Unique Issues in Luke–Acts

Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries PMIN 206 The Synoptic Gospels Dr. Catherine Murphy

UNIQUE ISSUES IN LUKE–ACTS

The Omissions of Markan Material

§ 35% of Luke is drawn from Mark

§ Luke follows Markan order and incorporates large chunks of Mark at a time

§ However, he omits two Markan sections

ü Mark 6:45–8:26 the great omission (after the first multiplication of the loaves through the second)

ü Mark 9:41–10:12 the little omission (temptations to sin, teachings on divorce)

The Journey Motif

§ The Acts emphasis on Paul’s journeys influences the presentation of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem Mark’s brief references become The framework for ten to Jesus’ journey chapters in Luke (10:1, 32; 11:1) (9:51–19:27)

§ The journey in the gospel thus becomes the setting for most of Jesus’ teaching

§ In Acts, the earliest Christians are called Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the “the Way” (9:1-2) disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for § The narrator appears to join Paul for parts letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found of his journeys (16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-18; any who belonged to the Way, and 27:1–28:16) men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

1 Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles tell us where Jesus’ 11 disciples preached after his death

Peter Andrew Philip Thomas John son of Zebedee James bro of Jesus and James son of Zebedee (Jerusalem) Bartholomew/Nathanael and Jude/Thaddeus and Simon the Zealot Matthew (Egypt or Persia), James son of Alphaeus/the Less, and early preaching of Simon the Zealot

Luke’s Acts of the Apostles focus almost exclusively on Paul

Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries PMIN 206 The Synoptic Gospels Dr. Catherine Murphy

PARABLES IN LUKE

2 What Is a Parable?

§ an oral teaching technique in which the teacher uses a story with a built-in riddle or question to prod his audience to think differently or to change their behavior

§ parables presume resistance to the message

§ they are intentionally open-ended to prevent moralizing (drawing one fixed lesson from them)

§ they encourage each person to take responsibility to apply them in his/her own life

§ there are some 33 in the gospels ú 31 of these are only in the synoptics ú 20 of those are in Luke ú and 10 of those are only in Luke ú 15 of Luke’s 20 parables are in the travel narrative

What Is a Parable?

The literary form “parable” or “similitude” usually has the following structure:

§ narrative introduction § story § question posed by storyteller § true answer given by audience

§ storyteller’s conclusion § narrative conclusion

The Parable of the Two Creditors Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he § narrative introduction went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. § story And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned § question posed by that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an storyteller alabaster jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, § true answer given by weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to audience dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet § storyteller’s conclusion and anointing them with the ointment. Now when the § narrative conclusion Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.”

3 The Parable of the Two Creditors Luke 7:36-50

“A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred § narrative introduction denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he § story canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will § question posed by love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for storyteller whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, § true answer given by “You have judged rightly.” audience § storyteller’s conclusion § narrative conclusion

The Parable of the Two Creditors Luke 7:36-50

Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you § narrative introduction see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water § story for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and § question posed by dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the storyteller time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did § true answer given by not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet audience with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were § storyteller’s conclusion many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. § narrative conclusion But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

The Parable of the Lost & Found Luke 15

§ narrative introduction § story §

§ Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to § listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable:

4 13

Parables in Luke From Mark From Q Unique to Luke

§ Two debtors (7:41-43) § Sower (8:5-8) § Allegory of the seeds (8:11-15) § Good Samaritan (10:29-37) § Friend at midnight (11:5-8) § Faithful and wise § Rich fool (12:13-21) servant (12:42-46) § Mustard seed (13:18-19) § Leaven (13:20-21) § Great supper (14:16-24) § Lost sheep (15:4-7) § Lost coin (15:8-10) § Lost son (15:11-32) § Unjust steward (16:1-8) § Rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31) § Widow and Judge (18:1-8) § Talents or pounds § Pharisee & tax collector (18:9-14) § Wicked tenants (20:9-18) (19:11-27) § Fig tree (21:29-31) 14

The Rich Man & Lazarus Luke 16:19-31

§ Who is the audience? § How are the Pharisees characterized?

§ What holds together the material in the larger narrative unit, starting in 16:14? In particular, what is the relation of vvs. 16-18, about the law and divorce, to the teaching of the rich man and Lazarus?

§ In what ways are the rich man and Lazarus characterized as literary foils for each other?

5 Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries PMIN 206 The Synoptic Gospels Dr. Catherine Murphy

LUKE’S ECONOMIC INTEREST & ETHIC

Luke’s Material on Wealth What he keeps from Mark

Mark Luke 4:19 Parable of the sower ✓ cares if the world, delight in riches, desire for other things, choke out the word 7:22 What defiles a person (debate with Pharisees) ✓ things from the heart, not the outside: e.g., theft, coveting (Luke: extortion) 10:17-31 The rich young man ✓ in Mark, “he went away sorrowful”; in Luke, he (just) “became sad”

11:15-17 Temple scene: overturning the money-changers’ tables “You have made it a den of robbers” ✓ 12:40 Woe to the Pharisees ✓ who devour widows’ houses 12:41-44 The widow’s mite (not in Matthew) ✓ 13:3-9 Anointing at Bethany ✗ “For you always have the poor with you”

Luke’s Material on Wealth What he keeps from Q

Q Luke

6:20-23 Blessed are the poor, hungry, those who weep ✓ 6:37-38 The measure you give will be the measure ✓ you get back 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees “You tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice ✓ and the love of God”

12:21, 31, 33-34 Laying up treasure for self vs. God ✓ 12:22-31 Anxieties about earthly things ✓ 14:16-24 The parable of the great supper “Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in” ✓

14:16-24 Serving God and mammon Luke adds 3 verses before on same topic ✓

6 Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ Annunciation of Jesus’ birth comes to a young single girl in a small village far from Jerusalem (1:26-38)

§ She praises God for throwing the mighty down from their thrones and lifting the lowly (1:46-55)

§ She gives birth far from home, forced to travel there by an imperial tax census (2:1-7)

§ The baby’s crib is a manger — an animal food trough (2:7)

§ The visitors who come to pay him homage are shepherds (2:8-20)

Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ John the Baptist’s preaching includes three economic commands (3:10-14; cf. §15) ú crowds: share extra clothes, food ú tax collectors: don’t collect more than is due ú soldiers: don’t extort, be satisfied with your wages (4:16-22) § Jesus begins his ministry by reading Isaiah’s promise of redemption, and saying it is fulfilled (4:16-22)

Jesus as Prophet Inaugural Words in the Nazareth Synagogue

4:16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

7 Jesus as Prophet Later Response to John the Baptist

7:22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them.”

Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ John the Baptist’s preaching includes 3 economic commands (3:10-14; cf. §15) ú crowds: share extra clothes, food ú tax collectors: don’t collect more than is due ú soldiers: don’t extort, be satisfied with your wages (4:16-22) § Jesus begins his ministry by reading Isaiah’s promise of redemption, and saying it is fulfilled (4:16-22)

§ Beatitudes: blessed are the poor, and woe to the rich! (6:20, 24; cf. §51)

§ Love of enemy includes lending without expecting anything in return (6:34-35; §80)

Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ Dispute between brothers over inheritance, prompting parable of rich fool (12:13-21)

§ Parable of the rich man and Lazarus (16:19-26) § Parable about where to sit at wedding banquet, with instruction to invite the poor, maimed, lame and blind (14:7-14)

§ Parable of the great supper (Q), with the later guests specified as the poor, maimed, lame and blind (14:15-24; cf. §216)

§ Jesus invites himself to dinner with Zacchaeus, the tax collector (19:1-10)

8 Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ Teachings on the love command (10:25-42)

ú Narrative Introduction (10:25-30)

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied,

Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ Teachings on the love command (10:25-42)

ú Narrative Introduction (10:25-28)

ú Parable of the good Samaritan (10:29-37)

ú Story of Martha and Mary (10:38-42)

§ Parables of the lost and found (15:1-32)

ú Narrative Introduction (15:1-3)

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable:

Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ Teachings on the love command (10:25-42)

ú Narrative Introduction (10:25-28)

ú Parable of the good Samaritan (10:29-37)

ú Story of Martha and Mary (10:38-42)

§ Parables of the lost and found (15:1-32)

ú Narrative Introduction (15:1-3)

ú Parable of the lost sheep (15:4-7)

ú Parable of the lost coin (15:8-10)

ú Parable of the lost son (15:11-32)

9 Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

§ Parable of the unjust steward (16:1-9)

§ Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (18:9-14)

