The Lukan covenant concept: The basis of Israel’s mandate in Luke-Acts

Abstract

Upon analysis of Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles conjoined theoretically in the reading event, the basis of Israel’s mandate became pellucid in Lukan terms. This kind of analysis required the viable assumption of conceptual unity behind the gospel and Acts, and the application of the appropriate methodological approach of structural criticism. Morpho-syntactical analysis yielded positive results that suggested text-based evidence concerning Israel’s calling. It was observed that the covenant concept presented in its operative aspect of service to God was the basis of Israel’s mandate. Luke and Acts appeared to agree that Israel was called to live in obedient righteousness following the call to Abraham to walk blamelessly. The covenant-based calling was affirmed by Isaianic allusions to Israel’s mandate to be a light to the nations in her righteousness. The mandate’s disruption had disabled Israel, requiring the resolution of God’s deliverance.