Luke-Acts and Empire

Synopsis: In recent years, scholars have explored anew the interface between the early Christian movements and the Roman Empire. Once thought to be quietistic, the early Christian movements turn out to have been critical of the Empire and significantly counterimperial. This collection of essays in honor of Robert Brawley turns the spotlight on Luke-Acts. The soundings taken here disclose deeper anti-imperial rhetoric than previously thought. In brazen and subtle ways, Luke-Acts displays an alternative realm of peace and justice inaugurated by Jesus under the God of Israel. The essays in this volume will lead you to hear Luke-Acts in fresh ways. Endorsements: "This is an impressive collection of essays which focuses on key aspects of Luke-Acts in relation to the realities of the Roman Empire and Judaism in the first century. New avenues are opened up and constructive proposals for future research emerge through the diversity of approaches and the nuanced scholarship represented in this volume. It is a fitting tribute to the dedicated and careful scholarship characteristic of Robert Brawley." --Kathy Ehrensperger University of Wales, Trinity St. David, UK Editor Biography: David Rhoads is emeritus Professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He is author of Reading Mark: Engaging the Gospel (2004). David Esterline is the Director of the Institute for Cross-Cultural Theological Education at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He is the coeditor of The Handbook of Theological Education in World Christianity (2010). Jae Won Lee taught as Assistant Professor of New Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago for eight years.