The Poor and Their Possessions: Possessions and the Poor in Luke-Acts
Ebook
Of all the New Testament writings Luke-Acts focuses particular attention on rich and poor, possessions and poverty. The Poor and Their Possessions is a new edition of a Cambridge doctoral dissertation that has long been out of print. The author's exploration of Luke's thinking is of special importance for Christian preachers, so much effort has gone into making it accessible and readable. Who are the poor? Why are they favored? Did Jesus have a program of social reform? Is renunciation of possessions demanded of all Christians? What guidance does Luke give on the use of possessions? Did the early church have a community of possessions? To whom was Luke's material targeted? What was its purpose? These and other questions find their answers in the book. Besides its clear argument, this book is a treasure store of careful study of some difficult but important passages from Luke and Acts.
“It is good that David Seccombe’s magisterial study The Poor
and Their Possessions will be republished. . . . His
insights based on in-depth exegesis of key texts and his engagement
with alternative views combine to make this work one of rare
scholarship. The new edition incorporates subsequent inquiry into
this subject and includes an appendix with the author’s critical
review of ten more recent studies. Highly recommended.”
—Paul Barnett, Lecturer emeritus, Moore College, Sydney
“The 1970s were the heyday of liberation theology, so it was
important for Seccombe to remind us of how intertwined ‘poor’ and
‘rich’ in Luke-Acts were with spiritual realities. Today capitalism
has largely triumphed, so Seccombe’s biggest contribution may be to
remind us that kingdom use of one’s possessions includes helping
the physically poor. It is great to have this work in print again,
with a bonus—a detailed appendix critiquing more recent
studies.”
—Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament,
Denver Seminary
“By careful exegesis, attention to detail, and sound judgment,
David Seccombe enlightens us in the reading of Luke’s writings. His
subject continues to be of key significance in seeking to follow
Christ faithfully. As we accept his findings, we will be all the
better placed to receive the gospel and live out its
implications.”
—Peter Jensen, former Archbishop of Sydney
“By setting Luke’s understanding of ‘the poor’ properly in its Old
Testament context, Seccombe enables us to understand so much of
Jesus’ teaching about ‘the poor’ as he intended it to be
understood—rather than as we, with our own preconceptions, might
like to read it. The content of this book will revolutionize our
handling of Luke’s Gospel.”
—William Taylor, Rector of St Helen’s Bishopsgate
- Title: The Poor and Their Possessions: Possessions and the Poor in Luke-Acts
- Author: David Seccombe
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666710052, 9781666710038, 9781666710045, 1666710059, 1666710032, 1666710040
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666710052
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:51:22Z
David Peter Seccombe is Research Fellow of George Whitefield
College in Cape Town, South Africa, where he was principal from
1993–2012. He is Extraordinary Professor of New Testament of
North-West University in South Africa, and Acting Dean of Geraldton
Anglican Cathedral in Western Australia. His books include Dust
to Destiny: Reading Romans Today (2013); The King of God’s
Kingdom: A Solution to the Puzzle of Jesus (2002); The
Gospel of the Kingdom: Jesus’ Revolutionary Message (2016); and
Christian Family (2020).