Prayer and Vindication in Luke - Acts: The Theme of Prayer Within the Context of the Legitimating and Edifying Objective of the Lukan Narrative (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780567017567)

Holmas asserts that the distribution of strategically-placed prayer notices and prayers throughout Luke-Acts serves a twofold purpose. First, it is integral to Luke's project of authenticating the Jesus-movement as accredited by Israel's God. Holmas shows that Luke presents a consistent pattern of divine affirmation and redemption attending the tenacious prayers of the faithful ones throughout every major phase of his narrative - in turn demonstrating continuity with the pious Israel of the past.

Secondly, most importantly the 'ultimate' purpose of Luke's emphasis on prayer is didactical. In Luke's gospel Jesus summons his disciples (and implicitly his readers) to confident and persistent prayer before the Eschaton, assuring them of God's readiness to answer their entreaties. Luke's historical account as a whole provides narrative reinforcement of this affirmation. Just as God has been consistent in responding to the diligent prayers of his faithful ones in recent history, satisfying and fulfilling Israel's hopes for redemption in the Jesus movement, he will assuredly secure ultimate vindication at the end of time for those who persist in prayer.

Author: Geir Otto Holmas
ISBN-10: 0567017567
ISBN-13: 9780567017567
Publisher: Continnuum-3PL
Language: English
Published: 05/19/2011
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.40lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.20w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2011 pg. 16