§ Sharing of goods among early Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 2:43-47; 4:34-35) ú Barnabas sells field, gives proceeds to apostles (4:36-37)

ú Ananias and Sapphira sell a piece of property, but hold some proceeds back (5:1-11)

ú Provisioning for Hellenist widows (6:1-6)

Luke’s Material on Wealth Unique Material

Matthew 27:55-56 Mark 15:40-41 Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, διακονοῦσαι διηκόνουν and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources. Many women were also there, There were also women looking on from a distance; they had looking on from a distance; among them followed Jesus from Galilee and had were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the διηκόνουν…αὐτοῖς provided for him. 56 Among them mother of James the younger and of were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the Joses, and Salome. These used to follow ἐκ τῶν ὑπαρχόντων mother of James and Joseph, and him and provided for him when he was the mother of the sons of Zebedee. in Galilee; and there were many other αὐταῖς women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

Luke’s Material on Wealth Summary of the Evidence

Annunciation to Mary 1:26-38 Dispute over inheritance/rich fool 12:13-21 Mary’s Canticle 1:46-55 Anxieties about earthly things 12:22-31 Born away from home in stable 2:1-7 Places of honor (lame, blind…) 14:7-14 Shepherds visit 2:8-20 Parable of the great supper (lame…) 14:16-24 Baptist preaches to share 3:10-14 Parable of lost sheep/coin/son 15:1-32 Jesus proclaims salvation 4:16-21 Parable of unjust steward 16:1-9 Parable of the sower 8:14 Serving God and mammon 16:10-13 Blessed are poor; woe to rich 6:20-23 Pharisees, lovers of money/divorce 16:14-18 Lend without expecting return 6:34-35 Parable of rich man and Lazarus 16:19-26 The measure you give 6:37-38 Parable of Pharisee & tax collector 18:9-14 Tell John what you see 7:22 Rich young man 18:18-30 Description of ministering women 8:1-3 Jesus dines with Zacchaeus 19:1-10 Parable of good Samaritan 10:29-37 Overturning temple tables 19:45-46 What defiles: extortion 11:39 Woe to Pharisees (widows) 20:47 Woe to Pharisees (tithing/justice) 11:42 Widow’s mite 21:1-4 Laying up treasure 12:21, 31-34

10 Luke’s Material on Wealth Summary of the Evidence Unique to Luke

Annunciation to Mary 1:26-38 Dispute over inheritance/rich fool 12:13-21 Mary’s Canticle 1:46-55 Anxieties about earthly things 12:22-31 Born away from home in stable 2:1-7 Places of honor (lame, blind…) 14:7-14 Shepherds visit 2:8-20 Parable of the great supper (lame…) 14:16-24 Baptist preaches to share 3:10-14 Parable of lost sheep/coin/son 15:1-32 Jesus proclaims salvation 4:16-21 Parable of unjust steward 16:1-9 Parable of the sower 8:14 Serving God and mammon (+3 verses) 16:10-13 Blessed are poor; woe to rich 6:20-23 Pharisees, lovers of money/divorce 16:14-18 Lend without expecting return 6:34-35 Parable of rich man and Lazarus 16:19-26 The measure you give 6:37-38 Parable of Pharisee & tax collector 18:9-14 Tell John what you see 7:22 Rich young man 18:18-30 Description of ministering women 8:1-3 Jesus dines with Zacchaeus 19:1-10 Parable of good Samaritan 10:29-37 Overturning temple tables 19:45-46 What defiles: extortion 11:39 Woe to Pharisees (widows) 20:47 Woe to Pharisees (tithing/justice) 11:42 Widow’s mite 21:1-4 Laying up treasure 12:21, 31-34

Luke’s Material on Wealth Summary of the Evidence Located in his travel narrative

