Focusing on the historical context and literary artistry, this book explores how the Gospel of Luke assures readers of their understanding of Jesus. It delves into the author's theological perspectives, offering insights into the narrative structure and the significance of the gospel story within its time. By examining these elements, readers gain a deeper appreciation of Luke's message and its relevance.
Frank Dicken offers a new perspective on the three rulers who appear in Luke-Acts with the name „Herod,“ contending that in light of their similar narrative depictions they may be construed as a composite character, i. e., a single character in the narrative. Viewing the Lukan Herods alongside other composite characters in Jewish and early Christian literature, the author then compares and contrasts the portrayal of the Herods in Luke-Acts with what is known about the Herods historically. Thereby he highlights two unique features - the title „King of Judaea“ at Luke 1:5 and the name „Herod“ for Agrippa I in Acts 12 - that result in construing the Herods as a composite. A reading of Luke-Acts focusing on each passage in which composite „Herod“ appears demonstrates that understanding „Herod“ as a single character is possible. Finally, Frank Dicken examines the characterization of composite „Herod“ as an antagonist who embodies satanic opposition toward the spread of the gospel in the Lukan narrative.