Luke's Paradise in Its Judicial Setting

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Luke's Paradise in Its Judicial Setting Luke’s Paradise in its Judicial Setting (Lk 23:43) By Steven Simon Tucker BA (Melb) BSc (Melb) BTheol (Hons) (MCD) A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Theology Melbourne College of Divinity 2011 2 Abstract My study begins with ―paradise‖ as found in the Lukan Jesus‘ promise to the second criminal crucified with him (Lk 23:43). I look at the different associations ―paradise‖ carried in the Septuagint and in Second Temple Judaism, from a royal park to the garden of Eden. Next I concentrate on the immediate context of Luke‘s ―paradise,‖ and suggest that an informal trial and judgment is taking place in the dialogue between the two criminals and Jesus. Finally, I examine Luke‘s passion narrative and Luke-Acts for further signs of conflicting judgment between human beings and God: those whom people reject, God favours. 3 Thesis Submission Form This form must accompany any thesis submitted for examination Title of Thesis: Luke‘s Paradise in it Judicial Setting (Lk 23:43) Name: Steven Simon Tucker Declaration I declare that the word length of this thesis is 39,948 words. This does not exceed the maximum length specified in the regulations: Doctor of Theology: 100,000 words Doctor of Philosophy: 100,000 words Doctor of Ministry Studies: 50,000 words Master of Arts major thesis: 40,000 words Master of Arts minor thesis: 25,000 words Master of Theology major thesis: 40,000 words Master of Theology minor thesis: 25,000 words Master of Ministry: 25,000 words In each case, the word length includes footnotes, but excludes bibliography, tables, appendices and illustrations. I declare that the bibliography format is consistent and conforms to the requirements of the Turabian Style (Turabian, Kate L. 2007. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 7th ed. University of Chicago Press.); or that, alternatively, permission has been granted to employ another style. Statement of Originality I hereby certify that this thesis contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma in any university or other institution and affirm that to the best of my knowledge, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person, except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis. Signed: ______________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________________________ 4 Acknowledgements I wish to acknowledge the generous support of Dr. B. Rod Doyle cfc given in his supervision of this thesis: for his criticisms, encouragement, suggestions for taking new directions and advice about life in general. A casual suggestion he made about the book of Susanna proved to be a key force in changing my approach from ―repentance‖ to ―judgment,‖ which I then developed into the concept of a ―reversal of judgment.‖ Rod remained committed to this project despite ill health beginning in September 2009. Thankfully his health improved around March 2010, which allowed me to continue under his supervision. I also wish to thank Drs. Frances Baker rsm and Shane Mackinlay for their offer of a study space in Mannix Library, Catholic Theological College, for part of the period in which this thesis was researched and composed. I also thank Dr. Shane Mackinlay for his efficient administrative assistance throughout the period of this thesis, 2009-2010. 5 Contents I. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Previous Research ............................................................................................................................. 7 The Approach of this Study ............................................................................................................ 17 II. The ―Paradise‖ Traditions Leading up to and Contemporaneous with Luke-Acts .......................... 21 Paradise as a Royal Park ................................................................................................................. 22 Paradise as a Symbol of Wealth and Luxury ................................................................................... 26 Paradise as a Metaphor for Israel or a Righteous Community ........................................................ 28 Paradise as a Metaphor for the Jerusalem Temple .......................................................................... 33 Paradise as a Wisdom Motif ........................................................................................................... 36 Paradise and Ascension ................................................................................................................... 39 Paradise and Creation ..................................................................................................................... 40 Paradise and Judgment .................................................................................................................... 44 Loss of Paradise as Judgment ..................................................................................................... 44 Entering Paradise through Righteousness ................................................................................... 56 Restoration of Paradise through Repentance ............................................................................... 61 Paradise and a Reversal of Judgment .......................................................................................... 64 Evaluation of the Possible Sources for Luke‘s Paradise .................................................................. 69 III. The Form of Luke 23:39-43 and Related Literary Forms.............................................................. 77 The Eschatology of Luke‘s Paradise ............................................................................................... 77 The Elements of Luke‘s Paradise Saying (Lk 23:43) ...................................................................... 80 ―Today (shvmeron) you will be with (metav) me...‖ ....................................................................... 81 The Use of the ―Amen I say to you‖ Formula in the Synoptic Gospels....................................... 83 Luke 23:39-43 as a Trial Scene ....................................................................................................... 92 The Form of Forensic Speeches in the Greco-Roman World ...................................................... 93 Forensic Rhetorical Style in Luke-Acts .................................................................................... 100 Luke 23:39-43 ........................................................................................................................... 106 IV. Luke‘s ―Paradise‖ Saying in Light of Some Other Redactions to Luke-Acts ............................. 113 Redaction in Luke‘s Passion Narrative ......................................................................................... 114 Reversal of Roles and Judgment in Luke‘s Last Supper Narrative ........................................... 114 Conflict and Reversals of Judgment in Luke‘s Passion Narrative ............................................. 118 Portrayals of Jesus‘ Passion Elsewhere in the Lukan Narrative .................................................... 130 The Lukan Theology of Reversal .................................................................................................. 134 V. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 146 Appendix: A Concordance of ―Paradise‖ and ―Garden‖ ............................................................... 148 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 151 6 1. Texts and Translations .......................................................................................................... 151 2. Lexical Aids .......................................................................................................................... 152 3. Studies .................................................................................................................................. 152 4. Commentaries ....................................................................................................................... 155 Abbreviations AB Anchor Bible ABRL Anchor Bible Reference Library CBQM Catholic Biblical Quarterly Monograph Series JSNTS Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement Series LCL Loeb Classical Library NICNT New International Commentary on the New Testament NIGTC The New International Greek Testament Commentary SBL Society of Biblical Literature SNTS Society for New Testament Studies, Monograph Series TPI Trinity Press International New Testament Commentaries WBC Word Biblical Commentary 7 I. Introduction The gospel of Luke includes a scene in its passion narrative not found in the other three gospels (Lk 23:39-43). Instead of reviling Jesus (Mt 27:44; Mk 15:32), the second criminal rebukes the first, defends Jesus and asks Jesus to remember him in his kingdom (Lk 23:40- 42). Jesus responds by solemnly promising him his fellowship in paradise (Lk 23:43). Speculations about ―paradise‖ flourished in the later traditions of the three monotheistic religions. Among Christians, ―paradise‖ recurs in the patristic writers,
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