A Theology of Luke and Acts, by Darrell L. Bock, is part of Zondervan’s Biblical Theology of the New Testament Series. The hardcover volume is divided into three sections. Part One gives readers an overview of the context and content of Luke and Acts, and the unity of these two biblical books. Part Two takes a closer look at some of the major theological themes in Luke-Acts including the role of the three Persons of the Trinity, salvation, Israel, the Gentiles, the Church and ecclesiology, social dimensions, the Law, eschatology, and the Scriptures. Part Three looks at the inclusion of Luke-Acts as part of the canon and its comparison to other New Testament books.I decided to focus my review on chapter 9, which looks at the integral role of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts. In the book of Luke, there are 16 references to the Spirit, more than either of the other Synoptic Gospels. The book of Acts contains almost four times as many references to the Spirit as does Luke, with a total of at least 57. Obviously, the Spirit's role is central in Luke's writings.
From the beginning of Luke's gospel, the Spirit is present. The infancy narrative contains references to the Spirit including John's being filled with the Spirit from birth and the coming of the Spirit upon Mary, resulting in the birth of Jesus. Bock cites Luke 3:16 as a key verse that is alluded to several times throughout Luke's writing, and he examines various views regarding this verse in great detail. The endorsement of the Spirit is given at the baptism of Jesus. Throughout Luke's writing, the Spirit is seen to provide encouragment, help in times of persecution, direction, revelation, wisdom and enablement, and is associated with power. At the end of the gospel of Luke and the beginning of the book of Acts, the disciples are told to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the gift of the Spirit, power from on high. The Spirit transforms and enables believers to complete the work to which God has called them, equipping them to be bold witnesses. The Spirit now dwells in all believers, not just a select few, but all who come to God through Christ Jesus. The gift of the Spirit is poured out among the community of believers at Pentecost, and later the Spirit comes on Gentiles as well. Believers receive forgiveness, cleansing, the Spirit and life. According to Bock, the Spirit's equipping signifies the salvation of an individual, as well as the coming of the new era ushered in by the Messiah. The conclusion of A Theology of Luke and Acts highlights what Bock considers to be the six most important theses about Luke's theology, one of which is "the Spirit as the sign of the new era." The important role of the Spirit in Luke-Acts is evident.
A Theology of Luke and Acts presents a thorough look at these two books, with Scripture references throughout and a Scripture index at the back. The book also contains bibliographies and footnotes referring to other sources used in Bock's study, which could also be consulted for those desiring to study more on each topic. After reading the chapter on the work of the Spirit in Luke-Acts, I myself have been encouraged to dig more into the subject.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan as part of the blog tour for A Theology of Luke and Acts.
