Abstract
Abstract Luke’s gospel comes with two introductions: Luke 1: 1-4 and 3: 1 - 2a. This has led some scholars to believe that the work first circulated without the cycle of stories about the birth of Jesus and the Baptist (Luke 1: 5-2: 52). In the second introduction, the third evangelist lists the leaders, both secular and sacred, during whose period in office ‘the word of God came to John’ (Luke 3: 2). At the head of the list is the name of the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar, followed by the ‘governor’, i.e. the prefect, of Judaea, Pontius Pilate (v. 1). The mention of the emperor, to whose authority Paul will appeal in the second volume of Luke’s work (Acts 25: 11), reflects the author’s conviction that the narrative which he is about to relate of ‘the things which have been accomplished among us’ (Luke 1: 1) has worldwide significance. The story of Jesus and of the early church has not taken place ‘in a comer’ (Acts 26: 26). Christianity is being presented as an historical phenomenon.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
