An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts

by V. George Shillington

The aim of this study is to introduce readers to the text, texture and context of Luke-Acts by using various approaches currently practiced by biblical scholars. Shillington outlines the methods of biblical interpretation and then shows how they might be applied to the texts in question. Through historical criticism Shillington looks at and explains questions of authorship, the time and setting of the composition, sources and historical background. Taking a social-science approach he examines the society and culture of the time. Literary readings include narrative, socio-rhetorical, and audience-response approaches, while theological reading asks how the literary texture and themes of Luke-Acts shape the convictions of Christian communities, past and present. Lastly, Shillington looks at postcolonial and feminist criticism and how they have changed our understanding of these books. In each case, analysis of key texts in Luke-Acts comes to the forefront. Each chapter concludes with a list of further relevant resources, and pertinent review questions. The text is accompanied by charts and diagrams to illustrate key points of language and structure.

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2007

Reviews

[Sanjuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the middle of a deep dive on Luke-Acts, and this is so far the least helpful of the many introductions I've read. Very few passages are discussed in detail, and very few key themes are explored. The book is not without its value, as it provides brief but helpful introductions to the historical, literary, and theological purposes of the two-part Lukan work. But, the book is quite short, and spends too much time on niche subjects. For example, Shillington has large sections on post-colonial and feminist readings. These are important in the grand scope of study but felt out of place in such a short book which ignored or glossed over so many essential topics and texts. Shillington's prose is also, in my view, a bit dry, which made for often unfocused reading. Not a bad book, but there are many better intros to Luke-Acts.

[Simon Kuang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative as promised, but dry and incredibly tedious.