The Kingdom According to Luke and Acts: A Social, Literary, and Theological Introduction - Paperback

by Karl Allen Kuhn (Author)

This substantial, reliable introduction examines the character and purpose of Luke and Acts and provides a thorough yet economical treatment of Luke's social, historical, and literary context. Karl Allen Kuhn presents Luke's narrative as a "kingdom story" that both announces the arrival of God's reign in Jesus and describes the ministry of the early church, revealing the character of the kingdom as dramatically at odds with the kingdom of Rome. Kuhn explores the background, literary features, plotting, and themes of Luke and Acts but also offers significant, fresh insights into the persuasive force of Luke's impressively crafted and rhetorically charged narrative.

Back Jacket

In this volume, Karl Allen Kuhn examines the character and purpose of Luke and Acts and introduces Luke's social, historical, and literary context. He presents Luke's narrative as a "kingdom story" that both announces the arrival of God's reign in Jesus and describes the ministry of the early church, revealing the character of the kingdom as dramatically at odds with the kingdom of Rome. Kuhn explores the background, literary features, plotting, and themes of Luke and Acts but also offers significant, fresh insights into the persuasive force of Luke's impressively crafted and rhetorically charged narrative.

"Karl Kuhn's groundbreaking monograph on Luke-Acts will reset modern interpretation of these books and influence New Testament studies for years to come. Pastors, teachers, or anyone who looks to Luke's writings for guidance on how communities of faith might live responsibly in a secular world will want to read and treasure the insights of this book."
--Mark Allan Powell, Trinity Lutheran Seminary

"Kuhn provides a rich introduction to Luke's two-volume work, carefully unraveling its thick, interwoven tapestry of literary patterns, rhetorical strategies, social networks, political tensions, and theological themes. This book is beautifully written and structured (aptly for Luke's 'orderly' narrative) and chock-full of carefully explained examples from Luke's text. While helpfully assessing the current state of Lukan scholarship, Kuhn also offers many fresh insights; in particular, his attention to the poignant, passionate-emotional features of Luke's project is a real bonus."
--F. Scott Spencer, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond; author of Salty Wives, Spirited Mothers, and Savvy Widows: Capable Women of Purpose and Persistence in Luke's Gospel and The Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles

"Building on recent conversations about early Christian resistance to the Roman Empire, Kuhn provides us with a well-written, thorough, and helpful introductory textbook for the study of Luke and Acts. While addressing historical, social, literary, rhetorical, and theological elements, Kuhn effectively highlights the Lukan call for readers to abandon allegiance to Rome and embrace God's kingdom."
--Andrew Arterbury, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

Author Biography

Karl Allen Kuhn (PhD, Marquette University) is professor of religion at Lakeland College in Plymouth, Wisconsin. He is the author of "Having Words with God: The Bible as Conversation," "The Heart of Biblical Narrative: Rediscovering Biblical Appeal to the Emotions," and "Luke: The Elite Evangelist."