid the foundation for the global spread of Christianity. Ultimately, it shows how the early Church, through struggles and triumphs, became the living embodiment of the fulfillment of God's promises, empowered to carry the message of Christ to all nations.