Heaven and Earth in Luke-Acts

by Ming Gao

Overview

Dr Ming Gao delves into the much-overlooked heaven motif in Luke-Acts in this critical study of a central element in Christian belief. Focusing on several key passages from the biblical canon, Gao analyzes them in their Jewish, Greco-Roman and broader literary contexts to enhance our comprehension of the meaning of “heaven” and its significance for our worldview. Heaven is not simply a static place where God dwells or a symbol of his power, but is a dynamic arena that impacts the earthly realm. Dr Gao also elucidates how heaven, as well as being part of reality, acts as a concept that points to the arrival of God’s eschatological kingdom on earth. This book will enhance efforts to understand “heaven,” which is often viewed as an unfathomable mystery by so many Christians.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781783683482
Publisher:	Langham Creative Projects
Publication date:	10/31/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	312
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

MING GAO is an associate Professor of New Testament and Teaching Pastor in China. He gained his PhD in New Testament from Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, USA, and has an MDiv and a ThM from Singapore Bible College. Prior to his theological studies he had an eleven-year career in medicine.

Table of Contents

Abstract

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Chapter 1 – Introduction

Heaven Language in Luke-Acts

Literature Review

Thesis Statement

Methodology

Chapter 2 – The Invasion of the Heavenly Glory on Earth – Luke 2:14

Introduction

Narrative Analysis of the Infancy Narrative

Structural Analysis of Luke 2:8–20

The Heavenly Hymn: Luke 2:14

Textual Issue

A Study of “Highest” (ὕψιστος)

Who/What Is This Heavenly Glory?

Heaven and Peace in Luke 2:14

Summary

The Heaven Motif and the Peace Motif

Peace Motif in Recent Lukan Scholarship

The Term Peace (εἰρήνη) in Luke-Acts

“Peace” (εἰρήνη) in Luke 2:14

The Relationship between the Heaven Motif and the Peace Motif

Summary

The Outworking of the Heaven Motif by the Peace Motif in

Luke-Acts

Heavenly Glory Manifested by Peace in the Ministry of Jesus

Heavenly Glory Presented by Peace in the Mission of the Disciples

Heavenly Glory Manifested in the Ecclesial Dimension

Conclusion

Chapter 3 – The Victory of God in Heaven and Its Impact on Earth – The Fall of Satan From Heaven in Luke 10:18

Introduction

The Fall of Satan in Luke 10:18

Views on the Vision of Satan’s Fall

The Victory of God in Heaven

The Agent of the Victory of God

The Victory of God over Satan in Heaven and Its Impact on Earth

Summary

Exorcisms in Luke

Exorcisms

The Theological Significance of Exorcisms: Luke 11:14–23

Individual Exorcism Narrative

Summary

Conclusion

Chapter 4 – The Ascension of Jesus – Luke 24:50–53 and Acts 1:9–11

Introduction

The Ascension of Jesus

Scholarship on the Ascension of Jesus

Double Accounts, One Event (Luke 24:50–53 and Acts 1:9–11)

Literary Function

Ascension and Resurrection

Luke’s Theological Concerns

Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus

Εἰς Τὸν Οὐρανὸν

“At the Right Hand of God”

Summary

The Cosmic Lord

The Cosmic God/Lord

Visions from Heaven: The Inclusion of the Gentiles

Cosmic Lordship of Christ: Anti-Idol Polemic

Conclusion

Chapter 5 – Heaven Must Receive Jesus Until the Restoration of All – Acts 3:21

Introduction

Acts 3:21

Temporal Markers in Acts 3:17–26

Temporal Phrases

The First and Second Comings of Jesus in Acts 3:17–26

Acts 3:21

Summary

Luke 17:22–37

Temporal Markers

The Context of Luke 17:22–37

Summary

Luke 21:25–28

Temporal Markers

Summary

Acts 2:17–21

Temporal Markers

The Last Days – Inaugurated

Summary

Conclusion

Excursus: Lukan Eschatology

Review of Scholarship

Conclusion

Chapter 6 – Summary and Conclusion

Summary

Conclusion

Implications for the Study of the Lukan Ecclesiology

Implications for the Study of Luke-Acts

Implications for Evangelization

Implications for the Persecuted Church

Implication for Contextualization

Areas for Further Research

Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Dr Gao insightfully illumines how the concept of “heaven and earth” is integral to the storyline of Luke-Acts, from Christ’s birth to his ascension. While doing so, he forces you to observe how what transpires in the heavens has ramifications on earth. Heaven is not merely a static place of angelic bliss; it is both a headquarters and battleground where God enacts his triumphant plan to establish his kingdom. I have been enriched by this impressive study, and I am delighted to know that many others will be through its publication.

Andrew T. Abernethy, PhD

Associate Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, USA

In this insightful study, Dr Gao situates the heaven motif within the theological landscape of Lukan writings and rovides a strong argument for a dynamic reading of this motif as a symbol of the unfolding of cosmic warfare at the dawn of God’s eschatological kingdom on earth. Through the lens of this heaven motif, Dr Gao is also able to provide a fresh reading of a number of passages in both Luke and Acts. Those who are interested in the theology of Luke will find this volume a helpful dialogue partner, and those who are interested in the power of the Lukan message for the contemporary reader will not be disappointed with it.

David W. Pao, PhD

Professor of New Testament and Chair of the New Testament Department,

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, USA

From the Publisher