Abstract
This article demonstrates the value of understanding the socio-historical background of a specific text in the task of interpretation and the search for meaning. This is done here by utilising the socio-historical method in the search for meaning and understanding of the concept of salvation in the narrative about the slave girl in Acts 16. Substantial integration of the understanding of words and concepts at the time of writing the text and the cultural and social background is relevant and leads to an in-depth understanding of the Biblical text and is therefore essential for thorough New Testament studies. Through the socio-historical method, the article explores the Graeco-Roman understanding of salvation as a necessary precursor to arrive at the meaning of salvation in Acts 16. Theos upsistos [Most High God] and the Lukan usage of πνeῦμα Πύθωνα [python spirit] are explored in the light of their Graeco-Roman allusion in relation to the girl who was a slave in the narrative of Acts 16. The article argues that Luke’s point in the narrative is to expose, engage, challenge and counter the long-held assumptions about what is the meaning of salvation and how to obtain it. The article contributes an exemplification of the use of the socio-historical method towards the broader and in-depth understanding and credible meaning-making of the Acts 16 text. The article challenges assumptions about the point of the text in the narrative of Acts 16 and opens up possibilities for further interpretation that could be found meaningful to modern-day interpreters of the text.
Highlights
Kauppi (2006:8) opines that in some contemporary New Testament scholarship it is not uncommon to find the practice where Graeco-Roman religion is either altogether ignored or misinterpreted in the task of interpretation, especially when dealing with texts that are situated within the Graeco-Roman context
It may be concluded here that the Θεος Ὑψίστος [Theos upsistos – Most High God] notion is of a non-Jewish origin
Despite bearing some similarity in reference to the Jewish God, this conclusion is reached considering the ambiguity of its use with respect to the slave girl in Acts 16
Summary
Kauppi (2006:8) opines that in some contemporary New Testament scholarship it is not uncommon to find the practice where Graeco-Roman religion is either altogether ignored or misinterpreted in the task of interpretation, especially when dealing with texts that are situated within the Graeco-Roman context. He sets out to remedy that. Kauppi (2006:8) opines that in some contemporary New Testament scholarship it is not uncommon to find the practice where Graeco-Roman religion is either altogether ignored or misinterpreted in the task of interpretation, especially when dealing with texts that are situated within the Graeco-Roman context.1 Kauppi focuses his investigation on places that make mention of, or with allusion to oracles and divination, the imperial cult, the Graeco-Roman sacrificial system, Athenian civic foundation mythology as seen in Aeschylus’ Eumenides, the Artemis cult, votive offerings, Διοπετής objects, snakes in Greek religion, Δίκη, personified abstractions and the Διόσκουροι It is extensive, Kauppi’s monograph fails to consider the important discussion on the origins of some important concepts like the Theos upsistos [Most High God] in Acts 16. This investigation aims to show the Graeco-Roman understanding of salvation and Luke’s point in the narrative of Acts 16
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