Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

1997

Publisher

New Testament Society of Southern Africa

Source Publication

Neotestamentica

Source ISSN

0254-8356

Abstract

Starting from generally accepted narrative insights, this article attempts to justify a canonical reading of Luke and Acts that actualises the Lukan text for contemporary theology and Christian life. It argues that one set of foundations for later actualisation was laid by the original author: that is, the text itself of Luke and Acts has built into it several invitations for its actualisation in later Christians' lives. Among these built-in occasions for canonical actualisation, this article focuses especially on the 'open-endedness' of Luke and Acts toward the future . It examines three specific openings toward actualisation and application: (1) an open-ended plot of Acts, which invites indefinite continuation of the Pauline proclamation; (2) open-ended extension of biblical promises into the future, and (3) open-ended broadening beyond the initial audience to all possible future generations of 'us' Christian readers.

Comments

Published Version. Neotestamentica, Vol. 31, No. 2 (1997): 289-308. Permalink. © 1997 New Testament Society of Southern Africa. Used with permission.

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