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The Function of the Two Quotations from in Luke 3–4

Joop Smit

In the two-volume work of Luke, the Isaiah plays an important role. Besides a number of allusions, we find in Luke-Acts seven places where Luke unmistakably quotes this prophet.1 These quotations mark without exception important turning-points in the story. They are the beginning of the preaching of (Luke 3:4–6; Isa 40:3–5), the beginning of the ministry of Jesus (Luke 4:18–19; Isa 61:1–2 and 58:6), the beginning of the passion (Luke 22:37; Isa 53:12), the conclusion of the speech of Stephen (Acts 7:49–50; Isa 66:1–2), the beginning of the proc- lamation among the gentiles (Acts 8:32–33; Isa 53:7–8), the conclusion of Paul’s preaching in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:47; Isa 49:6) and the conclu- sion of Acts itself (Acts 28:26–27; Isa 6:9–10). According to Luke, God has made his plan known to deliver his people from of old “by mouth of his holy ” (1:70). Among these prophets, Isaiah is for him without doubt the most important one.2 The quotations indicate that, for Luke, the is a kind of charter in which God has stated in writing in advance his purpose to save and the nations. In this respect it is remarkable that Luke at the beginning of the preaching of John the Baptist and also at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry explicitly states that he quotes from the book of the prophet Isaiah (3:4; 4:17). These quotations stand out because their origin is explicitly men- tioned and also because they are introduced at such important moments. The similar introductory formula and the comparable exposed position at the beginning of the ministry of the two protagonists also connect them with each other. Therefore, in this article I intend to answer the following two questions: how do these quotations relate to each other and what function do they fulfil in the layout of Luke’s story.3

1 For a survey of Luke’s use of Isaiah see J.A. Sanders, “Isaiah in Luke,” Int 36 (1982) 150; B.J. Koet, “Isaiah in Luke-Acts,” in Isaiah in the New Testament (ed. S. Moyise and M.J.J. Menken; London/New York: Clark, 2005) 79–100. 2 In this respect also the quotation from 3:1–5 in :17–20 is significant. 3 For the important function which quotations and allusions from the Old Testament fulfil in Luke-Acts see R. Tannehill, “Israel in Luke-Acts,” JBL 104 (1985) 69–70. 42 joop smit

Comparison

The Similarities The two quotations from Isaiah in Luke 3:4–6 and 4:18–19 show many similarities. Therefore, they may easily be compared. The following sur- vey gives evidence of this.

The Presentation of the Quotation The origin of both quotations is stated in the same terms: “as it is written in the sayings of the book of the prophet Isaiah” (3:4) “the book of the prophet Isaiah . . . where it is written” (4:17)

The Structure of the Quotation Each of the two quotations consists of three similar parts:

• First the messenger is presented: “A voice cries in the wilderness” (3:4) “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me” (4:19) • Then follows his message: “Prepare a way for the Lord etc.” (3:4–5) “to bring the good news to the poor etc.” (4:18) • Finally the aim of the message is stated: “and all mankind shall see the salvation of God” (3:6) “to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour” (4:19)

The Structure of the Message In both quotations the message consists of a threefold, synthetic parallel- ism. The first part has the character of a summary. It is elaborated in the two following parts: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight” (3:4) is elaborated in Luke 3:5.