Bibliography
| Title: Embedded letters in Acts and in Jewish and Hellenistic literature Type: Thesis Year: 1994 Abstract: "The purpose of this dissertation was to survey a number of Hellenistic and Jewish narratives to determine literary and theological functions of embedded letters and epistolary references. These functions were compared with those of the epistolary materials of Acts to determine whether the author of Acts employed such materials in a manner analogous to antecedent and contemporary writers. Chapter 2 examined Hellenistic narratives. Letters were seen to be significant components of these works. Common epistolary functions included diplomacy, intrigue, military and governmental administration, documentation, and letters of praise and blame. Hellenistic romances used letters to develop characters and to summarize plots. Chapter 3 surveyed canonical Jewish narratives. The decree was the most common epistolary function, followed by intrigue, diplomacy, and threat. Letters were linked with several familiar biblical characters, often in a negative light. Among the prophets, only Elijah and Jeremiah were associated with epistolary activity. Chapter 4 reviewed non-canonical Jewish narratives. Alongside typical epistolary functions of diplomacy and intrigue, an apologetic motif was seen. Letters were invoked to establish the rights and innocence of Jews against Gentile aggression and accusations. Chapter 5 examined the epistolary materials of Acts. The "Apostolic Decree" affirmed the validity of the Gentile mission. Paul 's letter of transfer from Roman custody in Jerusalem to Caesarea established his innocence from Roman legal charges. The six epistolary references reflected the letter 's importance for communication among scattered Jewish communities, Christian churches, and Roman officals. In Chapter 6, conclusions are drawn. In form, the epistolary materials of Acts resemble most closely those of Hellenistic narratives; in function, they are more closely analogous to those of Jewish narratives. They highlight the relative importance of the apostle Paul within the narrative, provide windows into the socio-political world of Luke-Acts, and make an apologetic statement for the young Christian church". Keywords: New Testament / Early Christianity |