Annunciation to Mary 1:26-38 Dispute over inheritance/rich fool 12:13-21 Mary’s Canticle 1:46-55 Anxieties about earthly things 12:22-31 Born away from home in stable 2:1-7 Places of honor (lame, blind…) 14:7-14 Shepherds visit 2:8-20 Parable of the great supper (lame…) 14:16-24 Baptist preaches to share 3:10-14 Parable of lost sheep/coin/son 15:1-32 Jesus proclaims salvation 4:16-21 Parable of unjust steward 16:1-9 Parable of the sower 8:14 Serving God and mammon (+3 verses) 16:10-13 Blessed are poor; woe to rich 6:20-23 Pharisees, lovers of money/divorce 16:14-18 Lend without expecting return 6:34-35 Parable of rich man and Lazarus 16:19-26 The measure you give 6:37-38 Parable of Pharisee & tax collector 18:9-14 Tell John what you see 7:22 Rich young man 18:18-30 Description of ministering women 8:1-3 Jesus dines with Zacchaeus 19:1-10 Parable of good Samaritan 10:29-37 Overturning temple tables 19:45-46 What defiles: extortion 11:39 Woe to Pharisees (widows) 20:47 Woe to Pharisees (tithing/justice) 11:42 Widow’s mite 21:1-4 Laying up treasure 12:21, 31-34

Luke’s Emphasis on Possessions

§ Tensions in the material Why?

ú Take nothing for the journey, or take a sack? • Wealthier audience ú Depend on others’ hospitality, or provide it? • Gentile audience, ú Give alms, give up possessions, or hold all goods in common? lacked traditions of Jewish ethics § What the gospel teaches about possessions • Later moment; ú prudence – right use of possessions parousia delayed, end-time ethic ú a more radical stance – renunciation of all ownership moderated (evangelical poverty) ú dangers of wealth ú eschatological dimension – God will ultimately reverse fortunes ú symbolic function – poor/rich become metaphors for attitude towards God

11 Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries PMIN 206 The Synoptic Gospels Dr. Catherine Murphy

LUKE’S POLITICAL THEOLOGY

Luke’s Political Theology In the Infancy Narrative

1:5 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

Luke’s Political Theology In the Infancy Narrative

1:31-33 “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

12 Luke’s Political Theology In the Infancy Narrative

2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke’s Political Theology In the Infancy Narrative

2:8-14 Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke’s Redaction of Sources Synopsis • Entry to Jerusalem (παρουσια, adventus)

Matthew 21:7-9 Mark 11:7-10 Luke 19:35-38

they brought the ass and the colt, And they bring the colt And they brought it and placed their outer to Jesus and throw their outer to Jesus, and throwing their outer cloaks on them, and he sat on cloaks on it; and he sat on cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on them. Most it. And many it. And as he went along, they of the crowd spread their own spread their spread out their outer cloaks in the road, and others outer cloaks on the road, and others outer cloaks in the road. cut branches leafy branches that they had cut from the trees and spread them in from the fields. the road. As he was now drawing near to the descent of the Mount of Olives, And the crowds And those the whole multitude of the that went before him and going ahead and those disciples that followed him following began to rejoice and were shouting, were shouting, praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of “Hosanna! saying, David! Blessed is the one who comes Blessed is the one who comes “Blessed is the one who in the name of the Lord! in the name of the Lord! comes—the king—in the name of the Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Lord! Hosanna father David! Hosanna in the highest!” in the highest!” Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

13 Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus

Zechariah 14:2-3, 5-9 Luke 19:35-38

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer taken and the houses looted and the women raped; half the city shall go into cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord it. And as he went along, they spread out their will go forth and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. outer cloaks in the road. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east…. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones As he was now drawing near to with him. On that day there shall not be either cold or frost. And there shall be the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the continuous day (it is known to the Lord), not day and not night, for at evening disciples time there shall be light. On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea; it shall the mighty works that they had seen, saying, continue in summer as in winter. And the Lord will become king over all the “Blessed is the one who earth; on that day the Lord will be one and his name one. comes—the king—in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus

Luke 19:35-38

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on it. And as he went along, they spread out their outer cloaks in the road.

Peace in heaven Constantius arriving at newly liberated London, 296 and glory in the highest!” Inscription: Redditor Lucis Aeternae (=“Restorer of Eternal Light”)

Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus

Luke 19:35-38

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on it. And as he went along, they spread out their outer cloaks in the road.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

14 Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus • Echoing an Earlier Advent

Luke 2:7-15 Luke 19:35-38

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by it. And as he went along, they spread out their night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord outer cloaks in the road. shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to As he was now drawing near to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying disciples in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, the mighty works that they had seen, saying, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left “Blessed is the one who them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now comes—the king—in the name of the Lord! to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus • Challenging Imperial Theology

Luke 19:35-38

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on it. And as he went along, they spread out their outer cloaks in the road.

