As we discussed on Tuesday the author of Luke put a lot of effort into constructing a narrative that promoted Christianity among the gentiles. Jesus is even rejected because he plans to preach to and bless the gentiles. The author of Luke illustrates this in a few stories, one of them being Luke 7: 1-10. Another is in Acts 10 1-48.
In both of these stories the men in need are centurion. I that this might be done because the position of centurion was a position that people in the greco-roman community were familiar with. It was also one that they could respect. They both have a reputation for being honest and good men. When the Jewish elders of the first centurion vouch for their masters worthiness, saying that they have built the Jewish people synagogues or that they are well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation I think it is a way for the author to underscore that these men don’t have to be Jewish to be righteous or to receive blessings. Luke-Acts tells us throughout that no matter who you are you just have to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul strength and mind. In 17: 11-19 he tells the story of the lepers. Here it is the Samaritan that is the better, more worthy man over the other nine Jews because he returned to Jesus to thank him. As we get further into Acts the apostles to more to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth.
These stories also work to break down barriers between the two factions. By blessing the centurion in Luke, witnessing the Holy Spirit in Acts and spreading the gospel to the Samaritans the author of Luke illustrates the worthiness of the gentiles and propagates the notion for a universal savior.
Author Archives: Christopher
Team 2: Piepgrass, Question 1
1a. The history of the Mediterranean world is tied to many kings claiming divine status. Often times kingship, creation and nationalism were tied together into an identity celebrated through ceremonies, festivals and anointing that tied the nation to God. (71). White claims that the tradition of divine kingship started after Alexander the Great went to Egypt after conquering Persia. There he was crowned as king and a god. After his death the tradition spread along with tales of his divine birth and death. Julius Caesar was also an early prototype for deification. The story goes that after his death his heir held a ceremony in honor of his apotheosis. During that ceremony a comet shone for seven days and was believed to be the soul of Caesar. Many deification ceremonies followed including Augustus, Hadrian (117-38 CE), Pius (138-60 CE). The gospels speak about Augustus. Peter says the people should honor him while John calls him a satanic beast. According to White this gives us insight into current events as the gospels of Luke and John are being written.
1b. After Demetrius conquered Athens the Athenians honored him by naming him king and giving him the title of Savior-God. They added his portrait to the sacred robe of Athena along with the other gods and savior-gods. At the spot where Demetrius left his chariot and took his first steps in Athens they built an altar called Descending Demetrius. This altar was honored almost as if Demetrius was descending to the Greece from heaven.
1c. According to the excerpt from Athenians Demetrius didn’t really agree with all the pandemonium that surrounded him. He thought that the title of king was reserved for Alexander’s bloodline. He reluctantly took the title. This says a lot about the way people of the time viewed their savior-kings. In this particular example we find evidence showing one of these individuals annoyed by his notoriety, denying his godliness despite popular opinion, and claiming that he is just a man.