Heaven and Earth in Luke-Acts

Ming Gao

Description

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.

Informations

• Publié par: Langham Creative Projects
• Date de parution: 31 octobre 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781783683482
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

In this insightful study, Dr Gao situates the heaven motif within the theological landscape of Lukan writings and provides 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

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

Heaven and Earth in Luke-Acts
Ming Gao

© 2017 by Ming Gao
Published 2017 by Langham Monographs
An imprint of Langham Creative Projects
Langham Partnership
PO Box 296, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 9WZ, UK
www.langham.org
ISBNs:
978-1-78368-347-5 Print
978-1-78368-349-9 Mobi
978-1-78368-348-2 ePub
978-1-78368-350-5 PDF
Ming Gao has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 to be identified as the Author of this work.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher or the Copyright Licensing Agency.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN: 978-1-78368-347-5
Cover & Book Design: projectluz.com
Langham Partnership actively supports theological dialogue and an author’s right to publish but does not necessarily endorse the views and opinions set forth here or in works referenced within this publication, nor can we guarantee technical and grammatical correctness. Langham Partnership does not accept any responsibility or liability to persons or property as a consequence of the reading, use or interpretation of its published content.

Converted to eBook by EasyEPUB

Dedication to Irene and Carol and in memory of my Father and Mother
Contents

Cover


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


Introduction


Narrative Analysis of the Infancy Narrative


Structural Analysis of Luke 2:8–20


The Heavenly Hymn: Luke 2:14


The Heaven Motif and the Peace Motif


The Outworking of the Heaven Motif by the Peace Motif in Luke-Acts


Conclusion


Chapter 3 The Victory of God in Heaven and Its Impact on Earth


Introduction


The Fall of Satan in Luke 10:18


Exorcisms in Luke


Conclusion


Chapter 4 The Ascension of Jesus


Introduction


The Ascension of Jesus


Ascension and Exaltation of Jesus


The Cosmic Lord


Conclusion


Chapter 5 Heaven Must Receive Jesus Until the Restoration of All


Introduction


Acts 3:21


Luke 17:22–37


Luke 21:25–28


Acts 2:17–21


Conclusion


Excursus: Lukan Eschatology


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


About Langham Partnership

Endnotes
Abstract
Is heaven simply a place where God is or the symbol of God’s power? The answer to both questions is probably “no.” This project is a narrative-critical and redaction-critical study of the much-overlooked heaven motif in Luke-Acts. Examinations are made into programmatic passages that contain the heaven motif (Luke 2:14; 10:18; 24:50–53; Acts 1:9–11; 3:21), considering their immediate and broader literary contexts as well as their Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.
First, our examination of Luke 2:14 demonstrates that the heavenly hymn concerns both heaven and earth. The glory of the highest heaven has been manifested on earth by the eschatological peace/salvation. The heavenly glory brings the eschatological peace down to earth. Second, our study of Luke 10:18 demonstrates that the fall of Satan from heaven points to the victory of God in heaven. Jesus saw a vision of this fall when his disciples were performing exorcisms. Exorcisms are thus lethal attacks on Satan and his dominion. The victory of God in heaven and its impact on earth is the realization of the eschatological kingdom of God. Third, our investigation of Luke 24:50–53 and Acts 1:9–11 demonstrates that the heaven reference here points to yet another stage of Luke’s narrative: the exaltation of Jesus. The cosmic Lord has challenged human opponents and the idols of the nations, thus confirming the universal lordship of God. The purpose of the challenge of human opponents is for the realization of the kingdom of God on earth. By critiquing idols, a call for turning away from idols to the cosmic Lord has been made. Finally, our examination of Acts 3:21 demonstrates that the reference to heaven here points to the unfulfilled nature of the kingdom of God. Heaven must keep Jesus for a certain period of time until the completion of the restoration of all the Jews and Gentiles who should obtain salvation. Then heaven will release Jesus for his final return, the Parousia.
Therefore, this study shows that heaven is not simply a static place where God is or the symbol of God’s power. Heaven is not a static place at all but is dynamic and points to the unfolding of cosmic warfare, the effects of which are to be felt on earth. Heaven points to the arrival of God’s eschatological kingdom on earth.
Acknowledgments
Many have contributed to this project. First of all, I would like to thank Dr David W. Pao, my mentor, who has been so generous to give me precious time and invaluable guidance. Especially when I was stuck, it was his excellent Lukan scholarship that brought me through. He has always been available and reachable. His quick responses are far beyond my expectations! His sharp and insightful comments/critiques are so very helpful. His creative and rigorous scholarship has provided me a role model to follow. His regular preaching at our church (CCFC-South Lake) is always insightful and powerful, not only nourishing me (and also my wife) but also setting a model for expository preaching. Dr Pao’s classes on the Lukan writings and seminar on Luke-Acts were fascinating and benefited me a lot. He and his wife, Dr Ho Pao, also showed loving-kindness to my family when we dealt with family illnesses.
I also give my thanks to Dr Grant R. Osborne. As a New Testament scholar, he attracted me to pursue doctoral study at Trinity. Many years ago, when I was in China, I read some of his books, especially the encyclopedic The Hermeneutical Spiral , which inspired me to pursue biblical studies. His Biblical Interpretation seminar at Singapore Bible College further convinced me to pursue biblical studies at Trinity. His classes at Trinity affirmed that my choice was correct. I also want to share a touching moment. It was Dr Osborne’s short address at the section dedicated to his 70 th birthday at the 2012 annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in Milwaukee, WI, that really touched my heart. He said emotionally, “As a teacher, I have such a privilege to impact the lives of my students through teaching!” Many people were moved to tears, me included. His dedication of nearly forty years of teaching at Trinity has impacted so many lives, mine included. Dr Osborne’s active involvement in teaching and training Chinese pastors and church leaders often encouraged my heart and fueled me to fi