Empowered for Witness: The Spirit in Luke-Acts

by Robert P. Menzies

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2004

Overview

With this study, Menzies sets a new standard for pneumatology. Beginning with an overview of the pneumatological perspectives of intertestamental Judaism (including literature from the Diaspora, Palestinian, Qumran and rabbinic sources), the first section concludes that for the most part these sources “consistently identify experience of the Spirit with prophetic inspiration.” The next section aims to uncover Luke’s distinctive pneumatology, employing a redaction critical method of analysis in order to illustrate Luke’s similarly consistent portrayal of the Spirit as the source of prophetic inspiration, rather than as the source of Christian existence. The final section goes on to explore how this conclusion impacts on contemporary theological reflection and spiritual life.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The decisive objection against the interpretations outlined above is that Luke equates the gift of the Spirit granted to Cornelius’s household, not with cleansing and forgiveness, but with the Pentecostal gift of prophetic inspiration.¹ Luke stresses the point through repetition: the Gentiles received the same gift granted to the Jewish disciples on Pentecost (10:47; 11:15, 17; 15:8).” (Pages 217–218)

“A second pivotal argument for Dunn is his claim that the Spirit is the essence and embodiment of the new covenant” (Pages 31–32)

“Paul affirms that every Christian may—and indeed should—be edified through the private manifestation of tongues” (Page 248)

“I would suggest therefore that a high view of Scripture demands, not that Luke and Paul have the same pneumatological perspective, but rather that Luke’s distinctive pneumatology is ultimately reconcilable with that of Paul, and that both perspectives can be seen as contributing to a process of harmonious development.” (Page 240)

“For Luke, the Spirit of prophecy is a gift given exclusively to the people of God. The gift does not produce faith, it is given to faith. Nor can it be said that the gift is the means by which one is justified before God, for a heart for God is the precondition rather than the result of the prophetic gift.” (Page 186)

Product Details

• Title: Empowered for Witness: The Spirit in Luke-Acts
• Author: Robert P. Menzies
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2004
• Logos Release Date: 2008
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Luke › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible. N.T. Acts › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Holy Spirit › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9780567041906, 0567041905
• Resource ID: LLS:EMPOWRWITNES
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:40:51Z

About Robert P. Menzies

Robert P. Menzies is Lecturer in New Testament and Director of the China Studies Program at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines.