Stephen Barkley
It is easy to forget that what we call the Bible (singular) is actually a library of many books and letters from many Spirit-inspired authors each with their own story and message. In The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke, Stronstad takes Luke’s book, the historical narrative we know as Luke and Acts, on its own merits.
When you take Luke at his word instead of subjugating him to Paul, certain themes in Luke-Acts become crystal clear. You begin to hear the echoes of the LXX in Luke’s text. You are able to see Jesus as the Spirit-filled prophet who transfers his Spirit to his community. You are able to see the the empowering vocational purpose of Spirit-Baptism.
Pentecostals often speak of Luke-Acts as a “canon within the canon.” I find that sort of language unhelpful in that it depreciates the rest of the biblical witness. I do, however, applaud any effort to allow the Biblical witness to speak in its full diversity.
Stronstad, Roger. The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke: Trajectories from the Old Testament to Luke-Acts. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: BakerAcademic, 1984, 2012.
Hello…
My name is Al Sosa. I am Pentecostal from the Assembly of God church. Pastoring with my wife a small congregation within a larger congregation of Spanish brethren.
I’ve been studying this topic of the Baptism of the Spirit for some time.
I’ve been a believer for 52 years and have been studying the Baptism of the Spirit now for a little while. When I noticed the current book.
I’ve been reading the book “The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke: Trajectories from the Old Testament to Luke-Acts”. Very interesting reading and quite thought provoking. But I did come up with some questions.
Can I ask questions on this platform to the author?
Thank you.
Be blessed.
Al Sosa
Thanks for your comment, Al. The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke is a landmark volume in Pentecostal scholarship. Unfortunately, you cannot contact the author through my website—I only posted a review of his work.
You may want to have a look at the revised edition of Stronstad’s Spirit, Scripture, and Theology for more of his perspective.