Peace in heaven Constantius arriving at newly liberated London, 296 CE and glory in the highest!” Inscription: Redditor Lucis Aeternae (=“Restorer of Eternal Light”)

Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus • Challenging Imperial Theology

Luke 19:35-38

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on it. And as he went along, they spread out their outer cloaks in the road.

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Ara Pacis Augustae (Augustus’ Altar of Peace), Rome

15 Luke’s Redaction of Sources The Parousia or Adventus • Challenging Imperial Theology

Luke 19:35-38

And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their outer cloaks on the colt they set Jesus on it. And as he went along, they spread out their outer cloaks in the road.

As he was now drawing near to the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, Bust of Octavian Pax, holding olive branch and cornucopia “Blessed is the one who (Augustus Caesar) Inscription: Caesar Divi F comes—the king—in the name of the (= Caesar, Divi Filius, or Lord! “Caesar, Son of God”) Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries PMIN 206 The Synoptic Gospels Dr. Catherine Murphy

THE TWO MAJOR VERSIONS OF LUKE–ACTS

The Manuscript Evidence

There are two “families” of manuscripts for Luke-Acts:

Western Alexandrian

Codex Bezae early papyrus 400s CE fragmentary Sinaiticus fragments papyri 300s

Vaticanus 300s

marginal notes in Syriac mss Alexandrinus African Old Latin 400s

Citations in Ephraemi Rescriptus Cyprian and Augustine 400s 48

16 The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

22:19bThen he took the bread, said 22:19bThen he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my it to them, saying, “This is my body.” body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” 20And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.”

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

24:2They found the stone rolled away 24:2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; 3but when they from the tomb; 3but when they entered, they did not find the body. entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

24:6” 24:6”He is not here, but he has been Remember what he said to raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee….” you while he was still in Galilee….”

17 The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

{missing} 24:12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

24:36While they were still speaking 24:36While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst. about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

{missing} 24:40And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

18 The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

24:51As he blessed them he parted 24:51As he blessed them he parted from them. from them and was taken up to heaven.

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In the Gospel of Luke, the Alexandrian version is longer than the Western version

Western Alexandrian

24:52They 24:52They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53and they were continually in the 53and they were continually in the temple praising God. temple praising God.

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ Often you suspect that an addition is later

§ But in these Lukan cases, the majority of text critics believe the longer Alexandrian form is earlier, and the Western version cut things out

§ This is determined on a case-by-case basis, but an important factor in all cases is that our earliest and best witnesses are Alexandrian

19 The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ In Acts of the Apostles, the opposite is the case: the Western version is longer

§ However in these cases, the additions are judged to be later rather than earlier because they exaggerate or amplify what is already in the text in four typical ways ü Emphasis is exaggerated

ü Religious formulae are introduced

ü Simpler titles are replaced with more theological titles ü Emphasis on inspiration of words and actions is increased

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ Emphasis is exaggerated

Western Alexandrian

6:10But they could not withstand the 6:10But they could not withstand the wisdom that was in him and the holy wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke, because spirit with which he spoke. they were confuted by him with all boldness. Being unable therefore to confront the truth,

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ Religious formulae are introduced

Western Alexandrian

9:40Peter sent them all out and knelt 9:40Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up, her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” She immediately opened her eyes, She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. saw Peter, and sat up.

20 The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ A simpler title for Jesus is replaced with a more theological title

Western Alexandrian 13:32We ourselves are proclaiming 13:32”We ourselves are proclaiming this good news to you that what this good news to you that what God promised our ancestors 33he God promised our ancestors 33he has brought to fulfillment for us, has brought to fulfillment for us, [their] children, by raising up the Lord [their] children, by raising up Jesus Christ, as it is written in the Jesus, as it is written in the second psalm ‘You are my son; this second psalm ‘You are my son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me day I have begotten you.’ Ps 2:7 {adds Ps 2:8 and I will give you Gentiles for your as well as titles} inheritance, and for your possession the ends of the earth.’”

The Alexandrian & Western Versions How different are they?

§ Emphasis increased on inspiration of words and actions

Western Alexandrian

19:1And although Paul wished, 19:1While Apollos was in Corinth, according to his own plan, to go to Jerusalem, the Spirit told him to return to Asia. And having traveled having traveled through the interior of the country through the interior of the country he comes to Ephesus where he Paul came to Ephesus where he found some disciples. found some disciples.